Charting from Victoria Harbour to the oil fields in the North Sea

Alumni Interview Series

We had the privilege of speaking with Adam Cheng and his wife, Melany Wan, who are both from the Class of 2008 and currently reside in Norway. Their stories are featured in two separate articles.

Here, we focus on Adam Cheng who is currently a Principal Geoscientist at Equinor ASA, a leading state-owned Norwegian multinational energy company, formerly known as Statoil ASA.

Adam's journey into Earth Sciences took an unconventional path. Unlike many of our alumni who pursued science in secondary school, Adam was an art student. His fascination with the Earth and its geological wonders drove him to pursue an BSc in HKU Earth Sciences. He began his career as a geophysicist at EGS Survey, a geophysical survey company in Hong Kong. In 2011, Adam furthered his education by completing an MSc (Petroleum Geoscience) at Royal Holloway, University of London. In 2013, he took another significant step in his journey by joining Equinor ASA in Norway as a petroleum geologist.

Why did you decide to study Earth Sciences at HKU despite being an art student in secondary school?

I was driven by my growing interest in physical geography. While attending secondary school, I had the opportunity to participate in various field trips that were organised by the local geoscience community. These field trips proved to be an eye-opening experience as I was exposed to the wonders of geology and had the chance to interact with academics from the HKU Department of Earth Sciences. It was the combination of my fascination with physical geography, the field trips and the inspiring interactions with academics from HKU that led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences.

Adam Cheng and Melany Wan

Did you face any challenges when studying in Earth Sciences?

Like many students transitioning into a new field of study, I faced certain challenges when I began studying Earth Sciences. One major challenge was that, as an art student in secondary school, my foundational physical science knowledge was not as solid as some of my peers. Hence, I put in extra effort in Year 1 to catch up and bridge the gap in my geoscientific understanding.

What motivated you to join EGS, an offshore geophysical survey company after graduation?

The opportunity of traveling and working across the globe greatly attracted me to EGS. The job offered me opportunities to visit places I would not have otherwise had the chance to explore. It was an remarkable experience that allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Please tell us more about your life on board during your time with EGS?

During near-shore projects, which typically lasted a few weeks, the majority of daytime activities were conducted on a boat. The primary focus of these projects was the collection and quality checks of marine geophysical data. Valuable insights into the inner workings of the equipment were obtained during the mobilisation and demobilisation stages at the beginning and end of each survey.

For offshore projects, which could span up to four months, the team predominantly stayed onboard. There were occasional opportunities to briefly disembark during port calls for resupply. Throughout the survey, a 12-hour shift schedule was implemented, with individuals responsible for interpreting geophysics data in real-time. Daily meetings with onboard client representatives played a crucial role in planning the most efficient survey routes and resolving any challenges that emerged.

What led you to pursue an MSc in the UK, and how did that help you pivot your career path?

Working at EGS sparked my interest in geophysics and the offshore industry, inspiring me to pursue an MSc (Petroleum Geoscience) in the UK. This decision was a logical step to advance my geological journey. The program provided me with new opportunities to specialise in structural geology and tectonics interpretations, expanding my knowledge and skills in these areas.

How did your MSc thesis project, funded by a Norwegian petroleum company, lead to your move to Norway and subsequent work there?

My MSc project was on the proprietary data from the Norwegian petroleum company I later worked in. Specifically, I focused on salt tectonics in the North Sea. Following the thesis completion, the company offered me a job, which I saw as a natural progression in my career in the industry. This opportunity led to my relocation to Norway and my subsequent employment with Equinor.

What is your current role? Do you like your job?

Initially, I analysed data and evaluated prospects for licensing rounds. I transitioned into research, focusing on structural geology and tectonics modelling. Currently, I am responsible for developing and maintaining in-house tectonic model tools, which involves a combination of software engineering and numerical tectonic modelling. I find this work fulfilling because it allows me to contribute to the advancement of our understanding of Earth's processes and apply that knowledge to practical applications in the energy industry.

Do you recommend our graduates to work in the oil industry?

The petroleum industry is undergoing transformation in response to the climate change. There is a growing focus on investing in various low-carbon solutions, such as wind farms and Carbon Capture and Storage. The geoscience background and experience gained in the petroleum industry will continue to play an important role in the energy transition for years to come. Therefore, I would recommend that our graduates to consider exploring opportunities in this evolving industry.

Could you tell us more about the differences in work culture between Europe and Hong Kong and how these differences have influenced your career?

There are notable differences in working hours and project management between Europe and Hong Kong. When I started in Norway, I was encouraged to return home at 5 pm, highlighting a greater emphasis on work-life balance. The Working Environment Act in Norway enshrines various rights for employees, and the presence of unions ensures that employees receive their fair share of rewards. These differences have had a positive influence on my career, allowing me to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize my well-being.

What career development advice you would give to our current students?

My advice would be to embrace international travel and working experience. Working abroad exposes you to different cultures, perspectives, and working environments, which can greatly enrich your personal and professional growth. It broadens your horizons and allows you to develop a global perspective, which is invaluable in the modern interconnected world. Thus, I encourage current HKU Earth Sciences students to venture out, explore the world, and seize opportunities that come their way.

If you come across any interesting alumni stories, please send us an email at hku.easc.aa@gmail.com .

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Edited bv Samuel Ng, Kit Lai and Gavin Chan

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