DPM: Malaysia Needs Problem-Solving Engineers To Become SEA's Tech Innovation Hub
Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said investing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is essential.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 02 Oct 2024, 03:53 PM
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has outlined a vision for Malaysia to become a technological innovation hub in Southeast Asia
Speaking at the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) Convention 2024, he made it clear that realising this ambition demands collaboration across the government, private sector, and academia.
Fadillah emphasised that fostering an environment that nurtures innovation at all levels is crucial.
"What we need now are engineers who can not only design and build structures but also find solutions to problems not just in our country, but globally," he asserted.
His vision extends beyond mere infrastructure; it’s about developing solutions to the pressing challenges of our time, spanning various sectors, including construction and engineering.
"Now, as we move towards green energy and environmentally friendly solutions, we need engineers to maintain environmental sustainability, and this requires the input and expertise of engineers," he said after opening the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) Convention 2024 in Kuala Lumpur on 1 October.
Investing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is essential, according to Fadillah
As the world pivots towards green energy and sustainable practices, the demand for engineers equipped to maintain environmental sustainability grows.
"We need to inspire and equip the next generation of engineers with the skills, knowledge, and creativity needed to excel in an ever-evolving global landscape," he explained.
According to the New Straits Times, with over 200,000 engineers and engineering technologists currently registered with BEM, alongside an influx of approximately 15,000 new registrations each year, Malaysia possesses a substantial resource to meet the rising demand for engineering talent.
However, Fadillah warned that sustaining this momentum requires ongoing efforts to encourage students to pursue engineering as a viable career path.
A cultural shift is also on the agenda. Fadillah called for a movement towards fostering creativity and entrepreneurship among engineers
He asserted that this approach will lead to solutions that are not only locally relevant but also globally competitive.
In a significant development during the convention, Fadillah witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between nine higher learning institutions (IPTs) and BEM.
This MOU aims to streamline the registration process for engineering graduates from local universities, ensuring they are prepared for employment before graduation.
The participating institutions include Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Selangor (UNISEL), MAHSA University, Taylor's University, SEGi College, and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak.
