INGENIEUR
transition. With the aspiration
of expanding High-Tech industry,
we need to maintain a pool of local talent skill in the High-Tech
technology and highly skilled
management support. This is
one requisite to attract HighTech FDI to Malaysia as one way
to achieve a high income economy by 2020. This is where engineers and technologists have
a pivotal role to play as support
base of the industry.
The
new
Government
policy of liberalization of the
service industry will pose
several challenges to the local
professionals who may see it
as threat or opportunities. I
hope local professionals such
as the engineers will prepare
themselves by raising their level
of skill and professionalism.
Just as foreign professionals
can enter Malaysia to provide
their professional services; local
professionals can enter into
their territories as well. For that,
up skilling through training is
important.
As
a
Member
of
Parliament few years back, I
have been urging repeatedly in
Parliament that JKR must set
up their own training institution
to
create
skilled
human
resource logistics. I am happy
to note that the suggestion
was accepted and that JKR has
set up a training center in Alor
Gajah, Perak. I firmly believe
that skilled human resource is
a critical factor for the success
of any organisation.
It was reported that the number
of students entering science
stream is getting less in favour
of art. This may impact the
future supply of scientists,
6
56
VOL 58 APRIL 2013 2014
VOL 55 JUNE – JUNE
engineers and technologists
that are needed to support the
industry. Any comment from YB?
I am equally concern with
the new trend where the
proportion of students taking
up science subjects has fallen
considerably in favour of art.
This will invariably reduce the
local supply of engineers,
technical professionals and subprofessionals,
technologists
and technicians to support
industries.
This scenario can affect
the investment atmosphere
especially the FDI where human
resource supply is one factor for
choice of setting up industries.
I understand that the Ministry
of Education is addressing
the issue where awareness
programmes and initiatives were
launched to encourage more
students to take up science
subjects.
I earnestly hope that such
imbalance can be rectified
as soon as possible so that
a steady pool of technical
personnel is maintained to
support industries.
What is YB’s advice to our local
engineers?
Local engineers and engineering
NGOs should link up with
international
organisations
as mobility of engineers is
the key for expansion beyond
our shores. Malaysians are
known for successful overseas
construction projects in Middle
East, India and China. Malaysian
products are also widely exported
all over the world. Such products
include air-conditioners, ceramic
sanitary wares, E&E etc.
I am glad to note some
of the active local NGOs are
holding important posts in
international
organisations
such as ASEAN Federation of
Engineering Organisation (AFEO),
ACPE, ASHRAE REAAA etc.
Local engineers can be
entrepreneurs as well in the
exciting engineering fields since
they have the advantage of the
necessary technical knowhow
and the ability to innovate.
I feel that Malaysia, with its
rich natural resources and
human resources should not be
contended with export of natural
resources or components only
but should strive to gain a
bigger piece of the pie along the
supply chain of the products.
What is YB’s advice to
engineers in advancing nation’s
aspiration as an advanced
nation by 2020?
The New World Order looks
at innovation and efficiency
to thrive and survive in the
competitive world. One can no
longer rests on its laurel as in
the past and expect results to
remain as before.
My advice to all engineers
is to strive for innovative
products and cutting edge
technology to stand tall within
the international community.
Malaysia is blessed with
abundance of natural resources
and primary commodities. We
should value add to them through
innovative processing to provide
products that are sought after by
international communities.
The success of these new
ventures will move us closer to
the aspiration of our nation as a
developed nation by 2020.