Catapulting into the future
THE message from the World Economic Forum earlier this year was loud and clear: The fourth industrial revolution is upon us and it is about to unleash wholesale changes as we have never experienced before.
Driverless cars and the increased role of robots in society are just some of the changes that we would be ushering in.
However, the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution must strictly comply with other initiatives that are being pursued now, such as sustainability, in line with climate change agreements.
The challenge of balancing the onslaught of these advancements in technology has to be juggled with proper management of energy that ensures sustainable growth while ensuring profitability.
With these, the roles of engineers are also expected to evolve at an exponential rate. It was with all these in mind that Monash University Malaysia’s Master of Advanced Engineering (MAE) was crafted.
MAE programme coordinator Assoc Prof Dr Hung Yew Mun accentuates the benefits of enrolling in this course.
“Sustainability in Malaysia is still in its infancy. The Government encourages the adoption of the ISO 50001 framework to improve organisations’ energy management,” he says.
“The target is to have at least 100 ISO 50001-certified companies in Malaysia by the end of this year. The requirement is for businesses to establish and implement a sustainable energy management system.”
As is the case with any new initiative, the lack of qualified manpower in the field to execute these goals is a problem.
“We lack expertise in areas related to sustainability in Malaysia. This is a genuine opportunity for graduates as there is a bright future in this field,” says Assoc Prof Hung.
The MAE programme consists of two core units, four specialisation units and two elective units to develop energy and sustainability experts with the ability to develop solutions to complex engineering problems.
Students are given guidance on engineering entrepreneurship where they learn how to construct a business plan that balances technicality with soft skills.
“The goal of this unit is to impart an evidence-based methodology for those who wish to build startups or start their own businesses. However, the knowledge is also applicable for working in an organisation,” adds Assoc Prof Hung.
As a programme that involves the participation of teaching staff from different disciplines of engineering, MAE students have the opportunity to receive personal guidance from lecturers in an intellectually stimulating environment, pushing them out of their comfort zones to come up with original ideas.
Students will also have a taste of real-life work through industrial engagement with one of the many organisations that Monash collaborates with.
Among the collaborators are Intel, Gamuda, Petronas, Maxis, Western Digital, Shell, Cargill, Sunway Construction, Favelle Favco, ABB, CCM Pharmaceuticals and Bacfree.
The MAE programme is targeted at graduates with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from a recognised tertiary institution, with a minimum average grade of 70% or the equivalent of a second-class (upper) grade.
The one-year programme consists of two semesters, with four subjects in each semester. For part-time students, the duration of the programme is two years with two subjects each semester.
For more information, visit www.monash.edu.my