By Professor Serge Demidenko Dean, School of Engineering and Technology and Professor Lau Sian Lun, Associate Dean (Employability and Engagement) and Associate Dean (International) – School of Engineering and Technology and Head – Department of Engineering, Sunway University
The emerging phenomena of Industrial Revolution 4.0 are significantly driven by many enabling high-technology fields such as artificial intelligence, interconnectivity, robotics and automation, data analytics, advanced materials, smart objects, and systems, among others. They require a new generation of well-prepared engineers while opening up outstanding opportunities for such specialists to advance our world into a brighter technological future and progress their professional careers. Traditionally, universities are at the core of developing highly knowledgeable and skilful engineers and technologists leading tomorrow’s technological progress.
By addressing the ongoing demand for quality engineering specialists, Sunway University has embarked on developing and introducing its new undergraduate and postgraduate engineering offerings. These offerings become valuable additions to the successful existing disciplines of science and technology. These new programmes have enjoyed strong support from the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, enhanced by the advanced level of the ongoing research activities, cooperation with the industry, and close links with the world’s leading academic partner institutions.
Last month for several days, we celebrated a large cohort of graduates at the magnificent Sunway Lagoon Amphitheatre. For them, it certainly was one of the most important and memorable events of their lives. It was the destination they all have worked progressively hard to achieve. When talking to the fresh graduates, it was very pleasing to hear from them that the years of effort, sweat, and even sometimes tears were worthy of that moment of triumph. They were very proud and happy when they walked across the stage to be congratulated by the Chancellor and President. They received their testamurs under the bright soffit lighting, flashes of photo cameras, the ovation from peers, parents, and academics. It was a true milestone of our former students’ lives that signified the fruits of their commitment, diligence and determination.
However, graduation should not be considered just as an important result, but rather a foundation and new starting point in their professional career and continuation for specialist advancement. This is where our former students will continue to learn, further enhance their knowledge and skills, and develop the capability to address today’s and tomorrow’s complex problems. While many of them may think that they must brave this journey on their own, there is an important platform one should explore – professional organisations and associations in the relevant fields of engineering and technology. To name a few, one could have come across the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) – the world’s largest association of professional technical professionals with over 400,000 members in over 160 countries around the world, or the Institution of Engineering Technology (IET) – the multidisciplinary professional society dating back to the end of 19th century, or some of the more focused and highly reputable professional associations and learned societies like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and many more. One may ask, why should I join such an organisation? What benefit will I get other than being associated with a particular professional body?
First and foremost, becoming a member of a professional body allows you to be part of a bigger community of technical professionals with similar interests and specialities. One gets to network with like-minded people and have access to activities crafted for the interests and benefits of its members. When you know the community better, you will also meet people who may become a mentor to you. As you grow professionally, having a solid network with professionals in the same field will provide timely insights, advice, and guidance.
Secondly, the professional body will also grant you access to resources that keep you abreast with the latest developments in your fields of expertise. Many professional bodies publish newsletters and magazines to share the latest developments with their members. Some also organise conferences, seminars (including webinars), and training workshops. Apart from technical and professional events, there will undoubtedly be room for networking and casual gatherings. No matter your priorities, the professional body of your choice will have something that will interest and benefit you.
Thirdly, many of these professional bodies are not-for-profit. Hence, members volunteer to contribute to the success of the events and publications. This will also mean it is a good platform for you to demonstrate your leadership as you get involved in a professional body’s activities including volunteering. Being a volunteer is the best way to learn and grow, especially when you are a fresh graduate looking for opportunities. Leadership is not about positions or titles – it is about being able to contribute, communicate, solve problems, and help others to grow. One can also take up leadership roles in a professional body to grow their professional profile. Your involvement will bring you new experiences and recognition as a professional, regardless of the capacity you wish to contribute.
Finally, for those who wish to perform professional practice with a license, one has to satisfy the requirements set by the government or a charter-granting authority. Some of the examples in Malaysia are Professional Engineer/Ir. (BEM), Chartered Engineer (IET, IChemE) and Professional Technologist (MBOT). Licensed professionals, such as Professional or Chartered Engineers, are internationally recognised for their qualification, capability, and contributions. They are also authorised to practice engineering and provide engineering services to the public. This is also why we will encourage our students to join professional bodies upon graduation, to begin their journey as licensed professionals as soon as possible.
As a premier higher education institution, we hope our graduates will remember that life after completing their studies is exciting and rewarding as professionals. One should plan and define their career goals early. We would be delighted to share and guide them in planning and finding a suitable professional body in one’s field or area of interest. Once becoming a member, they should also participate in events and activities to learn and meet people. Soon, one will also have the opportunity to volunteer to organise activities or even take up leadership roles to contribute and give back to society.
