Engineers are problem solvers. They apply scientific knowledge and theories to tackle real-world problems. Engineers are often mistaken as professionals who can fix anything. But in reality, their role is mainly focused on improving the product or machine design to operate better.
The School of Engineering and Technology from INTI International College Penang organized a sharing session with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) attended by 60 staff from the university.
That said, in a time of growing complexity and emerging opportunities, the world needs more engineers who can serve as technical leaders and innovators to address dynamic global challenges. INTI International University & Colleges offers engineering programmes in four major branches, namely mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, and quantity surveying.
“These programmes are recognized and accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Council (ETAC). This recognition is of paramount importance to the to engineering education in Malaysia as graduates from INTI under ETAC are considered as meeting the academic standard for practices in engineering at the international level,” shared Chong Kok Ming, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology (SOEAT) at INTI International College Penang.
ETAC is the body delegated by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) for accreditation of engineering technology degrees and engineering technician qualifications. ETAC is made up of representatives from the BEM, relevant learned societies, relevant ministries, government agencies, industry employers of engineering technologists and technicians in Malaysia[1].
The Oppstar Innovation Challenge 2019 conducted by INTI International College Penang’s School of Engineering and Technology, one of the many initiatives hosted by the faculty.
Furthermore, ETAC is composed of seven divisions; BEM, learned bodies, industry or employer, Public Services Department (PSD), Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA), Ministry, and public representatives. In 2015, it was recognized as the only accrediting body for engineering technology bachelor degree, engineering diploma and engineering technology diploma programmes offered in Malaysia[2].
The SOEAT team has worked tirelessly to maintain the standards of programmes offered at INTI International College Penang. Recently, the faculty successfully passed the audit carried out by ETAC.
Kok Ming said, “This ETAC audit is crucial and compulsory to certain engineering programmes in higher learning institutions. It is one of the industry’s most challenging audit and passing it is an accomplishment.”
The success led to a sharing session by the head of programmes of SOEAT with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) which was attended by 60 staff from the university. Shalyn Lim, Head of Programme at SOEAT recognized the session as a golden opportunity for the school to impart their experience and knowledge with a leading institution like UiTM.
Hemalatha Murugiah, Chief Executive of INTI International College Penang (first from left) at a STEM Project at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bukit Jambul in 2019.
“During the sharing, we shared knowledge from various aspects like managing the programme to very academic related matters like Outcome-Based Education (OBE). The sharing session demonstrates the quality of the faculty as well as INTI’s reputation in the field of engineering,” Shalyn Lim stated.
INTI strives to ensure its faculty members are professionally qualified engineers in various engineering disciplines. This is instrumental in their efforts to ensure high standards of excellence that its engineering programmes are known for.