KOLEJ DISTED-STAMFORD NEWS
26 March 2008

Becoming a professional engineer

Engineering is an exciting and challenging profession that shapes the world and improves people’s lives. 

“Every engineering marvel in the world, from the Petronas Twin Towers to the Burj Dubai, required the guiding hands of professional engineers,” said Prof Ir Dr Eric Goh Kok Hoe, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Penang branch chairman. 

“Won’t you like to be a part of similar future enterprises one day?” he asked during a lunch meeting with Kolej Disted-Stamford engineering students on 26 March 2008. 

He touched on the skill sets that were relevant to the current engineering job market. The students were pleasantly surprised that the top 10 list did not include high grades. 

“Your most valuable asset will be your communication and verbal skills. A good CGPA, while important, will only be the first step,” he told the students. 

DISTED engineering students in a discussion with Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Penang branch chairman Prof Ir Dr Eric Goh Kok Hoe (right).

Dr Eric Goh gave the students a better understanding on the training and professional qualifications required to join the global community of certified engineers. 

Achieving the professional engineer status, which allows the person to use the title ‘Ir’, is a multi-step process, he said. 

“The steps include doing an engineering course that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC), having a minimum of 3 years of working experience, and passing the professional examination,” he explained. 

He gave the students some insightful pointers on how to pass the professional examination. 

Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Penang branch chairman Prof Ir Dr Eric Goh Kok Hoe explains the pathway to be a professional engineer to DISTED students.

Dr Eric Goh also spoke about the implementation of outcome-based education, the relevance of an in-depth and up-to-date engineering syllabus and the importance of having a functional quality system. 

“All these are necessary to ensure that institutions produce engineers with the right balance of technical know-how and social awareness,” he said. 

“IEM is a member of EAC whose task is to ensure that Malaysian institutions running engineering programmes are doing the right thing in producing engineers of calibre,” he added. 

Engineering lecturer Ahmad Taiff Isahak was impressed by the depth of the discussion.  

“It’s an incredible opportunity for my students to finally interact with someone who plays an active role in championing professionalism in engineering,” said Taiff. 

“Dr Eric Goh’s talk is part of the DISTED INSPiRE initiative that aims to instil industry relevant practices in our graduates,” he added.

Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Penang branch chairman Prof Ir Dr Eric Goh Kok Hoe (front, fifth from left) receiving a memento from DISTED vice-president Dr Koo Wee Kor.