CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF MALAYSIAN

ENGINEERING & COMPUTING GAMECHANGERS

Despite Industrial Revolution 4.0 having reached Malaysia, the Government has pointed out the urgent need for more students to enroll in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes.

This urgency is reflected by the newly crafted National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTIN) 2021-2030. The policy aims to intensify local technology development and application efforts, as part of an effort to transition Malaysia from being technology users to technology developers.

More students are encouraged to enter the STEM field due to the job market experiencing a shift towards jobs involving fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Software Development and Artificial Intelligence.

For 30 years and counting, First City University College, through the Faculty of Engineering and Computing (FEC) has strived to create a leading, innovative, dynamic and diverse centre for academic excellence, with the misson of empowering Malaysia’s next generation of world-class engineering and computing professionals.

Notably, First City UC has constantly adapted its academic programmes and mode of teaching according to current industry trends. In 2020, the university college made a smooth transition to Online Teaching shortly after the Movement Control Order was announced.

Providing FEC Students the Learning Tools and Mindset

Besides being taught by a team of qualified lecturers, FEC Bachelor Degree students reap the benefits of First City UC’s MoU (Memoranda of Understanding) agreements with various industry partners. For instance, the MoU with Iconix grants students support in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Electronic Technology and access to the ARM IoT platform.

In-line with the need to develop students’ independent and teamwork abilities, Year 3 Engineering and Computing students will be assigned a group work project while Final Year students will be involved in an individual project.

This individual project then culminates in the annual Innovation Day event, which functions as a platform for students to showcase their works. Previously, some of the students’ works have even caught the eye of representatives from FEC’s industry partners and then were offered jobs even before graduation!

Another highlight of the Engineering and Computing programmes is the industrial training module. This module allows students a first-hand experience in an actual working environment in order to enhance their employability.

Students keen on an Engineering or Computing career may consider enrolling in the following programmes.

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours

This four-year programme aims to equip students with the essential skills to become competent Mechanical Engineers.

The course modules, which follows the EAC (Engineering Accreditation Council Malaysia) approved curriculum, focus on the core aspects of Mechanical Engineering. These include Engineering Materials, Applied Mechanics and Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics as well as Design and Manufacturing.

Furthermore, the programme aims to impart to students the interpersonal and engineering management skills through course modules such as Operations and Quality Management, Engineering Practice and Communication Skills, Professional Practice, and Project Management and Product Development. This cross-disciplinary knowledge allows an engineer to not only function independently but also as part of a team in the workplace.

“One aspect of my studies that I enjoyed the most would be the lab work. It is an eye-opening experience for me to tinker with different types of mechanical apparatus such as the Pendulum and Tensile Machine,” shares Third Year student Goh Kee Shan.

Bachelor of Electronic Engineering with Honours

This four-year programme is based on a EAC approved curriculum as well as recommendations given by industry advisory panels. This subset of engineering covers areas such as Analogue and Digital Electronics, Microprocessor, and Communication System.

“To prepare students for a career in Electronic Engineering, we offer specialised modules such as Microprocessor and Microcontroller Systems, Embedded System Applications, Digital IC Design, Signals and Systems, Analogue Systems Design, Mobile Communications, and Digital Signal Processing,” explains Bachelor in Electronic Engineering Programme Coordinator Ir. Dr. Tay Ching En Marcus.

Dr. Tay adds that while graduates should excel in their technical skills, other aspects like work ethics, networking and the appropriate workplace attitude are equally important.

Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons)

This three-year programme is designed to develop students’ aptitude for lifelong learning, research, and career development in industrial, commercial or scientific computing.

By developing a curriculum relevant to the ICT (Informations & Communications Technology) industry, students can expect to learn relevant course modules such as Object-oriented Programming, Software Development as well as Internet Programming and Applications.

Graduates will develop both practical Computing skills and transferable skills to take on job positions such as a Software Engineer, Database Administrator, Systems Engineer, Systems Analyst, Web Developer and Network Integrator.

Bachelor of Computer Science (Intelligent Systems) (Hons)

This three-year programme exposes students to Intelligent Systems, a field of knowledge closely related to Artificial Intelligence.

Graduates are expected to demonstrate competent understanding of concepts and principles of Intelligent Systems through key course modules such as IOT and Intelligent Systems Integration, Machine Learning as well as Natural Language Processing.

Moreover, students will learn of ways to optimise the performance of Intelligent Systems as well being able to analyse, design, develop and evaluate them.

With these specialised knowledge and skill sets, graduates have been known to land positions such as a Software Developer, Business Analyst, Mobile Application Developer, Information Analyst and Systems Engineer.

Bachelor of Information Systems (Hons) in Business Management

This three-year programme equips students with fundamental knowledge, principles and skills including analysis, design, implementation and management in the field of Business Information Systems.

Students will be equipped with skills to recognise the impact of computing on individuals, organisations and society, and to examine the role of new and emerging technologies. This will be accomplished through course modules like Business Intelligence, E-Commerce Infrastructure and Technologies as well as Big Data Analytics.

Possible career options that await graduates include positions as Business Analysts, Big Data Analysts, Information Systems Analysts Data Scientists and Information Systems Developers.

Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking and Security) (Hons)

This three-year programme aims to train up students who envision a career in the field of Information Technology, particularly towards Networking and Security.

Through course modules such as Biometric Technology, Computer Forensics and Ethical Hacking, students will develop their analytical and critical thinking skills to solve Computer Networking related problems. They will also learn how to design, maintain and administer a computer network’s infrastructure and security.

Most importantly, they will learn how to apply and integrate various technologies in the areas of Internet of Things, mobile communications, multimedia, database and large-scale systems.

Possible career pathways include Network Engineering, Network Architecture, Web Development, Computer Security Engineering, Information Systems Administration and many more.

Campus Learning Facilities & Financial Assistance

FEC students will have access to cutting edge Engineering Lab Equipment such as the PCB Plotter, Lathe Machine, CNC Machine, Milling Machine, Multi Turbine Test Set and Jet Apparatus. Those who are focusing on the computing programmes may make use of the latest software available at the Computer Lab.

Meanwhile, First City UC’s eco-friendly campus is equipped with state-of-the art learning and recreational facilities such the Library, IT Centre, Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Studios, Workshops, Outdoor Football Field and various Indoor Sports Facilities, along with On-campus Accommodation with Attached Bathrooms.

Students may access an online 360-degree virtual tour of these facilities, via http://virtualx.my/360projects/firstcity-edu/ Otherwise, they may visit the First City UC campus during January and February Weekend Open Days by appointment.

They may also engage in an online chat with course consultants via our website, firstcity.edu.my or even contact the hotline, 017-6606680.

Prospective Bachelor Degree students should enrol quickly in the February 2021 intake to ensure that they will be among the first 100 students entitled for attractive financial assistance and scholarships. Moreover, graduates are more than encouraged to continue with their postgraduate studies as they will receive an attractive Alumni rate!

Students can apply for a wide range of scholarships and financial assistances such as the First City Merit Scholarship, UEC Scholarship, Sports Scholarship and also the Sibling and Alumni Incentive as well as the School Teacher’s Children Incentive.