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Australia Selects Two Emerging Leaders for the 2025 IEC Young Professionals Programme
Statements
Standards Australia has selected Sepideh Koohestani and Al Hanoof Al Maamari to represent the country in the 2025 IEC Young Professionals Programme. They will join peers from around the world in a year-long programme designed to deepen their expertise in international standards development.
Sepideh Koohestani, an Accreditation Specialist at the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), brings extensive experience from her work on IEC committees and national standards projects. “I’m eager to further this impact through international engagement, collaboration, and participation in the IEC decision-making process,” she said.
Sepideh looks forward to connecting with fellow emerging professionals, exchanging insights, and strengthening her leadership skills. She aims to bring back valuable perspectives to support Australia’s standards development, particularly in electrotechnology sectors. “I hope to share knowledge, support younger professionals, and help bridge international and local efforts to ensure Australia remains aligned with global best practices.”
Al Hanoof Al Maamari, a Strategic Leader and Chemical Engineer, has led brownfield and greenfield projects across energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Her practical application of standards in areas such as gas pipelines, hydrogen blending, and technology has shaped her understanding of how standards evolve. She is also an alumna of Standards Australia’s NEXTgen program.
Looking ahead to the IEC YP cohort, Al Hanoof is excited to join a global network where diverse countries and industries collaborate to shape standards that keep pace with innovation. “This is an opportunity to bring practical insights from delivering complex projects into standards discussions, offering perspectives grounded in real-world implementation,” she said.
She also hopes to support Australian industries in confidently adopting emerging technologies, strengthening their competitiveness in the global market.
Both representatives will attend the IEC 2025 General Meeting and Annual Workshop in New Delhi, India, from 15-19 September 2025.
Applications for the 2026 programme will open in Q2 2026. More information will be available here.
Standards Australia has selected Sepideh Koohestani and Al Hanoof Al Maamari to represent the country in the 2025 IEC Young Professionals Programme. They will join peers from around the world in a year-long programme designed to deepen their expertise in international standards development.
Sepideh Koohestani, an Accreditation Specialist at the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), brings extensive experience from her work on IEC committees and national standards projects. “I’m eager to further this impact through international engagement, collaboration, and participation in the IEC decision-making process,” she said.
Sepideh looks forward to connecting with fellow emerging professionals, exchanging insights, and strengthening her leadership skills. She aims to bring back valuable perspectives to support Australia’s standards development, particularly in electrotechnology sectors. “I hope to share knowledge, support younger professionals, and help bridge international and local efforts to ensure Australia remains aligned with global best practices.”
Al Hanoof Al Maamari, a Strategic Leader and Chemical Engineer, has led brownfield and greenfield projects across energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Her practical application of standards in areas such as gas pipelines, hydrogen blending, and technology has shaped her understanding of how standards evolve. She is also an alumna of Standards Australia’s NEXTgen program.
Looking ahead to the IEC YP cohort, Al Hanoof is excited to join a global network where diverse countries and industries collaborate to shape standards that keep pace with innovation. “This is an opportunity to bring practical insights from delivering complex projects into standards discussions, offering perspectives grounded in real-world implementation,” she said.
She also hopes to support Australian industries in confidently adopting emerging technologies, strengthening their competitiveness in the global market.
Both representatives will attend the IEC 2025 General Meeting and Annual Workshop in New Delhi, India, from 15-19 September 2025.
Applications for the 2026 programme will open in Q2 2026. More information will be available here.
