Amid the wave of technological innovation in energy and power, an alumnus of Shantou University’s College of Engineering has emerged as an industry leader through over two decades of dedication and persistence. He is Zheng Dawei, a 1997 graduate in Electronic Information Engineering, who now serves as Vice President of Power Quality R&D for Asia Pacific at Eaton Electrical Group.
Campus Days at Shantou University: Planting the Seeds of R&D and Building a Solid Career Foundation
Zheng Dawei’s dream in energy and power began in the classrooms and laboratories of Shantou University’s College of Engineering. During his time on campus, he was deeply influenced by the rigorous and practical academic approach of the faculty. Instead of focusing solely on theoretical instruction, the professors often taught using real-world cases from the power electronics industry, guiding students to connect professional knowledge with industrial needs. In particular, Professor Zhuang Zhemin’s course on Microcomputer Principles and Interface Technology, with its deep integration of theory and experiment, sparked Zheng Dawei’s strong interest in technological R&D and instilled in him the habit of grounding himself in theory while engaging in practice.
In his spare time, Zheng Dawei was a frequent visitor to the lab. He and his classmates worked together on research projects and refined their practical solutions. Through overcoming technical challenges time and again, they not only forged deep friendships but also developed professional qualities such as focused dedication and teamwork. “Those pure days of study laid a solid foundation for my future career in R&D,” Zheng recalls. The College of Engineering’s spirit of “pragmatism, innovation, and global vision,” along with the philosophy of “serving the nation through technology,” planted seeds in his heart that became the backdrop to his professional development.
Career Journey: Deepening Expertise in the Energy Sector and Forging a Leadership Position
After graduation, Zheng Dawei resolutely entered the power electronics and energy management industry, starting as a grassroots R&D engineer. For over 20 years, he has remained committed to the field of energy and power R&D, seizing opportunities presented by the global energy transition and the development of smart grids to deepen his expertise in the core areas of power quality and energy storage technologies.
His path from grassroots engineer to R&D executive was not without challenges. He faced difficulties such as rapid technological iterations and obstacles in implementing R&D projects. However, he persisted in honing his technical skills and accumulating experience. With his solid professional capabilities and strong problem-solving abilities, he led his team to break through one core technical bottleneck after another, spearheading the launch of multiple globally leading products, including UPS systems, energy storage conversion products, and solid-state transformers, which are widely used in data centers, renewable energy power plants, industrial power supplies, and other critical scenarios.
Today, as Vice President of Power Quality R&D for Asia Pacific at Eaton Electrical Group, Zheng Dawei is responsible for R&D management and technology strategy in the areas of power supply and energy management. He is not only an expert for the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Committee and a board member of the China Power Supply Society, but also holds over 50 Chinese invention patents and 20 U.S. invention patents. He has been recognized as a Shenzhen overseas high-caliber talent, serves as a member of the China Electrotechnical Society committee, holds the title of Senior Professional Technology Manager, and is an adjunct professor at Chang’an University, contributing his expertise to the advancement of industry technology and talent development.
Industry Insights: Seizing Opportunities from the Energy Transition and Cultivating Versatile Talent
In Zheng Dawei’s view, with the acceleration of the global energy transition and the deep integration of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and the energy and power industry, new opportunities are emerging in areas such as power quality, energy storage conversion, and intelligent power supply. “In particular, scenarios like AI data centers, photovoltaic energy storage, and microgrids impose higher demands on the stability and efficiency of power supply,” he says.
Regarding the future direction of the industry, Zheng believes that efficiency, intelligence, and green development are the core trends, with technologies such as flexible AC/DC transmission and distribution, solid-state transformers, and integrated photovoltaic-storage systems becoming key to industry breakthroughs. The industry’s demand for talent is also shifting toward versatile professionals who combine solid theoretical knowledge with practical skills. “Practitioners must keep pace with technological advancements and continuously learn and innovate to seize new opportunities presented by the energy industry transformation,” he states.
Life Wisdom: Focus, Persistence, and the Value of Accumulation
Reflecting on his 20-plus-year career, Zheng Dawei observes, “There are no shortcuts in technological R&D. Only by staying focused and persistent can you achieve lasting success.” When facing setbacks and challenges at work, he maintains a balanced mindset, treating each difficulty as an opportunity for technical growth. Amid his busy R&D management duties, he also prioritizes a healthy work-life balance, maintains a habit of lifelong learning, and continuously enhances his professional skills and overall competence.
“Realizing your self-worth does not come from sudden breakthroughs, but from day-to-day accumulation,” says Zheng. He advises focusing on deep cultivation within one’s own role, creating industry value through technological innovation, and thereby building a fulfilling professional life.
Ties to Alma Mater: Caring for Shantou University and Offering Advice to Current Students
Years after leaving campus, Zheng Dawei remains deeply connected to Shantou University’s College of Engineering. He is grateful for the meticulous education he received and the invaluable guidance of his teachers, believing that the college’s rigorous academic atmosphere and practice-oriented educational philosophy shaped his down-to-earth, detail-focused work ethic. “The college’s emphasis on foundational skills, engineering thinking, and practice-driven training aligns closely with the industry’s expectations for engineering talent,” he remarks sincerely.
To current students, Zheng Dawei offers this heartfelt advice: “Treasure your precious time on campus. Thoroughly learn your theoretical knowledge, actively enter the labs, participate in research practice, and transform theoretical learning into hands-on ability. Maintain curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in your field, cultivate independent learning, reflection, and teamwork skills, and don’t be afraid to try and make mistakes. In terms of career planning, identify your professional direction, go deep into a niche area, and accumulate experience step by step. When facing the future workplace, set clear development goals while maintaining a calm mindset to meet challenges with solid professional competence.”
Eaton, a global leader in electrical and industrial management, fosters an internal culture of innovation that supports engineers with a leading R&D environment. In the process of driving new product lines from 0 to 1, Zheng has accumulated extensive experience in technology commercialization—assessing market feasibility, building cross-functional R&D teams, and promoting innovation implementation within a large corporation. These experiences are highly valuable for engineering students aspiring to start their own ventures. Moreover, Eaton Electrical Group has long offered R&D internships and campus recruitment opportunities to Shantou University students, focusing on areas such as power electronics, energy management, and electrical R&D, building a bridge between academia and industry and helping alumni achieve high-quality employment.
From a student on the Shantou University campus to a leader in energy and power R&D, Zheng Dawei has embodied the spirit of Shantou University Engineering through more than two decades of dedication and deep cultivation. His story continues to inspire current engineering students to remain grounded and strive for excellence in their professional fields, using technological innovation to write their own remarkable life stories.
