What does the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) Accreditation Mean?
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Choosing the right course to study in Malaysia after high school is one of the most important decisions you can make in your life. There are many types of engineering programmes that students can choose from. Engineering degrees that are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) are recognised by overseas countries for work. Students should choose a private university in Malaysia to study the engineering course that’s accredited by BEM.
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Accreditation of the Engineering Degrees by Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
Aun Jie, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Undergraduate degrees from top private universities in Malaysia typically take four years to complete and give you a broad understanding of the subject field, as well as developing your theoretical and practical techniques which could be transferred to almost any industry. UK engineering bachelor degrees are 3 years in duration and the 4th year is the M.Eng. or Master in Engineering.
The engineering degrees are four years in duration because of the requirement by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) in order for graduates to become professional engineers.
UK Engineering undergraduate degrees are offered as BEng or MEng, with the latter taking four years of full-time study. A BEng takes three years to complete and graduates are still able to find work without any problems.
However, in order to become a professional engineer in Malaysia, a four-year engineering degree is required, therefore, graduates with a UK BEng degree will need to take a top-up and obtain the MEng.
For example, students can obtain a BEng from the engineering degrees at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and continue on for another year to obtain the MEng. Therefore, will be allowed for registration with BEM.
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
Melvern, Engineering at UCSI University
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.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a Professional Engineer in Malaysia?
Eugene Ong, Electrical & Electronic Engineering at UCSI University
- 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)
What are the Benefits of the Washington Accord for BEM Accredited Courses?
& helped guide me to choose the right university after my A-Levels.
Yao Seng, Civil Engineering, UCSI University
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
Darren Fong, Engineering at Asia Pacific University
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.
Study at the Best Private Universities in Malaysia for Engineering
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.
Note that only 4-year engineering degree programmes can be accredited by the EAC, not 3-year degrees. 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.
Premier UK Engineering Programmes at Top Ranked Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Zhi Sheng, Graduated with Mechanical Engineering from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Malaysian students can obtain a top ranked UK degree at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. Heriot-Watt University’s is ranked by the Times Higher Education World University Ranking – 22nd in the world for ‘International outlook’ while the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2015 ranks them 41st in the UK and sixth in Scotland. Heriot-Watt University also moved up slightly from 369th to 352nd in the overall QS World University ranking and are 40th in the UK (up from 42nd).
Heriot-Watt University’s Ranking in the Guardian University Guide 2016 is 18th in the UK and 2nd in Scotland. It ranks Heriot-Watt University 3rd for Electronic and Electrical Engineering, 17th for Chemical Engineering, 2nd for Civil Engineering and 10th for Mechanical Engineering.
Heriot-Watt was ranked fourth in Scotland in the 2016 Complete University Guide and 37th in the UK. It ranks Heriot-Watt University 5th for Chemical Engineering, 9th for both Civil Engineering and Electrical & Electronic Engineering.
- BEng (Hons)/MEng Mechanical Engineering
- BEng (Hons)/MEng Chemical Engineering
- BEng (Hons)/MEng Petroleum Engineering
- BEng (Hons)/MEng Civil Engineering*
- BEng (Hons)/MEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering*
Students after SPM or O-Levels can enter the Foundation in Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia for 1 year before continuing to any of the engineering programmes above. Click here for the entry requirements for the engineering programmes at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Outstanding Engineering Degree Programmes in Malaysia at Taylor’s University that’s Accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
Lyngkaran, Engineering at Taylor’s University
Taylor’s University is a top ranked private university in Malaysia. Taylor’s University was voted the Most Popular Private College and / or University in Malaysia for two consecutive years (2008 and 2009), and is rated ‘Tier 5: Excellent‘ by the Ministry of Higher Education (MQA SETARA 2013). Taylor’s University is also ranked as one of the Top 250 universities in Asia by QS University Rankings: Asia 2015.
Taylor’s University’s School of Engineering offers comprehensive engineering programmes that are affordable yet with highly innovative training methods that rival some of the most prestigious foreign degrees. All these factors work towards enhancing the School’s reputation not just among Asian students but from across the world.
Taylor’s University School of Engineering is also an official collaborator in the ‘Conceiving – Designing – Implementing – Operating’ CDIO™ Initiative alongside famous institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), California State University, the University of Sydney and University of Auckland. Taylor’s University is the first and only Malaysian University that has, thus far, been accepted into this initiative, which is an innovative education framework for producing the next generation of engineers.
A brief outline of some of the programmes on offer at Taylor’s University School of Engineering is listed below:
Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor’s University
- Foundation in Engineering: Students after SPM who are sure of taking the engineering degree programme may go for the 1 year Foundation in Engineering at Taylor’s University. As part of their course of study, students will be exposed to an innovative and technologically-driven programme that employs digital tools to enhance teaching and learning. If you are unsure of whether engineering or other science programmes, you should go for the Foundation in Science.
- Foundation in Science: This is a flexible programme that exposes students to core principles in science, providing them with the knowledge and skills to pursue undergraduate programmes in engineering science or health science.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering: This programme is aimed at students who are keen to learn about the design and operation of processes basic to human survival – such as food, fuel, medicines, plastic etc – and the professional engineering skills needed to turn these chemical, biological and physical processes into safe and sustainable industrial practice.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering: Concerned with solving practical problems using electrical science, Electronic Engineering is the handling of these electrical or optical signals while Electrical Engineering deals with the use of electricity as a source of energy. After completing one–two years of this 4-year programme at Taylor’s University, students have the option to transfer to several universities across the world, such as those in the UK or Australia.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering: This field is the most broad-based of the engineering professions. Its exponents are involved at some stage in the conception, design, production, finance and marketing of all manufactured goods from the largest power station, space craft and car plant to the most delicate mechanisms required for scientific instruments; for example, heart valves and micro-surgery.
Affordable BEM Accredited Engineering Programmes at UCSI University
Hanson, Foundation in Science (Engineering) at UCSI University
UCSI University is rated 4 in the D-SETARA for Engineering while overall in the SETARA 2013 ranking, the university achieved a rating of 5 or Excellent.
UCSI University’s engineering degrees are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
After SPM or O-Levels, students may enter into the Foundation in Science at UCSI University before continuing on to the engineering degree programmes. With 3 credits in SPM, students may enter the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic engineering and then upon completion continue on to the degree with exemptions.
- BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering
- BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
- BEng (Hons) Communication & Electronic Engineering
- BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
- BEng (Hons) Mechatronic Engineering
- Beng (Hons) Petroleum Engineering
- Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Engineering (Materials Science)
Excellent Engineering Programmes Accredited by BEM at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Ignatius, Mechatronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Asia Pacific University’s engineering degrees are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). APU was announced as among the Highest Rated Universities in Malaysia, being rated at TIER 5 (EXCELLENT) under the SETARA 2011 Ratings by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), and has maintained this Excellent rating in the latest SETARA 2013 Ratings
- BEng (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering with specialism in IT
- BEng (Hons) in Telecommunication Engineering
- BEng (Hons) in Mechatronic Engineering
Students with 5 relevant credits in SPM or O-Levels can enter the Foundation at Asia Pacific University for 1 year before continuing on into the 4-year engineering programmes. With at least 3 credits in SPM or O-Levels students may enter the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University before continuing on to the degree programmes with exemptions.
First Rate Engineering Courses at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie recognised by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
Engineering programmes at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie are designed to prepare graduates with everything necessary to face the new industrial economy around the globe.
With high quality programmes that adhere to the strict standards set by the Board of Engineers (BEM) Malaysia, students can expect a curriculum that is design-centric and trains them to hone their complex problem-solving skills.
Students will also experience valuable hands-on experience by participating in real-world projects, and have the opportunity to become a research assistant at an undergraduate level through our undergraduate research scheme.
With the goal of ensuring a holistic learning experience, KDU’s programme allows you to cultivate the skills, knowledge, and the ability to develop engineering applications which are required for a wide range of professional engineering careers and expected of leaders in business, engineering, industry and even in R & D. Students after SPM or O-Levels with 5 credits can enter the Foundation in Engineering at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie and then into the 4-year degree. With 3 credits in SPM or O-Levels students will enter into any of the engineering diplomas at KDU University College and then upon completion may continue on to the engineering degree with exemptions.
- Diploma in Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
Affordable Engineering Courses at First City University College (Formerly known as KBU International College)
- BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering (3+0) Sheffield Hallam University, UK
- Foundation in Engineering, Science & Technology
- Diploma in Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Mechatronics
Engineering Courses at KDU Penang University College
- KDU Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Mechatronic)
- KDU Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Microelectronic)
- Northumbria University (3+0) B.Eng (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Northumbria University (3+0) B.Eng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Courses at HELP College of Arts & Technology
- Diploma in Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Electronics
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
How much will it cost to Study Engineering at a Private University in Malaysia?
Obviously the course you choose and the university will all make a difference to how much the degree will
Kuang Joe, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at HELP College of Arts & Technology
cost in terms of tuition fees, and you should talk to your parents about how much they have set aside for your studies, as this will go a long way into funding your engineering study adventure.
As a general rule, and again, this depends on a lot of factors, you can expect a cost of around RM80,000 to RM180,000 total for the tuition fees for 4 years. You should be able to get help and advice on living arrangements from EduSpiral and the cost of living very much depends on which city you choose to study in.
Most universities will have on-campus accommodation and off-campus accommodation. It’s simply a case of looking into your options and your preferences.
As you can see, choosing engineering as your career means a lot of decisions to make, not only regarding the road you see your future career going down, in terms of the type of engineering you want to specialise in, but also the general things about studying abroad, such as the single most important one – which university?!
Studying engineering abroad will leave you with a precious degree, and also highly important life experience and confidence to match. This is probably one of the most important, and best, decisions you’ll make in your life, so make it wisely.
