Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
COURSE FOCUS
Reaching for well-planned heights
By NGEH CHEE YEN
Shared responsibilities
Prof Khu Soon-Thiam, head of
civil engineering and deputy head
of advanced engineering platform
at Monash University Malaysia,
describes the current relevance of
town planning in civil engineering
degree programmes in Malaysia.
“While most universities with
civil engineering programmes
recognise the importance of town
planning in urban development, it
is quite rare for conventional civil
engineering programmes to Playing the right roles based on the Randstad report, need to embed sustainable in the decision-making process.
extensively cover town planning titled Construction, property practices in civil engineering, as Therefore, as responsible
subjects such as urban design, As such, the role of a civil sector likely to see retrenchments the world moves towards more citizens of this country, it is up to
spatial planning systems and engineer is crucial to the process in 2019, which points to the concerted conservation and civil engineers to engineer
strategic planning. of urban planning and town current downturn of the rehabilitation efforts. He says that structures in a way that takes
“Such topics are generally building, as their contribution construction and property sectors civil engineering graduates must care of the environment while
covered in other university and responsibilities ensure an as a matter of concern for civil consider environmental impact still ensuring a great quality of
programmes, such as architecture overall healthy working engineers. assessments as an important tool life for all.
and built environment degrees, or environment and the smooth However, Prof Khu disagrees,
more extensively in specialised running of development projects. saying, “There is a widespread
master’s degree programmes on Assoc Prof Mohd Nasir Hussin, misconception that civil Keeping with the times
urban planning. dean of Faculty of Engineering, engineering graduates will not
“Civil engineering programmes Science and Technology at be able to find jobs as the In Malaysia and countries are necessary to building ethics
tend to cover technically focused Infrastructure University Kuala construction industry is not doing around the world, universities and professionalism in our civil
subjects, which will prepare Lumpur, says civil engineers well. I would like to stress that it offering civil engineering engineers.”
engineers to work in a planning should have the ability to use the is normal in the construction undergraduate degree
organisation, such as sustainable
development, traffic systems,
latest software and understand
engineering and structural details
industry to experience a seven- to
10-year cycle from peak to slow
programmes are, more often
than not, accredited by
Sharpening the skill sets
environmental impact assessment, to ensure projects run smoothly. activities. international accreditation Both professors also note
construction practices and “The civil engineer should be “However, since the Malaysian bodies. that fresh civil engineer
management. capable of using relevant economy is still strong, I do not According to Prof Khu Soon- graduates may be lacking
“This way, civil engineers will be software and understand the expect that we are anywhere near Thiam, head of civil engineering in some aspects of their
able to effectively communicate software’s interpretation of data the low end of this cycle. The and deputy head of advanced knowledge. In the case of
with architects and town planners to achieve economical and safe temporary suspension of various engineering platform at skill sets, Prof Nasir says, “Most
during both the conceptual and structure design. He should also major construction projects are Monash University Malaysia, fresh graduates cannot produce
detailed design stages of their possess a large amount of merely that; a temporary “Such accreditation is necessary good engineering drawings.
projects. Thus, even though I think practical engineering knowledge.” suspension. I expect this to be to ensure that the engineering Therefore, I encourage them to
it is not essential for civil lifted within the next six to 12 programme remains relevant to take appropriate short courses
engineering programmes to months.” the needs of the industry and on design drawings.”
include specific town planning Reaching new heights Prof Nasir is enthusiastic about that graduates have the Prof Khu sees a need for civil
subjects in the curriculum, some What is concerning is that there the advances made in civil necessary skills required by engineering students to better
technically focused subjects is the conception that there is a engineering technology and the said industry.” understand the overall civil
mentioned above, if included, glut in the job market, as Malaysia bright future of the field. Assoc Prof Mohd Nasir engineering industry.
could facilitate better construction produces more and more “Civil engineering, especially in Hussin, dean of Faculty of “They may not be as well
planning and management,” he engineers. In January, a local the field of construction project Engineering, Science and versed in design codes and
explains. website published an article management, will have a bright Technology at Infrastructure practices because of a lack of
future with the application of University Kuala Lumpur practice rather than lack of
artificial intelligence embedded in (IUKL), agrees with this knowledge. One of the areas
Building Information Modelling sentiment. where many of our graduates
(BIM). “Fresh graduates must take still lag behind is the broad
“BIM is a set of digital tools that the initiative to obtain awareness of how civil
can manage a construction professional certifications to engineering interacts with
project’s effectiveness. Building compete in the national and other engineering fields in
information models are files international job markets. For practice.
which can be extracted, practising civil engineers, it is “They must be equipped with
exchanged or networked to encouraged to upgrade their the necessary communication
support the decision-making knowledge in line with current skills (such as presentation and
process regarding a building or demand by updating sketching) and fundamental
other built asset. Generally, themselves on the latest technical skills (such as
computer tools and fundamental technology in the industry. knowing how their design
knowledge of civil engineering “Professional recognition, impacts other projects) in order
field must always come together such as by the Board of to work more effectively within
to overcome future challenges in Engineers Malaysia and a major construction project,”
Civil engineering graduates should always keep up to date on the latest the construction industry. Institute of Engineers Malaysia, he says.
developments in the industry. Prof Nasir also sees a great
2 Engineering & Architecture THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
Yeoh Shin Chian (far left, with laptop) in discussion with TAR UC staff
and students on the TAR UC-Hotayi collaboration final-year projects.
Creating liveable
cities without
sacrificing history
CHANCES are, if you have ever art and culture are the soul of
played SimCity growing up, the city. Deemed the most
you’ve had a taste of town liveable city in 2018 by
planning. In the game, players magazine The Economist’s
are exposed to a rather Intelligence Unit, the town
simplistic view of town planning boasts a rich artistic heritage yet
and its impact on (virtual) does not sacrifice modernity.
citizens. In real life, however, Vienna’s efforts to preserve its
town planning is a more historic sites and landmarks give
intricate process involving it a distinctive identity.
multiple fields, including Also in Europe, town planners
engineering, science, in Copenhagen understood that
architecture, design, politics and cities are for people, not cars.
economics. They worked around pre-
With more and more people existing narrow medieval streets
flocking to cities and to convert Copenhagen into a
urbanisation not showing any pedestrian-friendly town.
signs of stopping, planning is Cycling is the encouraged mode
more crucial than ever to meet of transportation. As well as a
the needs of an ever-increasing large number of pedestrian-only
population. The creation of a streets, the city also has
town should at least attempt to pedestrian-priority ones, where
satisfy the housing, pedestrians and cyclists have
infrastructure, environment, right of way over cars.
education, healthcare, economy,
safety and culture needs of their
citizens.
Nature and mankind
Cities who have succeeded in British scientist Jacob
fulfilling those areas mark Bronowski once said, “Man
themselves as the top cities in masters nature not by force, but
the world in terms of liveability by understanding.”
and quality of life for its citizens. When planning a town, the
natural terrain, climate of the
Where old and new area and proximity to food and
water must be taken into
coexist consideration. Town planning
for a mountainous region will
Often, town planning must differ from town planning for a
accommodate already bustling seaside area.
settlements, with distinct charm A notable example of
and traditions that planners planning that respects nature is
have to carefully work around.
One such city is Vienna, where > TURN TO PAGE 4
4 Engineering & Architecture THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
Copenhagen's town
Discover
planners worked to
> FROM PAGE 3 convert the city into a
pedestrian-friendly
Singapore. Against all odds, the city- zone, and cycling is the
state has managed to become a city encouraged mode of
landscape
that has successfully married transportation.
greenery with skyscrapers.
Its semi-self-sufficient divisions
contain a mix of residential,
industrial and commercial buildings,
reducing dependency on the central
architecture
area. Singapore also has excellent
public transit systems, allowing for
fluid intracity movement.
Citizen-centric design
Designed for humans
Towns and cities should revolve
around its citizens, rather than the
other way around. People are ARCHITECTURE is the process of
increasingly opting for mixed-use in mind. live in it. It is a collaboration of planning, designing and
development areas to settle down, as The city’s head serves as the state professionals from different fields, as constructing physical structures.
their commercial, housing and capitol, its heart is its city centre, its well as its citizens. Thus, an architect is a person Landscape
leisure needs can be fulfilled within stomach is its commercial area, its Town planning is more complex who designs structures such as
walking distance. arms are the university and than is apparent on the surface. houses, apartment complexes, architecture has
An example of a city that industrial zones, its lungs are the Broad knowledge beyond the scope shopping centres, office buildings an increasingly
successfully blends all three is green valleys and open spaces and of civil engineering is needed. and factories. In addition to
Chandigarh. Famous for its its arteries are its network of roads. Planners must also be sensitive to considering the exteriors of these important role
architecture and landscape, The bottom line is that town the dynamic needs of the people as buildings, architects ensure these now in addition to
Chandigarh has become a symbol of planning is complex and requires ultimately, it is a space created for buildings are safe, functional,
planned urbanism in India. It was broad knowledge, not just of civil them. Up for the challenge? Armed economical and suit the needs of frequently being
planned by Swiss architect Le engineering, but also an with the right knowledge, you could the people who use them. practised by many
Corbusier, with the human anatomy understanding of the people who be the town planner of tomorrow. However, architecture is not
only limited to buildings. If you design professionals
are more interested in the and technical
development of outdoor areas
such as parks, backyards,
experts.
recreational facilities and open
spaces, landscape architecture is
the course for you. opportunity to be involved in
How can you benefit your major landscape architecture
community as a landscape competitions and events. IUKL
architect? You can, for example, students won a gold medal in the
encourage the creation of university garden competition at
healthier cities by creating more Royal Floria Putrajaya 2015,
comfortable neighbourhoods and silver and bronze medals at
outdoor spaces, so that people Royal Floria Putrajaya 2016, and
can spend their time outside to first place in the Floral Fashion
work out, escape from the stress Show category at the Kuala
of everyday life or simply Lumpur Orchid & Bonsai Show
breathe fresh air. 2017.
These competitions will help
Ensuring a sustainable you build practical skills and
gain hands-on experience, which
environment will be useful in your career.
Though this may be a
Infrastructure University demanding profession, it can
Kuala Lumpur’s (IUKL) Faculty of also be interesting. Because of its
Architecture & Built creative nature, your career will
Environment offers the Diploma not be monotonous and you will
in Landscape Architecture and gain much experience in the
Bachelor of Landscape field.
Architecture. These programmes If you are interested in design
provide students with the and are sensitive to the quality
necessary know-how in of outdoor environments, you
planning, designing, managing may be drawn to this
and executing aspects of programme. In addition, good
landscape architecture, both in drawing skills are essential. Bear
man-made and natural outdoor in mind that in dealing with
environments. outdoor space, you have to be
You will be prepared with the creative, innovative and effective
requisite practical skills, as you will not only create
understanding and creativity to spaces that are pleasant to the
ensure a sustainable eye, but also an environment
environment and learn that is safe and sustainable.
creatively via lectures,
workshops, project site visits, lab n To figure out which field of
work, field trips and seminars. study is best for you, book a free
counselling session with IUKL.
Call 1800 88 STUDY (78839),
Practising creativity email inquiry@iukl.edu.my or
Students will have the visit www.iukl.edu.my
IUKL participated in the wall painting, floral fashion show and garden
sculpture competitions at Kuala Lumpur Orchid & Bonsai Show 2017.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019 Engineering & Architecture 5
Is there a solution
to urban sprawl?
AS a city dweller, just thinking city’s borders started bleeding
about heavy traffic whenever outwards as a result of people
you want to go somewhere moving into better, newer
leaves you with a headache, yet buildings at its peripheries.
this is the reality of many Ultimately, housing in the city
Malaysian urbanites. The root of centre became deserted as the
this traffic congestion and many urban sprawl occurred without
more issues is urban sprawl, a a growth in population.
phenomenon that has been Its transit system was poorly
attracting much attention as it is thought out, which made
gaining recognition as a global intracity and intercity
threat. movement difficult. The city is
Urban sprawl includes poor also facing a shrinking
repartition of land for industrial, population as residents find no
housing and commercial use incentive to stay, further
and inefficient transit systems deepening the city’s revenue
within a city, causing drain.
developments to expand beyond Aside from the economic and
city borders and rapidly engulf environmental problems that
surrounding areas. urban sprawl causes, it also has
Unfortunately, it is, more often a ripple effect on societal issues.
than not, a disorganised affair – Contrary to what you may think,
think haphazard roads, lack of housing within the city is
disorganised water pipes, not the sole reason for the
tangles of electric cables and an occurrence of urban sprawl.
unhealthy dependency on cars Case in point: suburban areas
to get around. In other words: are gaining ground in Malaysia
messy town planning. even though the country is
A prime example is the urban facing an oversupply of high-end
decay of Detroit in the United properties in its city centres.
States. Because its infrastructure
fell into disrepair over time, the > TURN TO PAGE 6
6 Engineering & Architecture THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
Creating creative
and critical thinkers
THE role of the engineer is presently While Monash Engineering prepares their knowledge to improve systems
redefined by the rapid and very graduates with work-ready skills and for communities living in rural areas.
much disruptive emergence of the professional practices, it is working toThe Engineering and IT Leadership
Fourth Industrial Revolution, asserts update and revamp the curriculum. programme is another initiative
Prof Anthony Guo, Head of School This will enable students to be where interested students are trained
of Engineering at Monash equipped with the necessary skills for on experiential learning, team-
University Malaysia. Prof Guo is key enabling technologies related to building and leadership skills.
doing everything he can to ensure Industry 4.0. “They need to manage projects,
engineering graduates are equipped Being literate in computing and people and relations, as well as
with the necessary skills they would coding improves future career navigate crises and be sensitive to the
need to face the constantly shifting prospects drastically. Prof Guo says, needs of other people. How do you
landscape. “We feel that mastering the key deal with people from different
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, enabling technologies is becoming an cultures who have different needs
also referred to as Industry 4.0, was essential skill today for future and habits? These are some questions
sparked by the steady development engineers, who will be able to apply that need to be addressed in an
of the Internet. This has been them and create solutions for inclusive and engaging way,” says
leapfrogged by cloud technology, complex problems in their Prof Guo.
which is connecting the world and disciplines. It is becoming as “Our students are also encouraged
driving a shared economy. What important as mathematics, design and given the support to participate
does this mean for graduates looking and communication skills.” in various external design
to carve out specialised career paths competitions. Some competitions
in the engineering sector?
Opportunities abound!
Beyond technical they have excelled at include the
annual Shell Eco-marathon and the
“Industry 4.0 extends to many knowledge IChemE competition,” he shares.
sophisticated industries, such as The School of Engineering hopes to
healthcare and aerospace,” adds Having knowledge of important produce graduates who are not only
Prof Guo. “With big data, theories and practical cues by heart is useful to society and of good
optimisation and decentralised not enough for a graduate to excel at character, but also with aspiration.
facilities, manufacturing can be the workplace. It is also “Our students must have
open, on-demand, low-cost, short- important for students to get aspirations to contribute to
cycle and high-yield. Technology involved in activities to society and not be afraid to
will definitely make a great impact develop and sharpen their take up leadership roles to
on the manufacturing industry.” soft skills. drive the change for a better
At the School of world,” concludes Prof Guo.
Engineers of today and Engineering, students can
volunteer in student-led n For more details about
tomorrow groups such as Engineers programmes available at
without Borders. the School of Engineering,
“Fundamentally, the role of the The active student Monash University Malaysia,
engineer remains the same, which is chapter has been visit www.monash.edu.
to provide technological solutions to contributing my/engineering
issues and problems faced in society.
On top of mastering essential
knowledge and skills in their chosen
disciplines, they should be creative
and critical thinkers. They must also
be able to evolve and change to fit
the needs and demands of industry
trends,” asserts Prof Guo.
“Engineering will be about
connecting machines and assembly
lines together through cloud
technology. Our students will thus
need to master that essential
knowledge,” he adds.
Monash Malaysia’s School of
Engineering currently offers five
different disciplines: civil, chemical,
electrical computer system, Prof Guo says modern engineering graduates must master essential skills in
mechanical, and mechatronics, in their chosen disciplines while also ensuring their knowledge remains current
addition to software engineering. and up to date.
Opportunity to
excel globally
TO boost economic growth, countries are continuously involved in high-quality
rapidly moving towards globalisation and research and development. One such project,
modernisation. Malaysia is no exception, which was presented on the international
hence our current industrial policy of stage, is the “Intelligent algorithm-based
preparing for the Fourth Industrial remote Aedes aegypti mosquito and post-
Revolution (Industry 4.0). dengue patient monitoring, reporting and
Engineers play a major role in making the prevention solution”.
jump to Industry 4.0. As such, demand for The project has received funding from
engineers will skyrocket in the years to Collaborative Research in Engineering
come. AIMST University’s aim is to produce Science and Technology. The project was
potential engineers who will be the building presented at the Falling Walls Lab 2017 in
blocks for Malaysia’s technological, economic Berlin, Germany, where AIMST University
and social development. AIMST University is engineering student Sri Lahari was awarded
proud to state that its engineering graduates “Young Innovator of the year 2017”.
have a 100% employment rate. The April intake for foundation and
AIMST University’s Faculty of Engineering diploma in engineering is now open for
offers diploma and bachelor’s courses in registration. AIMST University also offers full
electrical and electronic engineering, which scholarships for qualified Sijil Pelajaran
are in high demand throughout the nation. Malaysia students who enrol in the
The courses are accredited by the Malaysian Foundation in Science leading to a BSc
Board of Engineers and recognised by the (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic
Washington Accord, which is focused on Engineering course.
academic programmes that deal with the
practice of engineering at the professional n For more information, visit AIMST
level. By acquiring an engineering degree or University’s campus in Semeling, Kedah,
diploma at AIMST University, students can call 012-497 3060/04-429 8108 or visit
work and even further their studies www.aimst.edu.my
internationally.
The faculty also has a strong bond with EG
Industries subsidiary SMT Technologies, as
well as working collaborations with Kontron
Asia Pacific Design, Minibea and Agilent
Technologies to provide a wider avenue of
research and development opportunities for
its students, as well as placement
opportunities for industrial training.
To be in line with Industry 4.0, the
faculty’s students and lecturers are
Training home-grown
Perak engineering talent
QUEST International University Perak’s (QIU) “This programme is one of many
industry-based engineering programmes are industrial collaborations. We believe in
off to a flying start following the university’s giving our students industry-relevant skills
new partnership with manufacturing giant that allow them to make immediate impact
Salutica Allied Solutions. in their respective companies,” says Goh.
The two parties signed a Memorandum of He shares that QIU aims to produce
Agreement (MoA) to develop and implement graduates who will be able to contribute to
a hybrid academic-industrial programme the local economy. “This programme
that will produce competent, employable increases the chances of retaining talent in
engineers. QIU chief operating officer Perak. Students will be familiar with the
Nicholas Goh and Salutica Allied Solutions companies they’re attached to, increasing
deputy chief executive officer Joshua Lim their chances of being hired by these
represented their respective organisations in companies.”
sealing the deal. Lim says the partnership would fulfil both
The aim of the programme is to create a partners’ needs while also grooming talent
pool of talent that will sustain industrial for Ipoh’s industries.
growth via industry-led programmes that “With manufacturing technology and
focus on domain knowledge in engineering. facilities in Perak, students don’t have to go
Under this programme, QIU undergraduates to Kuala Lumpur or Penang to find jobs.”
will enjoy 40 weeks of industrial attachment He believes the new curriculum would
through the four-year programme. help close the gap between academia and
Lessons will commence for students of industry, saying, “A lot of time and effort is
QIU’s Bachelor of Electronics Engineering spent on training fresh graduates and
(Communication) with Honours and bringing them up to speed.
Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering in “It’s vital that we engage early with
April next year. In signing the MoA, both educational institutions such as QIU to
parties successfully outlined their roles in bridge this gap.”
executing the curriculum, such as student
selection, industrial attachment and final- n Look out for the advertisement in this
year projects. StarSpecial.
8 Engineering & Architecture THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019