As we forge ahead through Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0), Malaysia anticipates a need for 500,000 scientists and engineers by the end of 2020 alone1. Coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic globally, what is the role of engineers in the ‘new normal’?
INTI International University & Colleges organised a webinar titled “The Future of Engineering” to help students learn more about the engineering field.
In helping young learners explore the field of engineering and its future, INTI International University & Colleges invited experienced engineers from different fields to share their insights through its series of webinars aimed at exploring careers in a post-pandemic world. Moderated by Hemalatha Murugiah, Chief Executive, INTI International College Penang, guest speakers included Ir Julian Yeap Kheang Teik, Project Manager of Gamuda Berhad; Ir Tan Teng Wang, Senior Engineer Director, Intel Microelectronic (M) Sdn Bhd.; and Ir Eow Hu Teik, Managing Director, Abbott Medical Device Division Penang.
Setting the stage Yeap, a civil engineer, gave participants a broad view of engineering and its future. Ranked among the most in-demand jobs for 2020 in Malaysia, based on the annual Critical Occupations List (COL) 2019/2020 by TalentCorp Malaysia and the Institute of Labour Market Information and Analysis (ILMIA)2, engineering continues to be at the forefront of driving technological advancements for the betterment of humanity.
Speaking from his own experience, Yeap explained, “Being a civil engineer is not merely a job, it allows me to contribute to nation-building through participation in major infrastructure projects, such as building the railway systems, Mass Rail Trail and highways, as well as the reclamation of three islands in Penang. It gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction, especially when I use these same facilities with my family and loved ones.”
Guest speakers for the webinar “The Future of Engineering” included experienced engineers from different fields.
Yeap also previously worked on the Electrified Double Track Project (from Ipoh to Padang Besar), and was involved in the Warisan Merdeka 118 Tower and Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) projects.
According to him, engineering students should always remain curious and keen to learn and share the common trait of enjoying problem-solving. During the webinar, he advised students to ask themselves what they like to do and what they are good at to guide their decision in choosing a field of study within engineering.
Despite disruptions to construction projects due to the MCO, he foresees that civil engineering will experience a “boom” two years down the road once new SOPs enable the industry to function within a new normal.
Tan, an engineer specialising in silicon design and development and one of the four founding design engineers for Intel Penang’s Design Center (PDC), sees engineers playing a significant role during this crucial period.
“During the pandemic, information and communications technology (ICT) engineers supported teams and organisations beyond the norm. Hardware and software engineers came together to provide solutions such as those needed by healthcare services, leveraging communication technology, telehealth, and even using artificial intelligence for better solutions,” Tan shared.
In revitalising socio-economic activities Tan suggests that engineers could work together with city administrators to develop mitigating solutions to the risks and concerns impacting society’s return to normal post-pandemic.
Using education as an example, Tan explains that while going back to physical learning is possible, engineers should also look into technologies and processes to enhance distance learning. Technology that leverages simulations and so forth could improve the delivery of learning content and bring distance learning closer to the experiences students have when in actual classrooms.
To help social activities resume, Tan believes that engineering solutions such as electronic sports which substitute physical sport, broadcasting religious activities for the public to carry out religious obligations online, generating smart transportation to incorporate future dynamic considerations in designs, and creating a geofence for quarantine solutions are part of the ideas that engineers can look into.
To ensure the pandemic doesn’t affect food and medical supplies, the movement of physical products will need to be supported by communications electronic technologies and computer engineering.
“The engineer has a significant role to play in providing solutions to society, which is very rewarding in itself!” enthused Tan.
Eow currently leads the cardiac rhythm management division for a global healthcare company in Penang, which generates pacemakers for cardiac patients.
“I was in the world of silicon technology for 16 years before I moved to the medical industry 10 years ago. I encourage young individuals to take up engineering as it gives you more choices, and there is plenty of room for creative and critical thinking. The critical thinking skills that I have gained from being an engineer helps me adapt easily,” said Eow.
He explained that being an engineer doesn’t mean dealing with equipment, machines or getting into a stable job.
“Being an engineer gives you a lot of choices! Engineers by default are individuals who like to solve problems, and by solving problems, it gives you satisfaction and helps to make the world a better place,” concludes Eow.
1 New Stratis Times, 13 August 2018.
2 EduAdvisor.my, 1 April 2020.