Programmes for budding engineers
LOCATED in Kulim, Kedah, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Spanish Institute (UniKL MSI) now has the esteemed recognition of the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) for the engineering technology programmes offered.
The recognition was audited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Council (Etac), a body delegated by BEM to oversee engineering technology education programmes.
BEM’s recognition adds higher value for UniKL MSI graduates, putting them on par with other graduates in the industry.
Such accreditation also means UniKL MSI has fulfilled the industry’s needs and its graduates will be accepted at any company or institution with a BEM partnership.
UniKL MSI also recently become the reference institute for benchmarking exercises in the engineering technology field.
As one of the first institutions in Malaysia to receive such recognition, it is poised to produce highly skilled graduates.
Four programmes were audited by the Etac panels – two at the bachelor’s degree level and two at the diploma level. The programmes were Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Hons) in Mechanical (Automotive) and Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Hons) in Manufacturing (Automotive).
The diploma programmes audited were Diploma of Engineering Technology in Electromechanical Installation and Maintenance and Diploma of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Design and Development.
Once the Etac panels were satisfied with the audit results, all four programmes were given the maximum number of years allowable for accreditation – six years.
This will further help UniKL MSI graduates get recognition in many sectors when they seek jobs, especially in multinational companies like the Kulim HiTech Park area.
The current census puts UniKLMSI graduates at about 70% successful in securing a job within six months after graduation.
Seven criteria were scrutinised during the audit. These include programme educational objectives, programme learning outcomes, academic curriculum, students, lecturers as well as supporting staff, facilities provided and quality management system.
Programme educational objectives and programme learning outcomes show how far UniKLMSI graduates’ achievements comply with the syllabus and support data that helped the achievement.
For the students, their communication skills, leadership, professionalism and participation in cocurricular activities will show how well they develop and build their selfesteem and personality.
UniKL MSI provides various plat forms for students to develop their talents and discover their potential.
Equally important are lecturers with industrial experience and high academic qualifications, as well as supporting staff to help UniKL MSI move forward and stand out.
The tools, equipment and facilities provided by UniKLMSI are on par with those used in real working industries. It emphasises a handson learning experience to prepare students for their jobs.
With all the criteria adhered to along with a good quality management system, UniKL MSI is one of the top higher learning institutions in the northern region.
UniKL MSI offers engineering and technology courses in various specialisations such as mechanical, manufacturing, design, mechatronics, electronic and automotive at the diploma and bachelor levels.
Fully owned by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), UniKLMSI works with the Spanish government to provide modern learning facilities on par with those used in the industry.
While teaching and learning is conducted fully in English, students will also be exposed to Spanish or Mandarin to prepare them internationally.