Professional Documents
Culture Documents
special
course focus
Engineering and architecture
Get involved
in innovation
2 course focus
Engineering paths
less trodden
YOU cannot be wrong if you stay
on the mainstream, says Prof Ir Dr
Ramesh Singh, head of Department
of Mechanical Engineering in
University Malaya, who advises
undergraduates to go for the
traditional or mainstream courses
mechanical, electrical and
electronic, civil, and chemical
engineering.
Furthermore, he believes that
passion is the most important
element required to succeed in this
field.
Once you have the passion for
engineering, the sky is the limit,
he adds.
Malaysia is evolving into a
developed country where there is a
need to build more structures and
buildings. Due to this, there is an
increased demand for engineers in
the job market.
However, Ir Ashari Mohd Yakub,
executive director of the Board
of Engineers Malaysia (BEM),
encourages engineers to be wellrounded individuals to cater to the
increase of job opportunities for
engineers.
Listed below are a few unusual
engineering courses that you can
consider:
l Environmental engineering
If you are concerned with
protecting the environment from
harmful human activities,
environmental engineering is the
right choice for you.
Becoming an environmental
engineer allows you to be equipped
with an understanding of civil and
chemical engineering. You will also
have the ability to design suitable
methods to protect and manage
natural resources.
The course teaches you modern
engineering practices so that, upon
graduating, you will have the
potential to contribute to various
fields such as water treatment and
waste management planning for
domestic and industrial activities.
Malaysia is in the midst of
becoming a highly industrialised
country. Therefore, there is a high
demand for environmental
engineers to fill various job
positions such as environmental
enforcement officer, public health
engineer and environmental
entrepreneur.
If you wish to pursue
environmental engineering, Curtin
University Sarawak and Universiti
Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) offer
this course.
l Biomedical engineering
Having evolved into a vibrant
field in Malaysia, biomedical
engineering is often associated
with clinical engineering or
the maintenance of medical
equipment.
If you have a strong interest
in engineering and medicine,
biomedical engineering should
be given consideration.
Working closely with healthcare
professionals, engineers in this
field use advanced technologies
Architecture helpers
NOWADAYS, we rely so heavily
on our mobile devices that we
download all necessary
applications into them for our
personal convenience.
Here are a few applications
that may be helpful to
architecture students:
Pinterest
Developed as a popular site to
discover various ideas, Pinterest
allows you to get your thoughts in
order and share them with other
people.
I use Pinterest because I can
find a variety of pictures, which is
helpful when I am looking for
inspiration while working on my
designs. Besides, this application
provides information from all
around the world, including
presentation board layouts and
unique materials or construction
methods, says Tan Chiew Nee,
22, a first-year bachelor of science
in architecture student at Taylors
University.
Compass
l Mechatronics
Nowadays, most daily
appliances are products of
mechatronics, which is a
combination of mechanical
moving parts and electronics.
To pursue this course, it is
necessary for you to show strong
interest in the fundamentals of
integrating mechanical, electrical,
electronics, computer science and
control theory. You will also be
exposed to designing automated
machines.
This course is available for
interested undergraduates at
Monash University Malaysia, Asia
Pacific University, UCSI University,
MAHSA University, Tunku Abdul
Rahman University College and
The University of Nottingham
Malaysia Campus.
People with this qualification
will be able to find jobs in almost
all engineering-related industries,
including manufacturing, medical,
dB Sound Meter/Sound
Detector
It is impossible to measure
the loudness of a sound with
our human ears.
Autodesk AutoCAD
Stunning designs and
documentation work can be
produced with the use of
productivity tools in this
software.
In addition, this user-friendly
application can be accessed via
desktop (Windows and Mac) and
mobile device to enable its users
to get their work done.
Autodesk AutoCAD is the most
fundamental tool to produce 2D
drawings for every architect,
says Muhammad Hamidullah
Musa, 23, who graduated from
International Islamic University
Malaysia with a bachelor of
science in architectural
studies and has secured a
position as an assistant
architect in an architectural
firm in Kuala Lumpur.
Back to basics
However, Ng Zer Hann,
23, a final-year bachelor of
architectural studies student at
the University of Auckland, is
not keen on downloading any
application onto his mobile phone
due to their limitations compared
to using applications on a
desktop.
I prefer to use the applications
on the computer as it has a better
processor for rendering images
and to load big files. Phones just
cant do that, he says.
Despite being tech-savvy,
there are times when architects
are required to go back to
the traditional method of
pen and paper to get their
work done efficiently.
l Aerospace engineering
The primary field of engineering
that focuses on the development of
aircraft and spacecraft, aerospace
engineering is separated into two
distinct branches: aeronautics
engineering and astronautics
engineering.
Formerly known as aeronautical
engineering, aerospace engineering
is closely linked with
aerodynamics, aerospace material
and aircraft stability.
Astronautics engineering is the
study and application of orbit
mechanics, space environment and
rocket propulsion. This field is
frequently, though incorrectly,
referred to as rocket science.
Effective this year, University
of Southampton is offering a
twinning programme for this
course. Students are advised to
study the first two years in
Malaysia before studying in its
same course.
It is important for you to pursue
engineering courses that are
accredited by BEM. The list of
accredited engineering
programmes can be found at
www.bem.org.my
course focus 3
The quest
for knowledge
TO quantify the quality of human life in a
country, the United Nations Development
Program calculates the human development
index (HDI) annually.
The HDI is a composite index measuring
average achievement in three basic
dimensions of human development a long
and healthy life, knowledge and a decent
standard of living.
With an HDI of 0.769, Malaysia is placed
64th and among countries of high human
development, according to the UN report
for 2013.
The topper in this list is Norway, which is
a country of very high human development
with an HDI of 0.955.
Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) is
committed to contributing to Malaysias
aspiration to be among countries of very
high human development through the
creation and dissemination of knowledge,
which is one of the key components of HDI.
Securing intellectual properties is equal to
creating them. Since its inception in 2002,
UMP has undergone phenomenal growth in
knowledge security for the country.
Data from the Malaysian Intellectual
Property Office verifies this claim; UMP is
among the top 10 patent filers in Malaysia
and one of only four technological
universities in the country.
UMP academicians and leadership carry
out science, technology and engineering
research with a purpose to create an
impact in their areas of research through
meaningful presentations and publications.
The impact of research is measured by
how a research publication has contributed
to the works of other researchers and how
frequently the research paper has been
cited.
Popular research databases, such
as Scopus and ISI Web of Knowledge,
have reported that the number of
published research papers from UMP
and the frequency of their citations are
continuously increasing.
Every year, more publications, citations
and patents are produced than in the
previous year. These databases reported
that UMP has more citations per paper
compared to other technological universities
in the country.
In several key areas such as nanofibre
fabrication by electrospinning and dyesensitised solar cells, UMPs research
publications emerged as the most cited
among all universities in Malaysia.
UMP academics are involved in a diverse
range of research and development activities
covering the areas of science, technology and
engineering.
They are equally active in presenting their
work at conferences, publishing impactful
journal papers and securing their intellectual
properties.
A 2014 Unesco report titled Higher
Education in Asia: Expanding Out, Expanding
Up placed UMP top on the list of top 15 Asian
universities with high publication growth
rate in engineering. It also ranked UMP 13th
in the list of top 15 Asian universities with
high growth rate in multidisciplinary fields.
This is a very encouraging sign for UMPs
research and publication prospects.
UMP management strives hard to
maintain a vibrant campus life and is
committed to pushing for a paradigm shift in
higher education methodology from being
teacher-centred to student-centred.
World-class facilities set up at the campus
are aimed at developing knowledge and
skills in students as well as enabling them to
develop futuristic technologies.
UMP has appointed world-class
researchers from abroad and connects with
world-class institutes in its continued search
for excellence. By Prof Datuk Dr Daing
Nasir Ibrahim, UMP vice-chancellor
Prof Datuk
Dr Daing Nasir
Ibrahim, UMP
vice-chancellor.
Environmental
science
6.7%
Other
25.3%
Multidisciplinary
7.2%
Computer
science
22.3%
Mathematics
7.8%
Articles
57.2%
Others
0.8%
Energy
8.1%
Chemistry
9.5%
Conference
paper
42%
Engineering
46.4%
Physics and
astronomy
9.5%
Chemical
engineering
10.5%
Materials
science
13.4%
Left: Major
areas of
research at
UMP.
(Source:
Scopus)
Right:
Academic
activities of
UMP at a
glance.
4 course focus
Explore
both
worlds
Engineering
Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur
(IUKL), through its Faculty of Engineering
and Technology Infrastructure, offers a
range of engineering programmes in various
fields under two major categories
engineering and technology.
Engineering studies comprise civil
engineering, mechanical engineering,
electrical and electronic engineering.
Technology studies consist of automotive,
construction management, water and
wastewater technology.
Architecture
If you wish to pursue architectural studies,
you should aim to gain not only the skills
and knowledge required to be a professional
architect but also a qualification recognised
Speak to us
IUKL is committed to provide the best and
most affordable education to its students.
IUKL fees are reasonable and its tuition
fee waiver scheme offers up to 60% off the
tuition fee to top achievers.
In addition, various study loans, including
PTPTN, Mara and Yayasan Negeri, are also
available to students who qualify.
The September/October intake is in
progress.
course focus 5
High-level
engineering
PURSUING an advanced-level
education can improve ones
position in life, be it in career or
personal development.
The College of Graduate
Studies at Universiti Tenaga
Nasional (Uniten) offers
opportunities for one to get
advanced engineering
education in the core fields of
electrical, mechanical and civil
engineering.
Unitens graduates have been
proven to be creative, resilient
and skilled at problem-solving
and delivering results.
This is made possible by
having a committed group of
senior engineering faculty
members and through the
universitys ongoing quest for
excellence in engineering.
The graduate school is also
industry-focused and receives
strong support from Tenaga
Nasional Berhad, the
universitys parent company.
To support various industries
worldwide, the graduate
schools research focus scales
the full range of engineering
disciplines, including power
systems, renewable energy, civil
structures, electronics, control
mechanisms, nano materials
and engineering management.
Unitens engineering faculty,
which is one of the treasured
assets of the university,
provides excellent academic
Programmes
Entry requirements
PhD in Engineering
PhD in Industrial
Science
Master of Electrical
Engineering
Master of Mechanical
Engineering
Master of Civil
Engineering
Master of Electronics
and Systems
Engineering
Master of
Communication
System Engineering
Master in Engineering
Management
To encourage creativity in research, the university organises events such as Uniten Research Exposition, which showcases
the innovative ideas of postgraduate students.
6 course focus
Pursue passion
SHAUN Kwan Ka Junn (pic), a student
of the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance
Engineering at Nilai University (Nilai U),
has been training in squash with his two
brothers since he was five. Not only did
Kwan represent Malaysia in squash, his
talents qualified him to receive the ExtraCurricular Excellence Award from Nilai U,
which covered 100% of his tuition and
accommodation fees.
My passion is in aviation and the award
gave me the opportunity to pursue a course
that I was deeply interested in, says Kwan.
Having founded the squash club at Nilai U,
he says, I want more people to take up this
sport. I conduct training sessions and
represent Nilai U in squash and look forward
to the World University Games.
He believes that the past years of
rigorous training has helped him become
more focused in his studies and disciplined
with his time management.
He points out that having highly
experienced lecturers from military and
aviation backgrounds help the students
cope with the demanding syllabus, which
prepares them for the all-important
European Aviation Safety Agency B1
examinations.
Flexibility in
the industry
IF you are looking for an engineering degree
that gives you great flexibility within the
industry, a major in robotics and
mechatronics (R&M) may just be the
qualification you need.
R&M is the convergence of three
disciplines robotics, and mechanical and
electronics engineering.
Robotics involves the design and operation
of these devices and their integration with
other systems in the workplace.
Mechatronics is the integration of three
traditional engineering disciplines
mechanical, electronics and software.
Mechatronic engineers design and build
systems for a range of industries. Examples
of mechatronic systems include aircraft,
automobiles and automated plants and
robots.
R&M graduates can use their
multidisciplinary skills to meet the growing
demand of an industry that is pushing the
limits of technology by exploiting the
growing convergence of these fields.
A good example of this convergence is
the car industry. While manufactured on a
purely mechanical platform in the past,
vehicles are now fitted with electronic
displays, computer-aided systems and
GPS, says Dr Almon Chai, robotics and
mechatronics course coordinator at
Swinburne University of Technology
Sarawak Campus in Kuching.
R&M graduates can pursue careers in
many industries such as robotics, airlines,
course focus 7
Communicate to avoid
conflict
Coming from different
households and cultural
backgrounds, all students have
certain quirks and habits that are
bound to annoy when they begin
to live with people who are not
their family members.
Noisy night owls soon become a
nuisance to those who like to go to
bed early, while the neat freaks
end up in constant arguments
with messy individuals over the
appropriate standard of
cleanliness.
To make sure you are off to
a good start with your new
housemates and maintain a good
relationship with them down the
road, it is crucial to communicate
your pet peeves before there is a
chance for strife to take form in
Practise generosity
Do your part
Keeping the house clean is not
the job of one person. Everyone
living in it plays a part in keeping
the place clean by doing chores
that have been assigned to them or
8 course focus
Excellent
learning
experience
The University of
Nottingham
Malaysia Campus
provides excellent
teaching, learning
and research
facilities, including
a mixing laboratory
for engineering
students.
A global touch
As an increasing number
of Nottingham students are
participating in the universitys
inter-campus exchange
programmes, the Malaysian
campus plays a special role
within Nottinghams global
vision.
The University
of Nottingham
encourages
and supports
students to
ensure they
have a wellrounded study
experience.
The university offers an
exciting range of summer school
programmes, all of which have
an international element.
Some of these programmes
are language classes and courses
with a special focus on Asian
travel, business or culture.
UNMC was established in
September 2000 and became the
first British university to set up a
campus both outside of the UK
and in Malaysia, earning The
University of Nottingham the
Queens Award for Enterprise
2001 and the Queens Award for
Industry (International Trade)
2006.
In September 2005, UNMC
moved to its own site in
Semenyih, 30km south of
Kuala Lumpur.
This year, UNMC celebrates
its 15th anniversary and has
produced close to 5,000
graduates since 2002.
Quality programmes
The campus offers students
a range of study opportunities,
from foundation level courses
to doctoral degrees.
A variety of undergraduate
and postgraduate programmes
are offered by the Faculty
ofArts, Faculty of Social
Sciences,Faculty of Engineering
andFaculty of Science.
UNMC boasts a community
of more than 5,000 students
from more than 70 countries.
These students work with and
receive a world-class higher
education experience from
leading academics and experts
in their field.
UNMC provides excellent
teaching, learning and research
facilities for its students.
At the campus, they can enjoy
using the universitys wellequipped library, dedicated
study areas as well as computer,
language, science and
engineering laboratories.
course focus 9
Dr Chong Meng Nan, senior lecturer at Monash University Malaysias School of Engineering,
specialises in the study of effective rainwater harvesting use and other alternative water systems.
Harvesting
rainwater for
conservation
HAVING experienced a prolonged water
rationing exercise last year, water
conservation, rainwater collection and
greywater recycling have become keen
interests of many Malaysians.
At Monash University Malaysias School
of Engineering, senior lecturer Dr Chong
Meng Nan is researching the effective use of
rainwater harvesting and other alternative
water systems in urban areas for residential,
commercial and industrial developments.
A rainwater harvesting system collects
roof water for non-potable purposes,
including toilet flushing, washing machine,
irrigation and other general cleaning uses.
With proper treatment, rainwater can also
be extended for potable purposes.
Dr Chong, whose research interest is in
green technology, says his role is to look at
whether the system is safe, economical and
feasible to be sustained over a certain period
of time.
We also look at the amount of water that
can be saved and how to implement such a
system in different climatic conditions,
which is a challenge of our research, he
says.
Dr Chong, who was a research engineer
and project leader at the Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation (Csiro) in Australia, says his
motivation to carry out research on
rainwater harvesting system comes from his
exposure to urban water research at the
institute.
He says that even though Australia has
implemented rainwater collection for years,
a similar system would not be suitable for
Malaysia, where rainfall is more intense
and the amount much greater.
The average rainfall in Adelaide is
700mm per year and 1,300mm in Brisbane.
If we use the same system in Malaysia,
where the average rainfall is 3,000mm per
10 course focus
l Chemical engineering
Chemical engineers use a combination of
technology and engineering and should be
well versed in materials, reactor designs and
mass and heat transfer operations.
Building for
greater good
l Mechanical engineering
This field involves the design and
manufacture of parts and systems that make
up a range of machinery and equipment.
These engineers have the skills to design
suitable moving devices and discern the best
way they can be manufactured.
l Quantity surveying
Quantity surveyors are responsible for
estimating the cost of a project, starting from
the issuance of the project brief to the
design, planning, construction, completion,
occupation and maintenance of the facilities.
l Automotive engineering
Automotive engineers work on the
development of vehicles, from research and
development to production stages.
l Environmental engineering
Environmental engineers are involved in
pollution control, waste disposal and public
health issues. Many environmental
engineers work as consultants to help clients
comply with regulations and conduct
research on the environmental impact of
proposed construction projects.
SEGi University School of Engineering
provides a student-centred environment,
where students interact with dedicated
teaching staff from Malaysia and partner
universities worldwide.
Students gain a different learning experience from being on-site and serving the locals.
course focus 11
The new engineering programmes at University of Southampton provide a solid foundation for the design and operation
of air vehicles and spacecraft.
Explore aeronautics
and astronautics
BEGINNING next month, the
University of Southampton Malaysia
Campus will expand its range of
programmes in Malaysia by offering
an undergraduate degree in
aeronautics and astronautics MEng
Aeronautics & Astronautics.
The programme allows students to
study in two campuses two years
at the Malaysia Campus and two
years at the Southampton Campus.
Students of the Malaysia Campus
benefit from the same teaching
modules as those taught in the
Southampton Campus at an
overall cost of 40% less than the
cost it requires to study in the
United Kingdom.
Supported by the universitys
unrivalled reputation and successful
history for education, research and
enterprise, this degree programme is
designed to help pave the career of
aspiring engineers in Malaysia and
around the world.
Aeronautics and astronautics
courses at the University of
Southampton are highly regarded
in the industry for their blend of
analytical, computational and
experimental work.
The courses are ranked among the
top five in the UK by the Guardian
University Guide 2016 and are taught
by world-leading academics who are
at the forefront of their fields.
Course structure
The first two years of the
programme provide a solid and
focused foundation for the design
and operation of air vehicles and
spacecraft.
Students complete core modules
before specialising in their chosen
area in their third and fourth years.
Students have the opportunity
to choose their specialisation
from several areas of study
aerodynamics, air vehicle systems
design, computational engineering
design, materials and structures,
engineering management and
spacecraft engineering.
As the university is among the top
1% in the world, students benefit
from its world-class facilities and
partnerships with those in the
industry, including the Rolls-Royce
University Technology Centre and
Airbus Noise Technology Centre.
World-class education
University of Southampton
programmes offer a dynamic mix
of lectures, practical laboratory
sessions in world-class facilities,
industry site visits and projects.
The lecture programmes include
guest speakers from the industry
and institutions around the world.
In addition to lectures, students
have tutorials and laboratory
classes in their first and second
years, which are held in small
groups.
They also receive individual
supervision of their projects in
their third and fourth years.
Group work
Practical experience is essential in
todays employment market. Hence,
the group projects provide the
perfect opportunity for students to
enhance their practical and
communication skills.
Undergraduates complete an
individual research or design project
in their third year as well as a group
aircraft or spacecraft design
exercise.
In the past, students have
designed an A320-type replacement
airliner, microlight aircraft and
moon orbiter.
Fourth year group design projects
are often linked to current research
activities or topics that have
practical relevance to the industry.
This includes interesting subjects
such as unmanned air vehicles,
spacecraft instrumentation, electric
propulsion devices and racing car
components.
Field trips
Career opportunities
The University of Southamptons
aeronautics and astronautics degree
programmes open up a wide range
of exciting career opportunities.
Graduate jobs include aerospace
engineer, pilot, information
technology and management
consultant, race car designer,
software and systems engineer as
well as roles in academia such as in
research and postgraduate study.
Among University of
Southamptons many successful
aeronautics and astronautics
graduates is Adrian Newey, who
has worked as a Formula 1 designer
for Williams and McLaren, and is
now the chief technical officer of
Red Bull F1 racing team.
Top motor racing teams will
eventually look to the university to
produce the best aerodynamics
talents for the future.
The first step towards a career in
engineering can start at University
of Southampton Malaysia Campus.
The university is hosting its Open
Day on Aug 22.
12 course focus
Top-notch education
Heriot-Watt University
Malaysias campus in Putrajaya.