New technology, new opportunities

Careers such as microelectronics await

PETALING JAYA: Swipe right on your mobile device to get a date on Tinder – easy enough. But what goes on inside your handheld device isn’t as simple.

A smartphone is probably the most wellknown example of an advanced embedded system whose system functionality must be implemented in hardware and software within very challenging constraints, such as performance, power consumption, real-time demands, reliability and size.

This may sound complicated and difficult, but pursuing a career in microelectronics and embedded systems can be easily done, said Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) Faculty of Applied Sciences senior lecturer Chan Choon Kit.

“Job opportunities are plentiful. Many students who graduate in these two fields end up being engineers and programmers for mobile and embedded (small) systems that are so prevalent today,” he said, pointing out that more job opportunities will present themselves given that there is a growing demand for “smart” products.

However, he added, one must be scientifically and mathematically inclined to enter the field.

“People tend to be put off thinking they have to suffer through four years of physics and additional mathematics.

“But the subjects in the fields are actually similar to what students learned in secondary school, just at a slightly elevated level,” said Chan, who has over 21 years of lecturing experience under his belt.

He will share information on microelectronics and embedded systems in his talk titled “Pursuing Microelectronics and Embedded Systems” at the Star Education Fair 2018, to be held from 11am to 7pm on Jan 6 and 7 at Halls 1 to 5 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

His talk, which starts from 5.50pm to 6.10pm on the second day of the fair, will focus on the background, relevant industries, as well as career and job opportunities in the two fields.

Speaking before Chan, Multimedia University Faculty of Engineering senior lecturer Dr Wong Sew Kin will give an insight into the field of engineering with his “Introduction to Engineering” talk from 5.20pm to 5.40pm.

He will share what engineers do, career pathways and areas of expertise in engineering.

Besides talks, students can discover an array of study options and programmes at foreign and local institutions at the Star Education Fair 2018.

They can also take a career test by CAREERsense@HELP.

Experts on pre-university education and representatives from colleges and universities will be on hand to advise students and parents on a wide range of certificate, foundation, diploma and postgraduate courses, as well as professional qualifications.

Admission is free and booths are still available for interested exhibitors.

For details, call 03-7967 1388 (ext 1233/1475).