Course Focus - 24 March 2015

StarSpecialTHE STAR Tuesday 24 March 2015

COURSE FOCUS:ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE

Constructing your future

Providing career guidance > 3 Future with aircrafts > 10

2 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 24 March 2015

Becoming an architect

MELVIN Kannys typical day at work starts with answering e-mails. He then attends meetings and checks on every aspect of ongoing projects. He also visits sites to check on these projects first hand, where he meets the contractor and team of consultants.

Many people still think that

challenge and a good architect is able to anticipate and prepare for every possible situation.

Architects must also know how to learn and improve from mistakes this is especially important in a field that is constantly evolving with the times.

A sketch of success

With a population of nearly 30 million and only about 2,000 registered architects in Malaysia, the market demand for architecture graduates is high, says Prof Dr Zulkifli Hanafi, dean of Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment at Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur.

While a professional certification might be the ultimate aim for many architecture students, Prof Zulkifli assures us that the future of an architecture graduate need not be limited.

As long as it relates to building and applies skills they have acquired during their studies, architecture students can pursue what they wish to, he says.

This includes positions in publishing, tourism, materials supply and education, among others.

Prof Chia concurs, saying several UCSI architecture graduates have gone on to become museum curators, creative writers, graphic designers and event organisers.

Architecture courses are designed to impart knowledge not only in planning and designing; they also help build problem-solving abilities, instil an understanding of technical issues and provide the platform to explore various areas to gain exposure.

Architecture students can prepare themselves for a long yet fulfilling journey that will not be short on enriching experiences.

Architects typically have

a significant role to play on project

sites as well.

Levelling the engineering playing fieldIN 1835, Charles Babbage began developing a steam-powered machine to perform various programmable operations that would come to be known as the first modern digital computer.

His acquaintance Ada Lovelace, then already a young wife and mother, worked on translating an Italian researchers paper on this analytical engine. Her final product included a wealth of additional notes stemming from an undisputed ability to articulate the potential of the machine better than Babbage himself.

Hailed as the worlds first computer programmer for her work on this project, Lovelaces foresight included that future developments of these machines would enable music generation.

Today, women everywhere are increasingly involved in all engineering sub sectors. In Malaysia, the merit-focused national education policy has opened up opportunities for women across various fields.

Data from the Social Statistics Bulletins from 1981 and 1999 show a six-fold increase in the number of female university students between those years and a 25% increase in the percentage of female engineering graduates. These statistics also show a steady growth in interest among women in the fields of civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.

Final semester chemical engineering student Shahirah Loqman testifies to this based on industry exposure during her internship.

We see many women visit offshore platforms that were fully inhabited by men before, she says.

Shahirah also feels that employers and colleagues will be supportive when she joins the workforce, as long as she displays competency within the job scope.

Software engineering graduate Rozanne Shamini echoes this sentiment, saying workplace assessment has been based on her skills and work ethic so far. However, she also notices a mismatch in the

numbers of female engineering students and those who go on to become qualified engineers.

There are more opportunities available these days but until a woman can receive the education, both in self-development as well as in skills that she requires, and be given continuous support from a community that no longer views engineering as a masculine field, it will not be easy for women to break into engineering, she adds.

Perhaps a paradigm shift of sorts may further drive the involvement of women in engineering. It must be made clear that womens involvement in engineering goes beyond providing opportunities in the quest for equality.

There is a compelling moral argument for equality, but there is also a powerful economic one, says Prof Christine Ennew, chief executive officer and provost of the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.

If we want our society to benefit from the finest talent, the most able individuals and the best and most creative ideas, then we must reach out to the entire population. The under-representation of women in any area of activity and especially in areas such as engineering and science means a loss of talent and impoverishes all of us.

Already, major industry players in fields such as oil and gas are actively seeking and hiring female engineers because they realise the benefits they can get from tapping into this previously unused pool of talent.

Lovelace died of cancer at 36 years old, causing many to woe over her thwarted potential decades later. With the level of exposure and education today, however, many more women are as capable in making important, tangible impacts in the development of society and the world at large.

The involvement of women in engineering must therefore not only be encouraged, but welcomed and celebrated after all, there is no telling what engineers of the future can achieve.

I want to be an architect, but

l I cant draw.There are many famous

architects that are not great artists, Ar Melvin Kanny shares. What is essential is an interest in and understanding of the arts, history, culture and philosophy.

Visualisation skills are also important as architecture calls for thinking in three dimensions.

l Mathematics isnt my strong suit.

Architecture studies apply basic mathematics and not advanced level mathematics such as in engineering studies. Entering university with a basic mathematical capability, desire to sharpen your skills and willingness to practise and improve will help mould you into architect material.

l I want to be environmentally responsible in my practice.

A common misconception is that you need to be trained or qualified to be a green architect, says Kanny.

Architects are naturally green in the way we approach any design project it is already embedded in us from the college years.

Involvement of young Malaysian women in engineering has improved over the decades.

By THERESA BELLE architects get paid for drawing doodles and this could not be further from the truth, says Kanny.

Yes, it does start with a sketch, but that is about 10% of what we do.

Kanny is a professional architect with his own firm, and an architect at this level is thoroughly involved in several aspects of a project.

He presents and markets designs to clients, develops the drawings for submission to local authorities and ensures they meet the requirements for approval.

He then coordinates with engineers and consultants to prepare drawings for the construction, chairs and records client-consultant meetings, and meets with the contractor to ensure all work meets the clients specifications, requirements and budget.

Made of the right stuff

The path to becoming a professional, certified architect is not a short or easy one. Years of dedicated study and industry experience are required to weave through all three levels of examinations before you are certified by the Board of Architects Malaysia.

A promising architect is able to identify lifestyle trends and socio-economic change, and shows compassion for local people and contexts, says Asst Prof Ar Chia Lin Lin, head of programme for architecture technology at UCSI University.

He is able to communicate and construct, and is exposed to developments in science and technology.

Besides gaining industry knowledge, a budding architect must be open to learning from experience.

Each project presents a unique

StarSpecial, Tuesday 24 March 2015 COURSE FOCUS 3

Providing career guidanceLATEST statistics from late last year show that unemployment rates in the country have declined from 4.5% not too long ago down to 3%.

Needs and demands of the job market are consistently shifting to meet current socio-economic trends. At the moment, the employment market promises many interesting and exciting careers for all, including fresh graduates.

As an established university with a sense of responsibility to its graduates, the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) aims to aid students, through its Career Advisory Service (CAS), in charting the right career pathway before they graduate.

This service provides resources and guidance to students set to join the workforce. It also offers various opportunities for them to sharpen their employability skills and plan for a successful career.

We dont just focus on employability, says head of CAS Alicia Chng.

In fact, I often advise students to first find something they really like so that they remain passionate about their jobs. Exploring this takes time and effort, which is why we provide career planning and researching services.

On top of the technical knowledge provided by the curriculum, events and workshops organised by CAS help students develop their soft skills to prepare them for the workforce. One-on-one consultation services are also available for students seeking advice on their career options.

Some of the common issues that students approach CAS officers with are resum writing and choosing a job from the various offers that UNMC graduates receive.

According to Chng, student initiative goes a long way. She recalls a first-class computer science graduate who was also active in campus events.

The young Indian national

was keen to work in Malaysia and came to the CAS centre for consultation. She eventually received two offers to work here and is now a web developer at an MSC-status company.

Aside from her excellent achievements in university, she was a humble girl with good attitude, says Chng.

A good attitude, along with the initiative to start planning early, is very important in the working life. At UNMC, we not only provide a world-class education; we produce candidates with a global mindset and well-developed soft skills that employers look for.

The University of Nottingham encourages and supports students to ensure they have a well-rounded study experience, which includes participating in work placements.

The Nottingham Advantage Award enables students to take extracurricular modules alongside their academic studies. This programme helps build skills and experience in areas such as public relations, finance and career planning through activities with the universitys Careers and Employability Service, Widening Participation team and the Students Union.

CAS conducts a wide range of programmes throughout the year working with leading employers, including career talks with professionals.

Various workshops are planned in preparation for career fairs, such as resum writing with Unilever representatives, interview preparation with PWC experts and resum critiquing with human resource officers of KPMG.

Other activities organised are sector-focused career days with industry experts, international career series to nurture global employees, and field trips to top companies in the country.

n For more information, call 03-8924 8000 or visit www.nottingham.edu.my

Alicia Chng, head of Career Advisory Service (CAS) at University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC), advices students to not only focus on employability.

4 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 24 March 2015

Breadth of prospectsENGINEERING encompasses a wide range of fields, offering bright prospects and various

opportunities for ones future career.

There are many branches of engineering such as the ones listed below:

Chemical engineering

Chemical engineering concerns the development of industries that manufacture chemicals and operate refineries and chemical plants.

People working in this field need to know about materials and their strengths, reactor designs as well as mass and heat transfer operations.

The field requires a mastery of mathematics because the field is constantly evolving.

Chemical engineers can work in research and development or on plant designs for oil and gas companies.

Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering involves the design and manufacture of parts and systems that make up a range of machinery and equipment.

The job requires people with the skills and knowledge to understand the requirements for designing a suitable moving device or machine as well as understand the best way to have it manufactured.

Electronic and electrical engineering

Electronic and electrical

engineers are involved in the design and manufacture of electrical devices.

Electronic and electrical engineers can be found in various industries, with the main areas being in electronics, IT, manufacturing, transport, and construction and building services.

Automotive engineering

As its name suggests,

automotive engineers work on the development of vehicles.

Automotive engineers activities largely involve either the design of new products or revision of existing ones, research and development, and the production of vehicles.

With the advent of hybrid cars, zero-emission vehicles and increasingly tighter safety and traffic regulations, the demands faced by the modern automotive industry are ever increasing.

Quantity surveying

Quantity surveyors work in the construction industry and require a combination of technical, economic and managerial skills to execute every stage of the construction and development process.

He or she is the person responsible for figuring out how much a construction project is going to cost.

The job starts from the moment the project brief is issued to the designing and planning stages, finishing with the construction, completion, occupation and maintenance of the facilities.

An engineering edge

SEGi University offers engineering degrees in these fields of study. The SEGi School of Engineering has a student-centred environment where students can interact with dedicated teaching staff from Malaysia and its partner universities worldwide.

SEGi University also has one of the most well-equipped and modern engineering laboratories in the Klang Valley.

Students have access to technically advanced laboratories at SEGi University Kota Damansara, SEGi College Subang Jaya and SEGi College Penang, providing them with the essential tools in developing their

engineering skills.The programmes are delivered

using applied methodologies and well-equipped laboratories for each field of engineering.

n For more information, call 03-6145 1777, 1800 887 344, 03-8600 1888 (Subang Jaya campus) or 04-263 3888 (Penang campus) or e-mail to [email protected] or visit www.segi.edu.my

Engineering programmes at SEGi University are delivered using applied methodologies and well-equipped laboratories.

StarSpecial, Tuesday 24 March 2015 COURSE FOCUS 5

Launching your careerIN September, the University of Southampton Malaysia campus will expand its range of programmes by offering an undergraduate degree in aeronautics and astronautics. It offers the students a unique Southampton experience where they can pursue one degree in two countries two years at the Malaysian campus and two years at the Southampton UK campus.

Students at the Malaysian campus benefit from the same teaching modules as those taught in the first two years in Southampton, but at an overall cost of 40% less than if the modules were completed in the UK.

Supported by Southamptons unrivalled reputation and long successful history for education, research and enterprise, this degree programme is designed to help pave the career paths of aspiring engineers in Malaysia and around the world.

Aeronautics and astronautics programmes at Southampton are highly regarded in the industry for their blend of analytical, computational and experimental work.

The courses are ranked second in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2015 and taught by world-leading academics who are working at the forefront of their fields. This means that students can be involved in cutting-edge research as it unfolds.

Course structure

Students will follow a core set of modules before specialising in their chosen area.

The first two years of the MEng programme provides a solid foundation in understanding the design and operation of air vehicles and spacecraft.

In the third and fourth years, students will have the opportunity to specialise by selecting a theme from aerodynamics, air vehicle systems design, computational engineering design, materials and structures, engineering management and spacecraft engineering.

As the university is in the top one per cent in the world, students benefit from its world-class facilities and partnerships with the industry, including its Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre and Airbus

Noise Technology Centre. The University of

Southampton offers a dynamic mix of lectures, practical laboratory sessions in world-class facilities, industry site visits and project work.

The lecture programmes include guest speakers from the industry and other institutions from around the world.

In addition to lectures, the students will have tutorials and laboratory classes with teaching staff, which are held in small groups. Individual supervision of their projects will be available to students in their third and fourth years.

Group work

Practical experience is essential in todays employment market. The universitys group projects provide the perfect opportunity for students to enhance their practical skills and teamwork.

All undergraduates complete an individual research or design project as well as a group aircraft or spacecraft design exercise in their third year. In the past, students have designed an A320-type replacement airliner, a microlight aircraft and a moon orbiter.

The fourth years group design projects are often linked to current research activities or topics that have practical relevance to the industry such as unmanned air vehicles, spacecraft instrumentation, electric propulsion devices and racing car components.

Field trips

In the UK, the students will participate in a one-week practical course in flight-testing at Southampton Airport, where experiments are performed on board a Jetstream flying laboratory aircraft.

The university has connections with key players across the aerospace and automotive industries and organises a number of visits to industry partners and research establishments. In the past, students have visited Agusta Westland, Airbus UK, Rolls-Royce and Qinetiq.

Career opportunities

The University of Southamptons aeronautics and astronautics degree programme opens up a

wide range of exciting career opportunities.

Jobs held by its graduates include aerospace engineer, pilot, IT and management consultant, race car designer, and software and systems engineer as well as roles in research and postgraduate study.

Among Southamptons many

successful aeronautics and astronautics graduates is Adrian Newey, who has worked as F1 designer for Williams and McLaren and is now the chief technical officer of Red Bull F1 racing team.

Top motor racing teams look to Southampton for the best new aerodynamics talent for the future.

The University of Southampton Malaysia campus is holding its Open Day on March 28.

n For more information, call 07-560 2560 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.southampton.edu.my

Engineers at the University of Southampton have designed and

flown the worlds first printed aircraft named Southampton

University Laser Sintered Aircraft (SULSA), which could

revolutionise the economics of aircraft design.

Second year aeronautics and astronautics students test unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) as part of their group project.

6 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 24 March 2015

IUKL provides quality and affordable education to ensure its engineering and architecture students have the skills they need to succeed.

ENGINEERING and architecture are different disciplines with parallel functions. If you are considering a future career in either one of these fields, then it is important to understand the difference between them to determine which programme best suits your passion.

Engineering an innovative world

In the era of rapid technological transformation, engineers are in high demand in Malaysia.

Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL), through its Faculty of Engineering and Technology Infrastructure (FETI), offers a full range of engineering programmes at foundation, diploma, bachelors, masters and PhD levels.

Programmes offered at FETI are divided into two major categories engineering and technology. Students can choose their field of study, which includes civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical and electronics engineering.

Students in technology programmes can choose to further their studies in automotive, construction management, water and wastewater technology.

Civil engineering Civil engineering students will be equipped with a solid grounding in the design, construction and management of civil engineering works and the technical knowledge, communication skills and ability to operate as a civil engineer.

Mechanical engineering IUKLs mechanical engineering programme provides students with essential knowledge of mechanical engineering such as design studies, system analysis, thermodynamics, principles of fluid mechanics, engineering materials and manufacturing technology. Graduates of this programme will be capable of working in manufacturing or production sectors, power generation, oil and gas sectors transportation (train, naval, aircraft) and the building construction industry.

Electrical and electronics engineering With the increased production and demand for communication equipment, computers and military electronics, there is a need for personnel in the field of electrical and electronics engineering. It involves working on the production and distribution of power such as lighting, heating and ventilation for buildings as well as medical technology, e-commerce, renewable energy, communications and the transportation system.

Automotive engineering This

is a specialised branch of mechanical engineering that covers automotive engines, transmission, suspension, braking systems, electrical and electronics, comfort and safety, and automotive workshop technology and management.

Construction management This programme covers the science and art of procuring and directing human and physical resources for the successful realisation of a construction project. This ensures that the enterprise meets the desires of the client, requirements of the budget and specified quality.

Water and wastewater technology This programme is unique to IUKL and provides students with the knowledge and foundation in the field of water and wastewater infrastructure by promoting a sound understanding of the field. The programme is a combination of civil engineering and wastewater engineering to meet the ever growing demands for human capital in water treatment sectors.

Architecture building a better future

In pursuing architectural studies, one should aim to graduate with not only the knowledge and skills required to be a professional architect, but also with a qualification recognised by the Board of Architects Malaysia, a legal professional body that grants recognition to architectural programmes and registers professional architects.

IUKLs Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies is fully recognised by the Board of Architects Malaysia and equivalent to the Part I Examination for the Professional Architect qualification.

IUKLs architecture programme is recognised for its hands-on approach. Students are exposed to the real working environment that includes exploration of materials and investigation of site and context.

Financial assistance

IUKL is committed to provide quality and affordable education to students. IUKL offers the tuition fee waiver scheme that offers up to 60% off the tuition fee for top achievers. In addition, various study loans, including PTPTN, Mara and Yayasan Negeri, are also available for students who meet certain requirements.

n For more information, call 1800 88 STUDY (78839) or visit www.IUKL.edu.my

Making the right choice

StarSpecial, Tuesday 24 March 2015 COURSE FOCUS 7

Firm foundation for excellenceBURSARY Pelajar Cemerlang SPM is a scholarship bursary offered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of Malaysia to school-leavers who have obtained 9A+ and above in their SPM examination. The scholarship covers their pre-university studies in either public or selected private institutions.

The Sunway Colleges A-Levels programme is one of the listed pre-university programmes that recipients of the scholarship favour and usually shine as top scorers.

In the November 2014 Cambridge A-Levels examinations, Sunway College achieved a 100% pass rate with 64% of its students obtaining straight As. The ones who achieved straight A*s include 69 of the bursarys recipients.

The students achievements were celebrated at Sunway Colleges A-Levels tea party, which saw the largest turnout in record with about 200 high achievers in attendance.

Cultivating passion

Among those present were scholars Ang Chun Hou, Ramanand Gunasekgerin and Joanna Lum Hui Huey, who achieved straight A*s in their respective subjects.

Hailing from Johor, Ang, who took biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics in his A-Levels examination, has been offered a place at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh to pursue studies in plant science.

While waiting to begin his four-year programme in Edinburgh, Ang currently works as an intern assistant in Sunway Colleges laboratory under the supervision of Dr K. Sagathevan, head of Science and Engineering Resources.

I am grateful for the ongoing assistance from Sunway College in developing my passion in botanical science. Throughout the A-Levels programme, my lecturers were supportive as they allowed me to talk about my passion in class, said Ang.

Now, upon graduating and through this internship, I am allowed to start plant collections at Sunway, in particular experimenting on growing the giant water lily to its flowering stage.

Angs parents, who were present at the ceremony, revealed that he started to love and explore plants at the age of four. They were happy that the environment at Sunway was conducive to developing his interest and personality.

Pathway to success

Lum, who is also from Johor and took the same subjects as Ang, has received offers from University of Glasgow and University of Bristol for veterinary medicine.

The A-Levels qualification is a ticket to many countries and top universities. Although the programme is incredibly challenging, experienced lecturers at Sunway College have been helpful in creating a positive and competitive learning environment for us to grow, said Lum.

They have constantly emphasised that our learning is not merely for our academic results, but for life skills and passion.

Nurturing scholars

Ramanand, who took physics, mathematics, economics and accounting in the examination, chose Sunway thanks to its reputation of nurturing students with good A-Levels results. He has tentatively accepted the offer of pursuing accounting and finance at the University of Manchester.

Sunway College has a strong reputation of producing good A-Levels results and many of the scholarship recipients continue to excel through this pre-university programme.

Upon completion of their pre-university studies with certain requirements, these scholars are eligible for Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) Scholarship, a full scholarship to pursue their undergraduate degree at local or overseas universities.

n For more information about Sunway Colleges A-Levels programme, call 03-7491 8622 or visit sunway.edu.my/college/a-level

Bursary Pelajar Cemerlang SPM scholars who are also A-Levels high achievers in the November 2014 Cambridge A-Levels examinations at Sunway College.

I am grateful for the ongoing assistance from Sunway College in developing my passion in botanical science. Throughout the A-Levels programme, my lecturers were supportive as they allowed me to talk about my passion in class. Ang Chun Hou

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8 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 24 March 2015

Producing quality graduates

PURSUING an engineering degree at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) is a smart choice for budding engineers.

Renowned for its focus on engineering and technology studies, UTPs engineering programmes are among the best in Malaysia and also widely recognised among global industries.

For those pursuing studies in electrical and electronic engineering, the university offers a first-rate undergraduate programme that provides an excellent platform that nurtures creativity and talent for this dynamic and rapidly evolving engineering discipline.

Graduates enter the job market armed with strong technical knowledge and application know-how. They are also equipped with good interpersonal skills and develop a love for lifelong learning and self-improvement.

With these attributes and skills, they are much sought-after by industries in the global arena, including oil and gas industries, semiconductor manufacturing, computers and communications sectors, instrumentation and power generation, automotive applications and urban transportation.

UTPs Bachelor in Electrical and Electronic Engineering undergraduates are given a strong foundation in physics, mathematics and chemistry. This is followed by basic courses in circuit analysis, analogue and digital electronics, microprocessors as well as signal and system analysis.

They will then proceed to higher level studies in data and computer networks, digital signal processing, VLSI design, control systems, communications systems and power electronics.

In the final year, students will have the opportunity to major in one of these selected areas computer and communications,

Honoured withworld-class ratingUNIVERSITI Teknologi Petronas (UTP) has emerged as the first private university in the country to receive a four-star rating from the world universities rating agency Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

The universitys vice-chancellor Datuk Ir Dr Abdul Rahim Hashim says UTP has improved in its overall performance from last year, moving up from three stars to four. The rating is recognised internationally and demonstrates the universitys excellence in research and teaching.

The overall results include achieving top five-star ratings in five fields out of eight, which are high employability of its graduates, international feel of the community and campus, high standard of facilities, innovation, and students accessibility to the university.

The QS Stars rating system is widely recognised across the world and this award will help develop the universitys growing international reputation, says Dr Rahim.

With this recognition, the university can benchmark itself with the best international universities while also placing it in good stead when compared with other international institutions. This has raised our international brand awareness and we can now proudly add this notable achievement to our credentials.

The QS Stars rating system is used by more than 130 universities in 30 countries. The rating system is an in-depth analysis of a participating universitys system and the quality is graded from one to five stars.

It gives an overall institutional rating as well as ratings in eight key fields. These fields are teaching, graduates employability, research, internationalisation, facilities, innovation, inclusiveness and specialist subjects.

Incidentally, UTP has also earned a place in the QS World

University Top 200 Ranking by Subject for chemical engineering and is the only private university in Malaysia to break into the QS Asian University Top 200 Ranking.

These significant and outstanding accomplishments in the universitys relatively short 17-year history since its establishment in 1997 are something that is not often seen in the arena of tertiary education.

Therefore, it speaks volumes for the institutions standards of excellence.

instrumentation and control, electronics and devices, and power systems engineering.

A good degree programme must be supported with the best resources and facilities.

At UTP, undergraduates have access to state-of-the-art laboratories throughout the programme, providing them with essential hands-on experience in analysing, designing and developing electrical and electronics systems.

UTP has numerous laboratories and workshops that accommodate work for analogue electronics, digital signal processing, data communication and networking, microprocessor work, power electronic, power system and electrical machines, control systems, PCB fabrication, pilot plants for process control and ISO-certified process instrumentation.

To enhance learning and the application of knowledge, final year students must undertake a two-semester individual research final year project (FYP) where they will each propose, design and develop an open-ended technical solution to a complex engineering problem.

In addition, students are also required to undertake two-semester Integrated Systems Design Project (ISDP), which will emphasise teamwork and project planning.

These projects are carried out under the guidance of a faculty member who is also active in research in the area of interest. Often, undergraduates also take the opportunity to work on projects that have a direct impact on real-time industry application.

UTP has strong and secured

links and tie-ups with industry players both locally and overseas. With these strong ties, graduates are poised for entry into multinational companies and institutions to develop and oversee electrical and electronic systems in a wide range of technological sectors.

The career potential in the electrical and electronic engineering fields is wide and varied. These are some examples of careers you can pursue control engineer, network engineer, instrumentation engineer, computer systems engineer, project engineer, telecommunications engineer, test and quality assurance engineer, systems design engineer, electrical and electronics engineer, biomedical engineer, robotics engineer, design engineer, and research and development engineer.

UTP is also proud that more than 90% of its students enter the workforce within six months after graduation. One such example is Mazli Arsham Abdullah, who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2001.

As part of the pioneer batch of UTP students, Mazli and his fellow undergraduates set the benchmark for future students.

He says, We were actually involved in brainstorming sessions to generate ideas and suggestions for improving the universitys programmes. It was an honour and an invaluable opportunity.

As for the programmes, UTP is unique in the sense that it has an advisory board comprising industry personnel. To produce graduates who are ready for the market, you must connect the engineering programmes with the industry.

The input from the advisory board provides the university an understanding of industry requirements to ensure that it tailors its programmes and modules to meet those needs. That

UTP vice-chancellor Datuk Ir Dr Abdul Rahim Hashim (left) receiving the QS World Class Rating certification from Mandy Mok, chief executive officer of QS Asia Quacquarelli Symonds, Singapore.

Universiti Teknologi Petronas has state-of-the-art facilities.

is why UTP graduates are highly employable and secure good positions, he says.

Mazli joined a multinational oil and gas company soon after his graduation. He is thankful to UTP and feels that it is his

responsibility to serve his alma mater in areas where he can contribute for the benefit of UTP in achieving its vision and mission.

n For more information, visit www.utp.edu.my

The career potential in the electrical and electronic engineering fields is wide and varied.

StarSpecial, Tuesday 24 March 2015 COURSE FOCUS 9

Navigating the social maze

KBU International College (KBU) is committed to its mission of providing the best to its students. As such, the college makes sure that its teaching force is of top quality and recognised internationally.

This is evident with School of Engineering and Computing deputy head Dr Christine Lee Siew Ken recently representing the college as the chief guest in the International Conference on Recent Innovations in Engineering and Technology (REIT) 2015.

The conference was organised by the Travancore Engineering College (TEC) on Feb 26 and 27 in Kerala, India.

The conference serves as an important platform and a channel for the community of researchers and professionals to connect with one another and share knowledge. Other than equipping themselves with the knowledge, it also paves the way to launch recent innovations in the field of engineering and technology, said Dr Lee.

Travancore Engineering College is an ISO-certified college that was established in 2002 by Travancore Education Society, Kallambalam, Kerala.

It focuses on all-round development of students, which has made the college a trendsetter in the field of technical education in Kerala. The college also maintains high standards in education.

Dr Lee presented a keynote address entitled Innovate to prepare for Internet of Everything (IoE) during the conference.

In her address, Dr Lee emphasised the importance of innovation as the key player for economic growth and well-being.

I strongly believe that conferences are beneficial in spearheading novel ideas for a better future. We are planning on sending KBU students and staff to more conferences such as this as it will benefit both parties, she said.

KBU is also interested in conducting joint research projects with TEC, said Dr Lee.

KBUs School of Engineering and Computing is a strong advocate of fun learning activities and state-of-the-art equipment. Rather than focusing on theories and textbook learning, the school engages its students with more hands-on trainings and activities to prepare them for the competitive job market.

Other than that, the school engages with leading industry players to train and keep the students informed with the current trends and innovations. KBUs Innovation Day serves as a platform where students can rub shoulders with industry leaders to be employed instantly.

The school is also known as the first private college in South-East Asia to purchase sophisticated electronic design automation (EDA) software, Mentor Graphics, for teaching chipset design.

KBU is the first and only private college to have an exclusive collaboration with IBM Malaysia on mainframe computing technology.

You can find out more about KBUs engineering and computing programmes by visiting KBUs Open Day on March 28 and 29 from 10am to 6pm. Early birds can grab up to 30% tuition fee waiver (terms and conditions apply).

n For more information, visit www.kbu.edu.my

Recognised teaching force

TERTIARY education is important in the development of the young persons self and making friends can help you grow.

Here are a few tips on how to meet new people and deal with the social vagaries of university life:

Join up

There will be clubs for everything you can think of. Join as many as possible but stick to the activities that really interest you. Bonding over shared interests is the best way to make new friends.

Even if you do not intend to join a club, just walking around will allow you to see what is going on at the university, observe the people there and gauge the underlying feel and spirit of the place.

Keep your door open

This lets people know that you are ready and willing to socialise

and it could even turn your room into a social hub.

Keep it open when you are playing games or watching a film and people walking by may stop for a chat.

This would be a great time to invite them in to play or watch with you and get into a discussion about your favourite ways to unwind.

Ask questions

Talking to people youve just met may be difficult, but asking questions will take the conversation further than you think. Do not restrict yourself to the usual What course are you in? or Where are you from?

Ask them where they have travelled to, what they like and dislike about living away from home, who their favourite lecturer is or even about their pets.

The more you find out about

each other, the more likely you will find something in common.

Make an effort

Socialising can be hard work, especially if you are an introvert by nature. But friends do not just fall into your lap you have to go out there and make them.

A lot of it will be trial and error, and you may have to weather a few embarrassing moments along the way, but in the end your efforts will be worth it because the friendships you make in university will last a lifetime.

University is a great place to form friendships that last a lifetime.

Dr Christine Lee Siew Ken (in blue dress) represented KBU International College at the International Conference on Recent Innovations in Engineering and Technology (REIT) 2015 as the chief guest.

10 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 24 March 2015

Students of the Aviation Institute gain the opportunity to work on Air New Zealand aircrafts during their course.

Nilai U provides practical learning experience through activities such as an automotive engineering workshop.

THE Aviation Institute is the training arm of New Zealand's national airline, Air New Zealand. While the majority of its training activities focus on equipping New Zealanders and Air New Zealand crew members with the skills to work in the aviation industry, positions are made available for international students and airline employees to attend its training programmes.

The Aviation Institute's EASA Part 147 Approved B1.1 & B2 Basic Training Courses are for students who wish to become Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAME).

The Aviation Institutes programme delivers a combination of theoretical and practical modules over a period of 82 weeks, including time spent in a Part 145-approved maintenance organisation.

The Aviation Institutes programme collaborates with Air New Zealands engineering and maintenance department, which gives students the opportunity to handle Air New Zealands modern aircraft fleet.

At the end of this period, having satisfied the examination and assessment requirements of the EASA course, candidates are able to continue their

training with a third party sponsor or employer in an approved maintenance organisation to gain experience towards attaining a licence in the appropriate category.

With this foundation, students are better prepared for the remainder of the programme when they undertake the EASA theory and practical training course modules and related examinations that follow.

International applicants must be high school graduates, aged 18 years and above and demonstrate competency in the English language with an IELTS score of Band 5.5 or equivalent.

Applicants would ideally have studied mathematics, physics and English in Year 12. Students attending this programme must also have successfully completed an Air New Zealand placement test.

The placement test is available online and is conducted by IGHE Consultancy in Kuala Lumpur.

Air New Zealand Aviation Institute's representative in Malaysia is IGHE Consultancy.

n For more information, call 03-2116 9663 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.ighe.com.my

Future with aircrafts

Hands-on learningYOU can learn the relevant mechanic skills as an apprentice but there really is no substitute for higher education, says Ravichandra Kunugali Rangappa, programme co-ordinator for the Diploma in Automotive Engineering at Nilai University (Nilai U).

To stress on the benefits of enrolling in an institution of higher education, Ravichandra points out the career limitations present for unqualified mechanics.

Many will be stuck at the same level unless they are exceptionally good and have the necessary finances to open their own garages, he explains.

However, those with paper qualifications will be starting at a different point altogether and have greater opportunities for promotions.

A student enrolled in Nilai Us Diploma in Automotive Engineering programme will be trained to become engineers, not mere mechanics.

Large organisations will demand formal qualifications and the pathway towards promotions is defined by this. A diploma is a good starting point and it will also allow students to garner credit exemptions when enrolling in engineering degree programmes, says Ravichandra.

Diploma graduates will be able to enter the second year of the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons) programme at Nilai U.

At Nilai U, students will have various opportunities to learn soft skills that make them more marketable. These include signing up for modules such as Dale Carnegies Skills for Success and Outward Bounds Survival Skills.

Great communication skills and the ability to work in a team is a combination all employers look for, says Ravichandra.

Also, large automotive companies

want employees who can understand the latest technological advances, which is information that will very likely come in English, he explains.

Therefore, we cannot underestimate the importance of English and communication skills in what is perceived to be a very hands-on and technical occupation.

At the university, there are simulators where lecturers can create hypothetical scenarios for students to analyse and find solutions to.

Nilai U has also invested in legitimate software such as Solidworks and Ansys to allow students to gain the necessary know-how in essential areas.

This two-and-a-half-year programme opens up many possibilities. With an in-built three-month internship tag towards the end of the programme, diligent students should have no problem securing a job in a market that is constantly growing, says Ravichandra.

n For more information, call 06-850 2308 or 07-226 2336 or visit www.nilai.edu.my

StarSpecial, Tuesday 24 March 2015 COURSE FOCUS 11

Focus on practicalityACCORDING to the QS World University Rankings by Subject last year, Monash University currently ranks 30th in the world for civil engineering.

Dr Amin Talei, (pic) lecturer and course coordinator for the civil engineering programme at Monash University Malaysia, credits the ranking to Monashs strong academic staff members, laboratories and learning programme.

Our laboratory facilities are the strength in our learning programme. In delivering our units, we apply problem-based learning in which students are exposed to real-life problems. They learn how to apply fundamental knowledge and use laboratory facilities to solve such problems, says Dr Amin.

Rather than overwhelm students with theoretical knowledge in the first two years, followed by practical knowledge in year three and four, Monash starts its civil engineering programme with hands-on practical lessons from an early stage.

Even in the first year, several practical problems are defined and students will be given the skills to solve those problems. This way, there is no specific separation of the fundamentals from their applications, says Dr Amin.

Instead of learning the fundamentals first and then seeing what the application would be, we give the students the required fundamental knowledge and skills for dealing with real-life engineering problems.

He explains that this method engages students more, since the course is not just about sitting in classes, attending tutorials and learning sophisticated formulae and theories. After all, most student would prefer being in a laboratory exploring possibilities rather than always sitting in a lecture hall.

Laboratory facilities

Civil engineering is a huge field covering structural, geotechnical, water and transportation engineering. The Monash programme is structured to engage students in the related laboratory exercises.

According to Dr Amin, Monash Malaysia currently has three structure laboratories, two

geotechnical laboratories and two water laboratories a total of seven laboratories.

In addition, there is a computer laboratory equipped with civil engineering-specific software. Students can also look forward to an environmental laboratory and a transportation laboratory in the coming years. To date, 85% of the required laboratory facilities have been successfully completed.

The laboratories are a huge investment. Other universities in Malaysia may also have laboratories like these, but if you compare the sizes of the laboratories and capacities of the machines we have, these are some of the best in the country, says Dr Amin.

The most costly laboratory in Monash Malaysias civil engineering discipline is the heavy structure laboratory in which the provided machinery can support the testing of real life-sized concrete and steel specimens such as beams and columns up to 100 tonnes.

With such facilities, we are able to study the effects of different designs, materials and manufacturing methods on structural components, he explains.

The other two structure laboratories are light structure laboratory and concrete laboratory. The light structure laboratory has smaller machines that are useful to show simplified or idealised versions of theoretical structural designs and is used mainly for teaching. In the concrete laboratory, facilities for casting and testing various

concrete mixtures and designed samples are available.

The two geotechnical laboratories contain equipment to test the strength and behaviour of soil and rock samples, which is essential in designing any kind of foundations or piling systems.

The two water laboratories have facilities for studying fluid dynamics and hydraulics, including open channel equipment, piping networks and weirs.

The environmental laboratory, which will be completed this year, will have the facilities to study water and waste water quality. These include equipment for detecting pollutants in water reservoirs and collected rainwater.

The transportation laboratory, also in the process of being set up, will have the equipment for monitoring, measuring and modelling of traffic, which will be useful for traffic control, planning and signalising.

Skilled individuals

Having the best civil engineering laboratories is no doubt very important, but so is churning out graduates who can fit in and start working immediately.

When students gain employment after graduation, they have to work with many people. Each project involves several engineers and technicians working together, says Dr Amin.

This means soft skills such as communication and teamwork are important in civil engineering. We make sure our students are equipped with these skills in our four-year programme.

Industry feedback suggests that there is a lack of skilled civil engineers in Malaysia. This is something Monash hopes to rectify, not just by educating students, but also moulding quality engineers out of them.

This is the second year civil engineering is being offered at Monash Malaysia.

n For more information, visit www.eng.monash.edu.my

Instead of learning the fundamentals first and then seeing what the application would be, we give the students the required fundamental knowledge and skills for dealing with real-life engineering problems. Dr Amin Talei

Civil engineering and structure laboratory in Monash Malaysia.

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12 StarSpecial Tuesday 24 March 2015

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