Future engineers

> Monash equips graduates with knowledge on energy saving and sustainability

GRADUATES with a Master of Advanced Engineering (Energy and Sustainability) are great assets to both private and public sectors with their indepth knowledge in energy use and sustainability.

“The course at Monash University Malaysia will equip students with good background knowledge on energy saving and sustainability,” said vice president of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Datuk Dr Ir Andy K. H. Seo

“The Master of Advanced Engineering will train them to have in mind energy saving and sustainability when designing a product, working on a project, or installing equipment,” he added.

As a member of the Industry Advisory Panel for the course, Seo said the knowledge gained from the Master's programme will allow graduates to climb the career ladder with wider job prospects.

“It will allow them to work in industries such as manufacturing, food, energy, biotech and biofuel, designing energy-efficient buildings, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), as well as government agencies,” he shared.

The course, which commenced this year, incorporates aspects of energy use, conservation, sustainability, management, and processing in areas such as water and lighting. This is in line with the global sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

“This course will enable graduates to speak with authority on subject matters related to energy use and sustainability. This is important for those who work in local councils and environmental impact assessment studies, as they are the ones who will influence the government and bring changes to sustainable development,” he said.

For those working in NGOs, they will be able to highlight environmental issues, and their socio-economic and political economic impacts to the general public.

Seo explained that graduates will make good energy managers, as they can be consulted on energy saving strategies that will help companies and organisations to not only save costs, but also be more environmental friendly.

“If companies hire qualified energy engineers, they will be able to recommend savings on processes such as buying the right energy-efficient equipment, better air conditioning for a building or reducing the amount of lighting used.

“They will also be the ones who will convince the bosses and engineers, to design environmentally-friendly equipment, products and services. For example, they can advise against the use of hydraulic lift which may require the disposal of used hydraulic oil, which can cause water and ground pollution, subsequently affecting water supply,” he said.

The Master's programme accepts students with a bachelor's degree in any engineering discipline, as it incorporates elements of electrical, chemical and mechanical engineering. The course also features subjects such as Intelligent Lighting, and Engineering Entrepreneurship, where students are taught how to commercialise an idea or innovation.

Seo said with strong technical knowledge, graduates will be able to help their respective companies to market their products by highlighting their energy-saving benefits and attributes to end users.

“For example, salesmen who have never gone through the course will not be able to understand the features of LED lighting. But with the knowledge gained from this course, they will be able to explain all that and more,” he said.

For more information on the Master of Advanced Engineering at Monash University Malaysia, visit www. eng.monash.edu.my