Moulding future engineers
BEING aware of the pressing need to help students take their education beyond what is expected of them, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) has begun preparing a learning environment, which will provide opportunities for students to pick up and hone those essential skills from the day they step onto campus. With an extensive campus ecosystem that includes regular student-centric events and a variety of student clubs, societies and activities, Tarcians will be able to sharpen their soft skills while finding their passions in their lives and careers.
Shawn Daren, who completed his Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Hons) studies at TAR UC, knows this all too well.
The 23-year-old was an exemplary student, and capped his academic life at TAR UC with a Best Presenter Award at the Undergraduate Research Conference 2020 for his flawless presentation of his project titled Development of SCADA IOT Embedded Windows System for Residential Photovoltaic System.
He was also an active member of the Mechatronics Society, where he held the post of secretary, and his passion for emceeing allowed him to take the stage at many student events during his time as a TAR UC student.
Solid skills
The experiences he encountered helped him develop solid skills in communication, presentation and critical thinking – skills that Shawn believes is crucial, especially for future engineers.
“There is an assumption that engineers lack communication skills as we tend to work with machines most of the time, but that must change. Engineers today should and have to know how to explain their ideas or products even to laymen, sometimes by simplifying the concepts or using audio-visual aids.”
Shawn emphasises that these soft skills are as important as academic lessons, and he had taken it upon himself to balance his studies and activities well.
“TAR UC has this vibrant student environment with many clubs and societies where we can find our own passions while sharpening our soft skills. So, while I like emceeing, I also have to make sure I am up to speed on my studies. Indirectly, I learnt how to organise my time, think critically, build teamwork, network with industry players, communicate well and present myself on stage. All these skills will serve me well in my job,” says Shawn.
Application for TAR UC’S September/october 2020 and January 2021 intakes are currently ongoing and prospective students can submit their applications online at www.tarc.edu.my.
■ To find out more about TAR UC’S mechatronics and other programmes offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, visit its Info Day on Sept 11 to 13 at all campuses nationwide. More information about the Info Day will soon be made available at www.tarc.edu.my and TAR UC’S Facebook page.