Breaking the mould in aviation
NILAI University graduate Poh Su Rei enjoys working in jobs related to the aviation field. Poh, a Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (DAME) student said, “I find being in the aviation field challenging as it is constantly changing and growing.”
Before joining Nilai University, Poh was already interested in the aviation field but did not understand what it was like to be in the industry.
After embarking on DAME, she not only became equipped with maintenance theories and practical experience, but also an in-depth understanding of the aviation industry.
“After completing my SPM, I did a lot of research on institutes that provide courses related to aircraft engineering.
“I found out that Nilai University was one of the well-known institutes in Malaysia that offers a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance,” Poh said, adding that she was glad that she chose Nilai University to further her studies.
“For the past two and a half years in DAME, the lecturers who taught me were mostly technicians and engineers with over 10 years of experience in the aviation field.
“To my surprise, some of them were frank about how tough it was to become a Licensed Aircraft Engineer (LAE) and shared with us their experiences. It helped me prepare emotionally before stepping into the working world.”
Some of the important skills Poh picked up were largely hands on.
For someone who rarely touches spanners and pliers, she was able to confidently use these tools to complete her maintenance tasks during her internship.
Even though she still lacked experience, the hands-on skills she gained during practical classes also helped her when working in the hangar.
When talking about her most memorable moment in Nilai University, Poh recalled how satisfied she felt after her final year project, which took an entire semester to complete.
During the process of completing it, she and her group realised there were many things they did not know. There were also times they spent the entire night in the canteen. It was tiring, but the results were worth every second.
“It was challenging as a female DAME student at times when physical strength was needed to do certain practical tasks.
“When I faced such challenges, I used to doubt that maintenance was really for me, but I slowly discovered my strengths in other areas.
“Besides, no one can be good in everything and this is why in aircraft maintenance, we always work in a team,” Poh added.
Nilai University is located outside the city and there was a limit to the places that Poh could go.
“Nevertheless, it was really nice to have a group of friends staying in the same compound and spending time together,” she said.
“I grew to become independent as I was away from my family while staying in the hostel and I learnt to handle things on my own. Being a DAME student gave me clear insight into aircraft maintenance.”
Poh is currently working as an Aircraft Equipment Calibration Planner in SIA Engineering, Singapore.
“Even though it’s not towards the path of being an LAE, I’m open to working anywhere related to the aviation industry,” said Poh.
At the same time, she is preparing herself for the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore licensing paper and planning to take up a part-time degree in Singapore.
Poh may be among the minority in her field, but she is hoping to encourage more young girls to consider aircraft maintenance engineering as a career option.
“I think people really have to know that being in the aviation field is not as ‘cool’ as they think.
“Aircraft maintenance takes a lot of discipline and responsibilities. If you are determined and passionate about being an LAE, Nilai University can be the place for you to begin your journey,” she said.
■ For more details, visit Nilai University located in Putra Nilai or log on to www.nilai.edu.my or contact its counsellors at 06-850 2308 or e-mail marketing@nilai.edu.my