The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), which refers to the current trend of automation and data exchange in technologies which includes the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning, is transforming many industries, including engineering.
According to Usha Jayahkudy, Head of Programme at INTI International College Penang’s School of Engineering and Technology, the implementation of IR 4.0 in Malaysia is anticipated to boost economic development and improve competitiveness across multiple industries. As a result, IT professionals will need to be proficient in current technologies such as data analytics, IoT, business intelligence, and cybersecurity to support the implementation and maintenance of IR 4.0 systems.
Usha Jayahkudy, Head of Programme at INTI International College Penang’s School of Engineering and Technology, said INTI’s IT programmes are aligned with IR 4.0 needs and tailored to industry demands.
In supporting this, INTI International College Penang works hand in hand with industry partners to ensure that IT students are prepared to face the ever-changing landscape. With careers in the IT industry becoming one of the most in-demand, IT programmes offered at INTI are designed to align with IR4.0 technology and are tailored to integrate with current industry demands and the future. These programmes are available at foundation, diploma, certificate, and degree levels.
“Courses like Security, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning and Data Analytics are the core modules for the diploma and degree levels,” said Usha, adding that the degree programme offered is in collaboration with Coventry University.
She said INTI integrates the elements of specific industries into the curriculum. For instance, the establishment of the IBM – Innovation Centre for Education (IBM-ICE) has enhanced programmes whereby the curriculum is based on the skills requirements of the banking, healthcare, computing, insurance, retail and other industries. Meanwhile, collaborations with the SAS Institute, AWS Academy and LGMS provide students with relevant and practical knowledge and skills, improves their job prospects, and exposes them to the current techniques and technologies.
Usha said employment opportunities are aplenty for IT graduates, especially in Penang.
“Penang is often dubbed as the Silicon Valley of the East due to its strong and vibrant electrical and electronics (E&E) ecosystem which has evolved from being labour-intensive and low value-added to capital-intensive to a knowledge-based and high-technology.
Wong Wai Kern, a student from the Bachelor of Computer Science programme in collaboration with Coventry University, and Usha Jayahkudy during the World Congress on Innovation & Technology 2022 (WCIT 2022).
“This explains why there are many jobs in the IT field, especially for roles such as software engineer, web developer, system analyst, and project manager. However, depending on an individual’s interest and skills, some may choose to specialize in specific areas or technology like cybersecurity or cloud computing, while others may focus on specific industries such as healthcare or finance,” she explained.
While the role and responsibilities of an IT engineer may remain the same despite the evolution of technology, future IT engineers must be able to adapt and continuously learn to keep up with rapid changes and the latest developments. Usha emphasized that future talent needs to explore and evolve with the times. They also need to obtain additional skills to succeed, on top of the theories and fundamental knowledge they gained from the classroom. Acquiring firsthand experience and developing important skills will also benefit their future careers.
“Our Employer Projects give our students the chance to learn about current technologies being used in the market while also allowing them to improve their soft skills such as communication, leadership, as well as critical and strategic thinking,” she said.
Through these projects, students get to apply the concepts and theories they have learned to practical situations which in turn helps to deepen their understanding and improve their problem-solving abilities.