Engineering Linking Art & Science

by Johana Hassan

Think engineering and your first thoughts will probably veer between ‘boring' and ‘revolutionary'. Johana Hassan finds out the truth.

According to Wikipedia, “Engineers are concerned with developing economical and safe solutions to practical problems, by applying mathematics and scientific knowledge while considering technical constraints. As such, the work of engineers is the link between perceived needs of society and commercial applications. Some consider this profession to be the link between art and science.” A link between art and science. Seriously? After all, a road’s a road, so what’s the fuss?

Well, who can dispute that the Eiffel Tower and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge are both engineering feats and beautiful? And while the Great Wall kept the barbarians out of China and is doing very well today as a tourist attraction, it is first and foremost an engineering marvel of the ancient world. And if you’ve ever wondered if our very own Petronas Twin Towers will lose their symmetry if they are any taller, then perhaps engineering’s the profession for you. FIELDS OF ENGINEERING Engineering is much more than building roads and bridges.

Here are the different engineering fields available in Malaysia: Civil & Structural: It covers building & bridges structural, water supply, environmental,

transportation planning and geo-technical. Civil engineers are the people who build the infrastructures to serve and, sometimes glorify, human civilisations.

Electrical: Design, develop, test and supervise the manufacture of equipment for lighting,

wiring, radar and navigation systems, power generation and electrical transmission. Mechanical: Involves power-producing machines such as generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. Mechanical engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work.

To understand how it all comes together, imagine that civil and structural (C&S) engineers build the structure, and mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineers make it fit to live in. Think bricks and stones, followed by nuts and bolts. The marvels of engineering hit home when you are transported in air-conditioned comfort from the basement car park up 1,483 feet in 90 seconds (as former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamed is when he goes to his office at the Petronas Twin Towers).

Environmental: These engineers come up with solutions for water and air pollution, waste disposal, recycling and public health issues. With the world population pushing past 6.7 billion, this profession is getting more important than ever to improve our quality of life. Environment engineers conduct waste management studies to evaluate the significance of hazards, advise on treatment and containment, and develop regulations to prevent mishaps. They also conduct research on the environmental impact of proposed construction projects, analyse scientific data and perform quality-control checks.

THE ENGINEER AT WORK Tunku Siti Raudzoh Tunku Ibrahim, Senior General Manager, Human Resources, Administration Services & Corporate Communications Division of OPUS Group Berhad (OPUS), offers an insight into the real world of engineering.

OPUS is a subsidiary of UEM Group Berhad, Malaysia’s leading conglomerate in the building of infrastructure. The group has over 90 offices in Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, UK, Canada, India and Vietnam, and an international network of 3,000 multidisciplinary professionals.

OPUS develops and manages infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, airports, strategic bridges, sport complexes, hospitals, maritime ports and others facilities. Among the projects OPUS has managed in Malaysia are the North-South Expressway, NSE Central Link, Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing, Kuala Lumpur’s LRT System II, Sepang International Airport, the National Sports Complex and the Cyberjaya Flagship Development. International projects include the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway, the Britomart Transport Centre in New Zealand,and the Piccadilly Underground Station in the UK. Current projects include the Output Performance based Road Project in Punjab, India, the Electrification and Double Tracking Rail between Ipoh to Padang Besar and the Bandar Nusajaya Development.

Due to its heavy involvement in infrastructure projects, the group employs mainly civil, mechanical, electrical and structural engineers as well as engineering/constructionrelated disciplines like quantity surveying, architecture, planners, geologist and land surveying.

“We want people who have the energy to lead and the ability to energise people,” says Tunku Siti. Potential employees are using the 4Es and P principle – energy, energise, execute, edge and passion. The OPUS engineer should be able to execute directives, deliver results and make tough decisions, plus, have passion for the task.

OPUS also looks for engineers who can communicate, besides build. “If you come equipped with good communications skills and are able to present yourself well, that’s a plus point. As we’re an international company, a strong command of English is essential and you should speak with confidence.”

Tunku Siti also advises applicants to follow up with a phone call after sending their CVs. “This tells us how much you are interested to join OPUS. Call to ask if we have received your application and if there’s a chance of getting an interview.” However, do note that while persistence is good, being pushy won’t win you any points.

“Do research on the company and the industry you are interested in. Candidates should come with questions. It’s a two-way communication between the interviewer and interviewee. You must be interested to know about opportunities, further training, career path, and not just salary and benefits.”

CAREER PATH OPTIONS AT OPUS

OPUS’ engineers have the option to pursue a management or technical path.

“The company prepares candidates to be project engineers or managers. Management requires both technical and managerial skills. Those who stay on the technical path are groomed to specialise after four years,” Tunku Siti says.

To prepare for management, engineers have to join the Emerging Leadership Programme (ELP). Candidates with three to four years’ experience have to pass a barrage of tests and interviews. If successful, they are sent to OPUS’ parent, UEM, and its group of companies for eighteen months’ training.

Besides ELP, OPUS has other leadership programs: Premier Leadership Programme, Business Leadership Programme, Outstanding Business Leadership Programme and Visionary Leadership Programme.

OPUS also participates in UEM Group’s Young Executive Scheme (YES), which prepares fresh graduates with valuable skills and experience for better employment opportunities. If you’re successful and willing to be posted outside the Klang Valley, you’ll be given a one-year contract and be involved in the group’s projects.