Meet the Champion: Lu OuYang from Yarra Valley Water

Yarra Valley Water’s operational technology specialist Lu OuYang is one of the new cohort of Champions to be inducted to the IWN. Lu is relatively new to the water industry and is hoping to use IWN as a knowledge library to further his skills and meet industry peers.

Read his profile below to gain a little insight into the organisation’s newest member!

Can you give us a bit of your personal background?

I’m a father of two boys, aged three and five, which keeps me busy most of the time as the only time they switch off is when they’re asleep.

My hobbies include anything technology related (gadgets, smart *whatever*, cybersecurity), watching movies and going to the gym.

And what is your professional background?

I’ve spent my last nine years working for a leading industrial automation vendor, leading a team and providing application, technical and forensic investigations on hardware, software and industrial datacentre solutions/issues/defects.

I’ve specialised in working with Enterprise Historians, Manufacturing Operation Management (MOM) systems, and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for mining and food & beverage organisations.

What inspired you to want to become a champion?

Being new to the water industry, only over the last 18 months, I saw being an IWN Champion as a gateway to greater exposure to the water industry and its community of likeminded subject matter experts.

What IWN program interests you the most?

I’m very interested in the non-competitive, collaborative approach of the water authorities in terms of data/solution sharing. Its flagship program in the Enterprise Historian and “PI in the Sky” is something I’d like to champion for.

What are you hoping to get out of your new role?

I’m hoping to meet my peers in the industry, gain greater collaboration and leadership skills as well as understanding the water industry further.

And if anything, what do you want to give back to IWN?

I hope my enthusiasm and experience in manufacturing industries with technologies and solutions can be leveraged to drive better outcomes for future IWN projects and programs.