Tengku Muhammad Taufik visiting booths at Campus Live SE Asia 2024 in Kuala Lumpur. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
UNIVERSITI Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has introduced a multidisciplinary undergraduate degree programme which will be offered next year.
The Bachelor of Integrated Engineering (Hons) combines four engineering disciplines – chemical, mechanical, electrical – in one curriculum.
Touted as the first of its kind in Malaysia, the degree programme is aimed at producing graduates who are able to adapt to the evolving demands of the industry.
It was developed with support from Board of Engineers Malaysia, Malaysian Qualifications Agency and Higher Education Ministry.
PETRONAS president and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz said the programme was introduced to offer students the multidisciplinary skills required by the engineering industry.
“Today’s landscape is dynamic and the ability to think and work across traditional boundaries has become essential.
“This programme is hoped to help prepare the next generation of engineers who are innovative and versatile,” he said in his speech during the launch of the degree programme at Campus Live SE Asia 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
Also present were UTP chairman Farehana Hanapiah and Times Higher Education Asia-Pacific president Simone Dilena.
Campus Live SE Asia is a forum bringing together stakeholders in higher education to discuss development in the sector. UTP is the strategic partner for the event.
Tengku Muhammad Taufik said the university recognised the need for future professionals who could integrate diverse perspectives and adapt to rapid technological developments.
“Through the merging of four core engineering disciplines, UTP hopes to produce a new generation of engineers with a holistic understanding of changes, which is critical for the industry to thrive,” he noted.
He said the programme was proof of PETRONAS’ commitment to supporting educational initiatives that aligned with sustainability goals.
“We are proud to work with UTP to foster talents who will contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.”
In a media statement, UTP said students in the programme would benefit from one-year industry exposure and seven-month internship with industry partners, among others.
“Apart from technical skills, the programme also places emphasis on non-technical subjects such as business acumen, project management and data analysis to help students better contextualise engineering problems they encounter,” the media statement added.
UTP vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib said the programme reflected the university’s mission to reimagine engineering education.
“By blending technical disciplines with humanities subjects, we aim to produce engineers who are not only technically adept, but also resilient and ethical.
“Our programme is designed to nurture such individuals with the skills and knowledge to address global challenges and deliver sustainable solutions,” he said.
