COVER FEATURE
INGENIEUR
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY : WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE ?
By Ir . Ts . Dr Abd Rahim Abu Talib Professor , Department of Aerospace Engineering , Universiti Putra Malaysia Member , Examination & Qualifications Committee , Board of Engineers Malaysia Vice President , Malaysian Society for Engineering and Technology
Engineering technology has become an important entity in the engineering fraternity including both engineers and engineering technologists . Many countries around the globe have long recognised the role of engineering technologists in the development and advancement of technology [ 1 , 2 ].
In Malaysia , most industry players have difficulty in distinguishing between the role of engineering technologists and engineers . There is generally no distinction made between them when it comes to hiring by most companies in the industry ; engineering technologists are normally recruited equally as engineers [ 3 ].
The differences between engineering and engineering technologists are not always obvious because there is a great deal of overlap between the two fields of study . An engineering programme has a strong emphasis on maths and science , especially physics and calculus . While topics of core courses in both programmes seem similar , engineering technology programmes emphasise the application of engineering techniques , and engineering programmes focus on the development of concepts .
Graduates of engineering technology and engineering programmes complement each other in skills and interests . Technologists work with technicians , engineers , and scientists to form technological teams that produce an everincreasing rate of technological advancement [ 4 ].
The Registration of Engineers Act ( REA ) 1967 with the 2015 amendment requires the Board of Engineers Malaysia ( BEM ) to register engineering technologists [ 5 ]. To date , there are 16,621 engineering technologists registered with the BEM ( as of January 31 , 2022 ). Currently , there is no avenue in the REA for the engineering technologist to practise as professionals .
This article describes the engineering technology profession , the registration requirements with BEM , engineering technology programme providers in Malaysia and the professional pathway for engineering technology .
Engineering technology may be described as the “ practical application arm ” of engineering . Engineering technology is the practical application of science and engineering to a wide range of real-world problems . A professional engineering technologist ’ s job responsibilities require technical and practical knowledge . They can apply their abilities in using technical equipment , selling technical products , serving as manufacturers ’ technical representatives , or supervising varied construction projects and manufacturing processes .
In industry , the technologist ’ s responsibilities are close to that of an engineer , and often they work alongside engineers on the various aspects of project development , production planning , and the final testing of industrial , military or consumer products .
6 VOL 90 APRIL-JUNE 2022