The Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) and Engineering Technology Accreditation Council (ETAC), under the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), successfully hosted a Networking Lunch on 19 February 2025 in conjunction with the ETAC and EAC Council Meetings held on the same day. The ETAC Council Meeting took place in the morning, followed by the EAC Council Meeting in the afternoon.
The networking session provided an invaluable opportunity for council members to engage in open discussions, strengthen professional relationships, and align accreditation processes to further enhance the quality of engineering and engineering technology education in Malaysia.
Key Objectives of the Networking Lunch
The session was designed to:
- Strengthen Professional Relationships – Providing an informal yet meaningful platform for engagement among council members.
- Enhance Synergy – Facilitating discussions on shared accreditation objectives and best practices.
- Explore Collaborative Initiatives – Identifying opportunities for joint efforts, capacity-building, and improvements in accreditation frameworks.
- Foster Open Dialogue – Encouraging candid discussions on key industry and accreditation challenges.
Critical Issues Discussed
During the networking session, several key topics impacting engineering education and professional development were deliberated, including:
- Low Starting Salary for Engineers – Strategies to address salary concerns and improve career prospects for young engineers.
- Implementation of Industrial Training in EAC-Accredited Programmes – Enhancing industry exposure to ensure graduates meet employer expectations.
- Managing Industry Expectations & Addressing Mismatches – Bridging the gap between academic curricula and industry needs.
- Promoting STEM Education – Encouraging more students to pursue careers in engineering and technology.
- EAC & ETAC Initiatives – Strengthening accreditation standards to improve the quality of graduates and align with national TVET aspirations.
Moving Forward
The EAC & ETAC Networking Lunch 2025 reaffirmed the commitment of BEM, EAC, and ETAC to enhancing accreditation processes and ensuring that Malaysia’s engineering graduates are industry-ready and globally competitive. The discussions held during this session will serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at elevating engineering education and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) extends its appreciation to all council members for their active participation and contributions. We look forward to continued engagement and collective efforts in shaping the future of engineering and engineering technology education in Malaysia.