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Table of Contents
1. What Is Engineering?
Engineering is the practice of using natural science, mathematics, and the engineering design process to build infrastructures, invent machines and devices, solve technological problems, increase efficiency and productivity, and improve systems.
Engineering is a very broad term and branches out into so many sub-fields such as:
- Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Biological Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Material Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics & Robotics Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunication Engineering
Why it matters?
- Technological advancements through engineering move economies. It is a competitive advantage for countries that have superiority in this regard. For example, semiconductor chips that power the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence.
- Inventions through engineering advance society and the quality of life, which can be seen in healthcare, consumer electronics, communications and more.
- Engineering is the key to solving complex problems that push the boundaries of what is possible, such as bringing civilisations to Mars.
Watch this TED talk on why we need more engineers!
2. Where To Study Engineering Courses In Malaysia?
Here are 10 best universities to study Engineering courses in Malaysia.
- #1 University Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
- #2 Heriot-Watt University
- #3 Taylor’s University
- #4 Monash University Malaysia
- #5 University Teknologi Malaysia (UNITEN)
- #6 University of Southampton (Malaysia)
- #7 Swinburne University of Technology (Malaysia)
- #8 Curtin University (Malaysia)
- #9 Multimedia University (MMU)
- #10 SEGI University
- BONUS #1 — Universiti Malaya (UM)
- BONUS #2 — Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
3. Engineering Course Pathways & Entry Requirements
There are 2 pathways one can consider to qualify for a career in the engineering field.
Pathway 1: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Pre-University/Foundation ➔ Engineering Degree
The more common pathway is to enter a Pre-University course (A-Level, SACE, STPM) or a Foundation course offered by the university of your choice.
As an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 5 credits including Mathematics and a Science subject (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) to enter Pre-U or Foundation. The required science subject may depend on the engineering specialisation. For example, a credit in chemistry is prioritised for studies in Chemical Engineering.
A Pre-University course or Foundation in Engineering / Science typically takes 1 to 2 years to complete and will qualify you to enter into a Degree in Engineering.
An Engineering Degree will usually take 3 to 4 years to complete based on whether your degree is a BEng or MEng qualification. Here are the general requirements to enter with qualifications from popular pre-university courses or a foundation course:
| Qualifications | General Requirements |
| A-Level | 2D |
| AUSMAT/SACE | ATAR 65 |
| CIMP | 65% |
| STPM | 2C |
| UEC | 5B |
| Foundation | CGPA 2.0 |
Note: Actual minimum requirements will differ between different universities. Generally, these qualifications also require you to have Mathematics and a relevant Science subject taken and achieved the minimum results.
In total, this pathway takes 4 to 5 years to complete.
Difference between MEng and BEng
When enrolling into an engineering degree, do keep in mind that there are 2 types offered.
A BEng is a 3-year undergraduate Engineering Degree course while a MEng is a 4-year course as it is integrated with a Master equivalent curriculum where you will engage in project and/or research work.
To be a certified engineer in Malaysia, you are required by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) to graduate with a MEng qualification or a Master in Engineering.
Pathway 2: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Diploma ➔ Engineering Degree
Another possible pathway is to secure a Diploma qualification first before pursuing a Degree. However this route is less popular due to its longer duration to complete.
As an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 3 credits including Mathematics and a relevant Science subject to enter Diploma.
A Diploma in an Engineering discipline normally requires 2.5 years to complete.
However, having only a Diploma qualification will limit your career progression as an engineer as you are not able to sign-off or lead major projects. Thus, most will eventually continue their studies towards a Degree.
Continuing a Degree course will require an additional 2 to 3 years depending on your pursuit of a BEng or MEng qualificationl
You need a minimum of CGPA 2.0 to enter into an Engineering Degree.
How Can Uni Enrol Help?
Uni Enrol’s experienced counsellors help you compare the pros and cons of studying an Engineering Course at different universities and different locations.
4. Accreditation For Engineering Studies In Malaysia
To gain your status as a professional or certified engineer in Malaysia, you must:
- Graduate with a MEng or Master from a recognised university;
- 3 years of practical working experience; and
- Pass the Professional Assessment Examination by BEM.
BEM is the authoritative body in Malaysia that regulates engineering practices including controlling engineering services, conforming to professional ethics and international best practices in ensuring public safety in Malaysia.
Additionally, be on the lookout for Engineering courses that are recognised under the Washington Accord.
The Washington Accord allows graduates to pursue a professional engineering career in any of the member countries (e.g. Australia, Canada, China, Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the United States) without the need for re-qualification.
5. What You Learn In An Engineering Course
What you learn will depend on the engineering specialisation you choose. Generally, these are concepts that you will be introduced to at the fundamental level in your first year degree before choosing your specialisation.
- Advanced Mathematics and Applications
- Aerospace Systems
- Computer Systems & Organisation
- Control, Sensors and Instrumentation
- Electronic and Communication Systems
- Electronic Systems and Design
- Engineering Design and Analysis
- Engineering Thermodynamics
- Environmental Systems
- Introduction to Engineering
- Manufacturing and Fabrication
- Materials and Mechanics
- Mechanical Systems and Design
- Mechatronic Systems
- Physics
- Programming for Microcontrollers
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Signals and Systems
6. Why Should I Study Engineering?
Many wonders spring from the miracles of engineering innovation. These are some reasons why you should heed the call to become an engineer:
- High Demand in Semiconductor Manufacturing – Malaysia, home to major semiconductor companies like Intel, Infineon, Inari and Vitrox, requires engineers in electronics and microchip design.
- Invent New Things – Whichever industry you choose to go into, you will be positioned to directly impact the end user when you gain the experience to lead projects that create new products and technologies.
- Emerging Opportunities – You can also explore other engineering frontiers that are opening more opportunities such as renewable energy technologies, intelligent systems (IoT) and advanced materials engineering.
7. RIASEC Compatibility To An Engineering Course
The John Holland Theory of Career Choice states that in choosing a career, people will choose one similar to their personality to ensure job satisfaction, job performance, and career success. The test generates 6 different personality types:
- Realistic (R)
- Investigative (I)
- Artistic (A)
- Social (S)
- Enterprising (E)
- Conventional (C)
With the RIASEC Test, the 6 personalities can generate up to 720 combination possibilities to provide career compatibility. You can try the test yourself here.
To excel as an engineer, these Top 3 traits are most relevant for an engineering career:
REALISTIC
- Individuals with a Realistic orientation enjoy hands-on work and often prefer to engage with tools, machines, and physical objects.
INVESTIGATIVE
- The Investigative trait is characterized by a strong analytical mindset and a curiosity for solving complex problems. Engineers frequently need to analyze data, conduct research, and develop innovative solutions to technical challenges.
CONVENTIONAL
- Conventional individuals are detail-oriented and thrive in structured environments. Engineers deal with systematic processes, managing timely projects and meeting specific standards and requirements.
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8. Career Opportunities For Engineering In Malaysia
Careers for Engineering generally do depend on the specialisation you choose but there are other non-traditional paths to consider too:
| Areas of Opportunity | Types of Roles |
| Civil Engineering | Structural Engineer, Construction Manager, Urban Planner |
| Mechanical Engineering | Automotive Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering | Power Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer |
| Computer/Software Engineering | Software Developer, Data Scientist/Engineer, Cybersecurity Engineer |
| Chemical Engineering | Process Engineer, Biotechnologist, Environmental Engineer |
| Biomedical Engineering | Medical Device Designer, Clinical Engineer, Research Scientist |
| Environmental Engineering | Sustainability Consultant, Water Resource Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer |
| Industrial Engineering | Operations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Quality Assurance Engineer |
| Materials Engineering | Metallurgist, Polymer Engineer, Nanotechnology Engineer |
| Other Emerging Fields | Robotics Engineer, AI/Machine Learning Engineer |
Recommended Course Guides
Looking for other related courses? Here are various engineering-related course guides you should check out:
If you’re still not sure what to study, we have many other Course Guides that will provide more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!
We also took the liberty to compile all our University Guides and Course Fees Guides so you don’t have to go anywhere else!
About the Author:
Ken Hoong is the co-founder of Uni Enrol and a contributing writer. Drawing on his close work with Uni Enrol’s counsellors, he brings keen insight into Malaysia’s evolving private higher education landscape and the shifting preferences of students in learning and career choices.
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