Choosing the Best Engineering Course at Top Private Universities in Malaysia with Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) Accreditation to Study
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Engineers play an important role in Malaysia as well as globally. More and more people in Malaysia are beginning to realise the importance of getting a top quality engineering education in order to succeed in their career. Top quality engineers are in demand in Malaysia and around the world.
Engineering is a career that can take you around the world, working on many different projects as well as being a very well paid job to get into, with different branches of speciality, according to your areas of interest. Qualified and experienced engineering graduates who can communicate well in English are able to migrate overseas to countries like Australia, UK, USA, Europe and more.
There are types of engineering fields and specialisations within those fields. Engineering is one of the highest paid careers of the modern world.
Malaysian students who enjoy solving problems and coming up with a solution, then engineering could be for you. If you enjoy maths, physics, science, technology and design, then this could be a rewarding career choice for you, which can lead you into an exciting job as a petroleum engineer, civil engineer, electrical & electronic engineer, mechanical engineer, mechatronic engineer, chemical engineer, and more!
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Guide in Choosing the Best Engineering Course at Top Private Universities in Malaysia
Eugene Ong, Electrical & Electronic Engineering at UCSI University
Demand for qualified engineers in Malaysia is increasing. In order to succeed in the engineering field, students must choose a top private university in Malaysia that has the experience and facilities to equip them.
In addition, soft skills such as an English speaking environment, leadership skills, communication skills and internship programs will help the graduate stand out and be very successful. Research has shown that graduates with a good command of English has a 25% higher salary than those who don’t.
Students after SPM or O-Levels who are sure of choosing engineering for their degree studies may go for the Foundation in Engineering. If you are still not sure whether you want engineering or other science courses, you may choose the Foundation in Science programme at premier private universities in Malaysia. Students after the external Pre-University Programme such as A-Levels, UEC, STPM, SAM, CPU, MUFY or AUSMAT may enter directly into the Engineering Degree programme with relevant results.
EduSpiral Consultant Services provides free advise to students after SPM, O-Levels, STPM, A-Levels, UEC, and Pre-University to guide them in choosing the right course and university to study so that they can have a successful career. The aim for EduSpiral Consultant Services in sharing this article is to help students in selecting their course of study and career paths based on areas in demand.
Engineers use computer technology and mathematical models to work out the solution to structural, or mechanical problems. In an engineering degree course in Malaysia, students will spend time in the laboratory or use computers to understand how to solve problems. You will also have the opportunity to apply your theory to real-life projects through case-studies and internships.
Engineering degrees are extremely varied and can focus on particular parts of the engineering industry or just a general overview of the technical processes. Whichever degree you choose to study, you will graduate with a host of transferable skills that will enable you to work in a variety of industries.
It is recommended for students to choose an engineering degree programme that is general rather than specific so that their job prospects are wider. If you choose a course such as aerospace engineering, your job scope is only limited to the aerospace industry. A degree in mechanical engineering or mechatronic engineering would provide you the opportunity to work in the aerospace industry as well as other industries.
Engineering students will gain skills such as project management, analysis and your practical experience act as great foundations for careers in other industries. It isn’t uncommon to find top quality engineers in banking, politics and financial sectors. Many graduates do not work in the field that they graduate in. This is normal.
Zhi Sheng, Graduated with Mechanical Engineering from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Before starting your career in engineering it is important to know which engineering field you would like to specialise in because of the variety of sectors within the engineering industry. If you are certain of what type of engineer you wish to become, you should study a degree which focuses specifically on that field of study.
If you are not sure, that is still alright as students after SPM or O-Levels can take the Foundation course at a reputable private university for one year. During that one year, you should talk to the seniors and lecturers to figure out which engineering field best fits you.
To enter into the Foundation in Engineering or Foundation in Science, students after SPM or O-Levels will need at least 5 credits including Maths and Physics (Chemistry for Chemical Engineering) and pass in BM and Sejarah. With 3 credits in SPM including Maths and a Science subject, students can join the Diploma in Engineering course before entering into Year 2 of the Degree course.
There are a wide variety of specialisations, and the more popular engineering fields in Malaysia are listed below for you to browse through.
- Chemical Engineering Courses
- Civil Engineering Courses
- Electrical Engineering Courses
- Electronic Engineering Courses
- Telecommunication Engineering Courses
- Mechatronic Engineering Courses
- Materials Engineering Courses
- Mechanical Engineering Courses
- Petroleum Engineering Courses
Which Engineering field is the best for me to study in Malaysia?
Chee Yuan, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Students should choose your engineering field by passion. Ask yourself, “What gets me excited? Projections may show a future demand in certain engineering fields, but do you want to work very hard for the next four years in order to get a job in an area you don’t really like?
Students should identify your true interests. Do you like tinkering with devices? Mechanical engineering or mechatronic engineering are good choices for you. Are you passionate about solving the energy crisis? Then you might consider petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, or electrical engineering. And if you spend all your spare time writing code, computer science is an appropriate career path.
Choosing to study in an engineering field that you have passion in, will make you more likely to succeed as you would be willing to put in the hard work needed to be an expert in your field.
Don’t worry I know it is very difficult for you to give the answer so I am here to help you to know your interest in a particular engineering field of study. It’s very simple just give the answer of some question and then decide yourself that which branch do you like most or which branch suited to you according to your interest. We will discuss so that you can choose the best engineering field to study according to your interest.
What is Electrical & Electronic Engineering?
Chong Keat, Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Have you ever open your switch board and repair it ?
- Do you want to know the functioning of your home electrical appliances ?
- Do you want to know what is really going on in a computer CPU ?
- Are u interested in sensors & transistor ?
- Do you want to make your own robot ?
If yes then this is the branch for you, again there is a small difference in electrical and electronics most of the syllabus content are same. In most college theses are separate branches but in some college they are same. In short we can say that electronics is subset of electrical. As far as placement and job opportunity is concerned then it depend from university to university.
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor’s University
- Are you interested in bike and cars design ?
- Do you take interest in functioning of daily routine things ?
- Do you ask basic question to your teachers(i.e how this works ? how that works ?)
- Do you like physics ?
- Do you like additional maths?
- Do you like to make some new mechanism ?
- Do you like to use your engineering skills for a common man life ?
if yes then you are at right place mechanical engineering is for you. Mechanical Engineering requires real hard work. In most of the colleges mechanical and production are different branches but there syllabus content are more or less similar but in few college this is combine. There is a misconception that in this branch’s job opportunity are less as compared to computer science and electronics. Again it’s depend upon individual .This is called evergreen branch, nowadays there are a lot of job opportunity and money in this sector if you have talent and ready to work hard.
What is Civil Engineering?
- Are you interested in building making ?
- Are you ready to rock the world by your talent ?
- Have you ever think how this can be done after seeing a building ?
if yes then this is the branch for you. There is a misconception that in this branch’s job opportunity are less as compared to other branches of engineering. It is not so, if you are hardworking and talented then there are a lot of opportunity for civil engineers in Malaysia.
Which Engineering degree in Malaysia is right for me?
& helped guide me to choose the right university after my A-Levels.
Yao Seng, Civil Engineering, UCSI University
There are lots of great engineering courses to choose from, so we have picked some of the best degrees at different levels of cost, reputation and location for you to browse through. Let EduSpiral help you choose an engineering university or school that is right for you.
Choose somewhere that specialises in the area you are most interested in, such as civil engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering.
It’s important to consider which area of engineering you will specialise in, as they can lead to very different careers. Civil engineers build the structures that define our civilisation – bridges, buildings, transport systems. Electrical engineers study how technology can build new products, or develop new processes for manufacturing and design.
Or you could design and build planes, aircraft, robots, medical equipment, or even computer programmes. Whatever you choose, you can create and develop projects that improve and change lives.
Think carefully about what area of engineering interests you most – what do you want to achieve in the long term with your engineering study?
Chemical Engineering... is the branch of engineering that deals with the application of physical science (e.g., chemistry and physics), and life sciences (e.g., biology, microbiology and biochemistry) with mathematics and economics, to the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. Chemical engineers ensure the processes are operated safely, sustainably and economically when converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms.
Civil Engineering… is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction,
and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like bridges, roads, canals, dams and buildings. It is traditionally broken into several sub-disciplines including environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, municipal or urban engineering, water resources engineering, materials engineering, coastal engineering, surveying, and construction engineering. Civil engineering takes place on all levels: in the public sector and in the private sector from individual homeowners through to international companies.
Electrical Engineering… is a field of engineering that generally deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. It now covers a range of subtopics including power, electronics, control systems, signal processing and telecommunications. Usually electrical engineering is considered to deal with the problems associated with large-scale electrical systems such as power transmission and motor control, whereas electronic engineering deals with the study of small-scale electronic systems including computers and integrated circuits
Mechanical Engineering… is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and
materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools. It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines.
The mechanical engineering field requires understanding of core concepts including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, and structural analysis. Mechanical engineers use these core principles along with tools like computer-aided engineering and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, motorized vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, robotics, medical devices and more.
Mechatronics Engineering… is an engineering discipline which deals with the convergence of electrical and mechanical systems. Such combined systems are known as electromechanical systems and have widespread adoption. Examples include automated manufacturing systems, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and various subsystems of aircraft and automobiles.
Studying Engineering in Malaysia Following the Guidelines of the 2012 Engineering Programme Accreditation Manual by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) found on the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) website
To gain a better understanding of what you will study in Engineering in Malaysia, I have taken the information below from the 2012 Engineering Programme Accreditation Manual by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) found on the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) website.
Note that only 4-year engineering degree programmes can be accredited by the EAC, not 3-year degrees.
Aun Jie, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Therefore, when you choose the university to study at, you should look at the programme structure, facilities, lecturers’ qualifications, number of years offered at the university, and the experience of the university.
All graduate engineers must register with the BEM to practice engineering in
Malaysia.Having an EAC accredited engineering degree is the prerequisite for registration. The Public Service Department (JPA) would only allow graduates from the EAC accredited programmes or those recognized by EAC to join the public service.
Only programmes accredited by the EAC would be allowed to be offered at the institutions of higher learning in Malaysia, be it at public or private institutions.
English
In a survey of 422 engineering companies in Malaysia for a study by the Ministry of Higher Education on the Future of Engineering Education in Malaysia “There is also agreement among employers and leading engineers that local IHE graduates lack effective communication skills, both orally and in writing. In preparing the student for his professional career, the importance of mastering these soft skills must be further emphasised.”
New Engineering Programmes
Students who are the first batch of a new engineering programme at a university should be careful in choosing a university that has a good track record such as UCSI University or Asia Pacific University. Joining a university that has no track record in engineering will be risky as the engineering degree may not be accredited by the time the student graduates.
For a new programme, the university can only apply for accreditation at least 6 months before the final examination of the first intake of students.
What is the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC)?
Chong Keat, Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) is the body delegated by BEM for accreditation of engineering degrees. The EAC is made of representatives of the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) and the Public Services Department (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia (JPA)).
Academic Programme
The academic programme component must consist of a minimum total of 120 credit
hours (not including credits for remedial courses) made up as follows:
(a) A minimum of 80 credit hours shall be engineering courses consisting of
engineering sciences and engineering design/projects appropriate to the student’s
field of study.
(b) The remaining credit hours shall include sufficient content of general education
component (such as mathematics, computing, languages, general studies, cocurriculum, management, law, accountancy, economics, social sciences, etc.) that complements the technical contents of the curriculum.
The curriculum content should cover the following:
(i) Engineering mathematics, science, engineering principles, skills and tools
(computing, experimentation) appropriate to the discipline of study
(ii) Engineering applications – design and projects
(iii) Integrated exposure to professional engineering practice, including
management and professional ethics
(iv) Laboratory work to complement the science, computing and engineering
theory;
(v) Industrial training – exposure to professional engineering practice in an
engineering-practice environment;
(vi) Exposure to engineering practice;
(vii) Relevant tutorial classes to complement the lectures
(viii) Final year project.
Laboratory Work
Students should receive sufficient laboratory work to complement engineering theory that is learnt through lectures. The laboratory should help students develop competence in executing experimental work. Students should work in groups, preferably not more than five in a group.
Throughout the programme, there should be adequate provision for laboratory or similar investigative work, which will develop in the young engineer the confidence to deal with new and unusual engineering problems.
Industrial Training
Exposure to professional engineering practice is a key element in differentiating an engineering degree from an applied science degree. Although the status of Corporate or
Professional Engineer requires a substantial period of experiential formation in industry after the completion of an accredited academic programme, it is clearly inadequate, over the first few critical years, for the student’s perceptions of engineering to develop in complete isolation from the realities of practice.
Exposure to Engineering Practice
Exposure to engineering practice shall also be integrated throughout the curriculum as
it is a key component. In addition, exposure to professional engineering practice may also be obtained through a combination of the following:
(i) Lectures/talks by guest lecturers from industry
(ii) Academic staff with industrial experience
(iii) Courses on professional ethics and conduct
(iv) Industry visits
(v) An industry-based final year project
(vi) Regular use of a logbook in which industrial experiences are recorded.
It is considered that there is no real substitute for first-hand experience in an
engineering-practice environment, outside the IHLs. The EAC advocates that all
engineering academic staff acquire some exposure to such experience, in addition to the other elements suggested, and make efforts to assist all students gain placements of suitable quality.
Final-Year Project
Ignatius, Mechatronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University
The final-year project can provide one of the best means of introducing an investigative research oriented approach to engineering studies. It is a requirement of the programme to include a significant project in its later stages. The final-year project is required to seek individual analysis and judgement, capable of being assessed independently. The student among others is expected to develop techniques in literature review and information processing, as necessary with all research approaches.
It is recommended that final-year projects should also provide opportunities to utilise appropriate modern technology in some aspects of the work, emphasising the need for engineers to make use of computers and multimedia technology in everyday practice.
Design Projects
Design projects shall include complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes integrating core areas and meeting specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.
Engineering Sciences, Principles, and Applications
An accredited programme is expected to cover the broad areas of the respective disciplines at an appropriate level. The following are examples of underpinning courses that may be introduced for the respective disciplines:
| Civil | Mechanical | Electrical | Chemical | Electronics |
| Strength of Materials | Materials | Circuits & Signals | Chemical Thermo-dynamics | Circuits & Signals |
| Structural Analysis & Design | Statistics & Dynamics | Electro-magnetic Fields & Waves | Material & Energy Balance | Electro-magnetic Fields & Waves |
| Fluid Mechanics/Hydraulics | Fluid Mechanics | Instrumentation & Control | Chemical Kinetics & Reactor Design | Instrumentation & Control |
| Soil Mechanics/Geotechnical Engineering | Thermo-dynamics & Heat Transfer | Digital & Analogue Electronics | Momentum Transfer | Digital & Analogue Electronics |
| Civil Engineering Materials | Mechanical Design | Machines & Drives | Heat Transfer | Microprocessor Systems |
| Statics & Dynamics | Instrumentation & Control | Power Electronics | Mass Transfer | Programming Techniques |
| Construction Engineering | Vibrations | Electrical Power Generation & High Voltage Engineering | Separation Process | Introduction to Electrical Power System |
| Surveying | Solid Mechanics | Communications Systems | Process Design | Computer Architecture |
| Water Resources & Hydrology | Manufacturing/Production | Power System Analysis | Process Control & Instrumentation | Communications System |
| Highway & Transportation | Electrical Power & Machines | Electronic Drives & Applications | Safety & Environmental Protection | Electronic System Analysis & Design |
| Environmental Studies | Electronics & Micro-processors | Electrical Energy Utllisation | Environmental Studies | Multimedia Technology & Applications |
| Computer Aided Engineering | Plant & Equipment Design | |||
| Viability – Legal Framework, Economics, Operability & Reliability |
Mathematics, Statistics and Computing
These courses should be studied to a level necessary to underpin the engineering courses of the programme and with a bias towards application. The use of numerical methods of solution is encouraged, with an appreciation of the power and limitations of the computer for modelling engineering situations. Wherever practicable, it is preferred that mathematics, statistics and computing are taught in the context of their application to engineering problems and it follows that some mathematical techniques may be learnt within other subjects of the course. In addition to the use of computers as tools for calculation, analysis and data processing, the programme should introduce their application in such area as given in the following table:
| Civil | Mechanical | Electrical | Chemical | Electronics |
| Computer Aided Analysis & Design | Computer Aided Design & Manufacture | Mathematical Applications | Computer Analysis & Design | Mathematical Applications |
| Economics Analysis for Decision Making | Economics Analysis for Decision Making | Statistical & Numerical Techniques | Economics Analysis for Decision Making | Statistical & Numerical Techniques |
| Databases & Information Systems | Databases & Information Systems | Computer Applications | Numerical Methods & Optimisation | Computer Applications |
| Operational Research | Operational Research | Operational Research | ||
| Business & Management Systems | On-line Control of Operations & Processes | Databases & Information Systems | ||
| Statistical & Numerical Techniques |
Engineering Applications
Emphasis on engineering applications in degree programmes aims to ensure that all engineering graduates have a sound understanding of up-to-date industrial practice, in particular:
Civil Engineering:
Chong Keat, Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- To appreciate the characteristics and structural behaviour of materials in a variety of user environments
- To be able to analyse and design structural components from these materials
- To appreciate the range of construction technology currently available and the skills which they require in people for their use
- To appreciate the cost aspects of material selection, construction methods, operation and maintenance in their interaction with design and the delivery of civil engineering facilities and services
- To understand the whole process of industrial decision-making in design, manufacturing and use and how it is influenced not only by technical ideas but also by the practical constraints of financial and human resources as well as the business and social environment of engineering.
Mechanical Engineering:
- To appreciate the characteristic behaviour of materials in a variety of user environments
- To appreciate the range of manufacturing methods currently available and the skills which they require in people for their use
- To appreciate the cost aspects of material selection, manufacturing methods, operation and maintenance in their interaction with design and product marketing
- To understand the whole process of industrial decision-making in design, manufacturing and use and how it is influenced not only by technical ideas but also by the practical constraints of financial and human resources as well as the business and social environment of engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering:
- To appreciate the characteristic behaviour of materials in electrical and electronic systems
- To be able to analyse and design electrical and electronic systems from devices/components made of various materials
- To appreciate cost effectiveness of component/device equipment selection, manufacturing process and integration process
- To appreciate the range of manufacturing methods currently available and the skills which they require in people for their use
- To understand the whole process of industrial decision making in design, manufacturing and use and how it is influenced not only by technical ideas but also by the practical constraints of financial and human resources and by the business and social environment of engineering
Chemical Engineering
Lyngkaran, Engineering at Taylor’s University
- To appreciate the characteristics and structural behaviour of materials in a variety of user environments
- To be able to adopt these materials in process design and analysis
- To understand the general sequence of processing steps for any given type of chemical process
- To calculate and analyse the material and energy flows for a given chemical process
- To understand the selection or estimation of process operating conditions, selection of process equipment, maintenance and process troubleshooting
- To analyse the various types of unit operations and processing steps and to decide their relative advantages or disadvantages on the basis of environment, economics, safety and operability
- To understand the various process control schemes for the purpose of maintaining production quality, ensuring process safety and preventing waste
What is the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)?
Chee Yuan, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) registers graduates and professional engineers under the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2002). The requirement for registration as a graduate engineer is a degree in engineering recognised by the Board. Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is the only body certifying Professional Engineers in Malaysia.
This regulatory body for engineering practices in Malaysia was set-up by the Malaysian government under the Registration of Engineers Act (1967) to administer and to enforce the Engineering Act and its provisions to protect public interest.
Only Graduate Engineers and Professional Engineers registered with the Board of Engineers, Malaysia (BEM) are entitled to practice engineering in Malaysia. All engineering practitioner MUST register with BEM within 6-months of practice.
A professional engineer (Ir or PEng) is a person who is licensed to practice to practice engineering in Malaysia after meeting all requirements of the (e.g. pass PI Examination).
The Education Pathway to be a Professional Engineer in Malaysia after completing a 4-Year Engineering Degree that’s Accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia
The recognized academic qualification for registration as a Graduate Engineer with BEM includes the as a Graduate Graduate
Engineer Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) includes includes the following:
- An engineering degree accredited/recognized by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) available in an approved list maintained by BEM
- A pass in Part I & part II of the Engineering Council Examination of United Kingdom or Part I & Part II of the IEM/BEM Graduate Examination in any particular branch for qualifications that is not branch for qualifications qualifications that is not accredited/recognized by BEM/IEM.
- An engineer who has just graduated with a recognised qualification must register with the Board of Engineers Malaysia. He/she can then start to obtain the necessary training and experience, normally four years, before he/she can attempt to sit for the Professional Interview, an exam to qualify Graduate Members of IEM to be transferred to Corporate Members. Corporate Members of Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) can then apply to upgrade their status to P.Eng. with the Board of Engineers Malaysia.
After graduation, an engineer needs to register with Board of Engineers Malaysia to be a graduate engineer. After a few years of practical experience (supervised by a professional engineer), the graduate engineer can apply to sit for Professional Interview (with IEM). If he/she passes the Interview, he/she can apply to Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) to be a Professional Engineer that entitles him/her to use the title Ir.
- Engineers Act 1967 requires every engineer to be registered with the Board of Engineers, Malaysia (BEM).
- Graduates from recognised degree programmes shall be registered as Graduate Engineer to work as an engineer.
- Practical training of more than 3 years is required for application to sit for Professional Interview (PI).
- A PI candidate will be required to show that he can apply theory in engineering projects, and has acquired the skills of investigation, planning, and design.
- Upon passing the PI, the candidate can then apply to BEM for registration as a Professional Engineer.
Why become a professional engineer in Malaysia?
Chee Yuan, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- If you ever want or need to become a consulting, engineer, you must be licensed as an Ir or P.Eng.
- Only a Ir/P.Eng. can sign and seal engineering documents that are engineering documents that are submitted to a public authority or for public and private clients.
- Many companies encourage licensure and some even pay a bonus for becoming a P.Eng.
- In education, more universities are requiring a Ir/P.Eng. license to lecture in the engineering faculty or for holding certain positions.
- In some industries such as utilities, and government positions, a P.Eng. is required for specified jobs or positions.
- With the engineering profession now operating in an international environment, licensing may be required to work in or for other countries. You will be prepared in the event your career moves in this direction (e.g. APEC Engineers, EMF Int. Engineer Register, Washington Accord)
Statistics from the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) as at 2017
| Professional Engineer | 1547 |
| Graduate Engineer | 96192 |
| Temporary Engineer | 0 |
| Sole Proprietorship | 1033 |
| Body Corporate | 999 |
| Partnership | 197 |
| Accredited Checker | 30 |
| Multidisciplinary | 19 |
| * Updated daily. Showing renewed and active records for the year 2017 only. Records shown excluding voluntary de-registered, cancelled, inactive & deceased engineers. |
What is the the Washington Accord?
The Washington Accord is a multinational agreement signed in 1989, which recognises the substantial equivalency of engineering degree programmes accredited by the responsible bodies in each of the signatory countries such as the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
Washington Accord is an agreement among the engineering quality assurance organisations of several nations that recognises the substantial equivalency of programs accredited by those organisations.
The agreement paves the way for mutual recognition of accredited programmes, establishing the notion that graduates have met the academic requirements for entry to the practice of engineering in any signatory country.
Signatories have full rights of participation in the Accord; qualifications accredited or recognised by other signatories are recognised by each signatory as being substantially equivalent to accredited or recognised qualifications within its own jurisdiction.
Admission to the Accord is more importantly an endorsement that the engineering education system of the member nation has demonstrated a strong, longterm commitment to quality assurance in producing engineers ready for industry practice in the international scene.
As a Washington Accord signatory, Malaysia’s degrees that have been accredited by Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) will be accepted by other Washington Accord signatories.
This means that students who study in universities with engineering degrees that are accredited by MQA and Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) may find work in other countries that have signed the Washington Accord.
Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) uses as a guide the list for Professional/Chartered Engineer by the accreditation organisations of the country where the degree is issued.
Candidates are advised to check with the relevant Engineering Accreditation bodies’ web site for the list recognised degrees of professional chartered level.
However, Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) reserves the right to review the list at any time without notice.
Accredited Professional Engineers in Malaysia can work globally because of the Washington Accord
In 2007, Malaysia became a member of The Washington Accord, which recognises experienced professional engineers represented by responsible bodies. The Washington Accord is a small group of signatories that have agreed to mutually recognise accredited engineering programmes.
Members of The Washington Accord are Hong Kong, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, UK, Ireland, Taipei, Korea, Malaysia and Turkey.
The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) develop and use the EMF Register as a secure benchmark that allows a professional engineer to be recognised or exempted from licensing or registration in other countries (other than that in which they first gained recognition).
Eligibility for admission to EMF International Register of Professional Engineers Register is limited only to engineers who have completed an accredited or recognised engineering programme, registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and is a corporate member of the IEM who is capable of independent practice.
To qualify for admission to EMF International Register of Professional Engineers Register, a candidate must be:
- A Professional Engineer registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and/or a Corporate Member with the Institution of Engineers Malaysia;
- Seven years experience after graduation in a recognised engineering discipline;
- Two years experience in responsible charge of significant work (may be obtained within the seven years experience)
- Maintained their continuing professional development at a satisfactory level.
What type of students should study engineering in Malaysia?
Students with strong credits in Physics, Maths and Chemistry for Chemical or Petroleum Engineering or Physics & Maths for other engineering courses can consider an exciting and highly paid career in engineering. You are a person who is organised, like to work with your hands and mind, creative, and focused, then engineering is something to consider.
Arts stream students with 3 credits including Modern Maths and General Science can join the Diploma in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering at some universities.
Where to Study Engineering in Malaysia?
Choose a university in Malaysia where the engineering courses are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) as well as MQA. Facilities are important as well.
In addition, the number of years where the course has been offered at the university is an evidence of its experience. Lecturers must have the necessary qualifications with at least a Masters degree and teaching experience.
Our staff at EduSpiral Consultant Services have worked in the private education industry for many years therefore are able to advise you on which university would be the best that fits your budget, personality and SPM/STPM/UEC/A-Level results.
Having counseled thousands of students, we understand where you come from in order to show you where to go.
