Engineering future-proof talents
IN line with Tunku Abdul Rahman University College’s (TAR UC) mission to produce graduates who can contribute towards the nation’s development, in this case being well versed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) technology as well as its smart campus initiative, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FOET) offers engineering programmes in the fields related to IR4.0 transformation to meet the needs of the complex future.
With a research interest in power electronics and smart robotics, Dr Lum Kin Yun, senior lecturer at FOET’S Department of Mechanical Engineering, currently heads the engineering role in TAR UC’S Smart Agriculture project and research to incorporate new technologies to boost cultivation of Bentong ginger.
This project is an example of one of the many IR4.0 topics that TAR UC engineering students can get involved in to gain hands-on experience in smart agriculture.
“The project is in line with the UC’S research direction of having smart agriculture. The project was initiated to cultivate Bentong ginger due to its medicinal benefits. The aim of incorporating vertical farming and robotic technology is to reduce human labour, reduce land requirements and increase crop yield. Since there is no existing reference on the design of this automation process, we have to start from scratch to implement this initiative,” says Dr Lum.
“Engineering is versatile. The foundation of IR4.0 still incorporates elements of electrical, mechanical, and mechatronic engineering systems. These are the basis for all technology today and the future. These are the three main fields of engineering offered by FOET,” he adds.
Dr Lum elaborates that TAR UC’S syllabus not only focuses on theory, but practical experience and research skills are equally emphasised.
“Students can be good at studying theory, but they also need to be competent when it comes to practical works like design, prototyping and integration.
“Doing practical work in a laboratory is easy where every step is planned in a controlled environment. In practical projects, we try to expose them to real-life problems where they have to deal with many uncertainties and potential limitations.
“Students are put into groups to handle more challenging capstone projects once they have been equipped with a strong engineering background. This practical work requires them to build a prototype of a specific topic, enabling them to implement what they have learnt and at the same time sharpening their hands-on skills. Their final-year projects are also based on recent research topics. This exposes them to the latest industry trends and newest technology, giving them the opportunity to continue a life-long learning process even after graduation,” he says.
FOET’S engineering programmes are professionally accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia and globally recognised through Malaysia’s signatory membership with the Washington Accord. Graduates can register as a professional engineer after gaining three years of relevant work experience, professional development training and passing the professional exams.
Application for the September and November intakes are currently ongoing. Prospective students are encouraged to apply online at www.tarc.edu.my. Attractive scholarships are also available at TAR UC based on academic merit and sibling discount for qualified students.
■ For more information on engineering programmes offered by FOET, call 011-1082 5613, visit www.tarc.edu.my/foet/ or visit TAR UC’S virtual open day from Sept 20-24, 10am to 5pm.