Shaping bright futures
(17 November 2019, The Star)
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Prof Ts Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib
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AS a world-class teaching and learning institution, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) is constantly looking at ways to meet the aspirations and ambitions of its students by providing them with a transformative educational experience.
For more than 20 years, UTP has equipped its students with expert knowledge, innovative thinking and open-minded engagement to empower them to make a real and meaningful contribution to society. UTP's strengths and achievements have put the university as the only Malaysian private university in the top 100 Asian universities by the 2019 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rankings.
As it looks to the future, UTP's strategic goal is to continue building global recognition for its forward-looking academic programmes, innovative research and enriching campus experiences that will enable its students to ride the new wave of change.
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"We are highly conscious of the need to future-proof the university in the face of the current forces of disruption," says UTP Vice chancellor Prof Ts. Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib. "With technology advancing at a dramatic speed, we need to meet the needs of a generation of young people that will function in a very different workplace."
Deeply embedded in all teaching and learning is a determination to spark creativity and prepare students to approach problems thoughtfully, critically and ethically. UTP graduates can look forward to building skills and capabilities that enable them to rise to real-world challenges.
Top research university
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At UTP, research and innovation are seen as fundamental to shaping graduates who will be workforce-ready.
Industry engagement is a vital part of this process. Strong collaboration with the corporate sector ensures that research projects undertaken by the university are a highly valuable cache of information that industry will be able to draw on.
Students have access to a range of science and technology programmes and high-end facilities aimed at helping them participate effectively in the global knowledge network. The emphasis is on multi-disciplinary research to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing environment and navigate the complexities of Industry 4.0. Through collaboration with national and regional educational institutions, students have the opportunity to interact with other respected academicians.
Life-changing experiences
UTP believes that a world-class, inclusive education will open students' minds to new ways of thinking and help them enhance community life. It has built a campus community that reflects a rich diversity and cultivated an environment that creates a strong sense of belonging. With a strong cohort of international students on campus, the exposure to diverse knowledge, culture and insights is helping students develop resources and capabilities that will keep them resilient throughout their lives.
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Engagement with the community is seen as critical to expand the worldview of UTP students. Several interesting projects have been introduced to help them transition seamlessly into the world of work. These include Garage@21, a creative space that allows students to give free reign to intellect and imagination.
Students are also encouraged to use technology to enable them to build businesses. This helps boost incomes and also teaches important financial and management skills.
Making a strong start
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Farah Dayana Roslan
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For Farah Dayana Roslan, being a UTP graduate was a clear advantage in clinching a job as petroleum engineer with one of the leading international oil and gas companies.
"My first encounter with the company was actually during a career fair when I approached them to obtain real oil field data from Peninsular Malaysia for my final year project," she says. "I must have made an impression, because two months after my graduation they asked me to interview for the post of petroleum engineer and I got the job."
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She says UTP taught her to be confident and self-assured. "When I was an intern with Petronas, I received lots of positive feedback on my performance from my supervisor and senior colleagues. They always found UTP students to be independent, outspoken and resourceful, and with strong leadership qualities.
"Confidence is something not everyone is born with, but it can be developed. At UTP, I had many opportunities – both within and outside the classroom – to acquire academic knowledge as well as the soft skills such as team-work, management and good communications.
"This exposure to a great learning environment and the rich diversity of outside-the-classroom activities sharpened my abilities. It has really helped get my working life off to a strong start."
Straight to work
Roopan Ravichandran |
Roopan Ravichandran began job hunting last May soon after completing his studies. He managed to secure a job as a piping engineer with a reputable company after three months of waiting.
"I think a major factor that helped me secure a job is interpersonal skills, which I acquired through active participation in club events and student organisations. UTP provided a great platform for me to be actively involved in various events and clubs. Besides, the reputation of the university in producing well-rounded students also helped me to get few interview offers," says Roopan.
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UTP students, says Roopan, are generally well-exposed to various paths they can choose after graduating. "Thanks to the countless career fairs, engagements, and career talks held on campus, fresh graduates are well aware of the challenges in securing jobs. I was so positive that I could secure a job within six months after completing studies."
Well prepared for workplace challenges
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Ho Syhui landed a challenging and interesting job as a trainee engineer with a petrochemical company within two months of graduation. She feels her academic and extra-curricular experiences at UTP helped her stand out during the recruitment process.
"UTP provided a good platform for me to develop in both these areas. I was aware that recruiters have a preference for athletes – they believe athletes have strong determination, an ability to cope with stress, good time management and make great team players," says the chemical engineering graduate.
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Ho Syhui |
She believes her time at UTP gave her the right mindset to tackle the challenges of a competitive working environment.
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"The course structure at the university is geared to making students to be well-rounded. We were totally immersed in integrated and technical projects which prepared us for our future working environment. This built up confidence in my ability to handle situations and solve problems.
"I was also lucky enough to be sent on a seven-month research stint in Japan under UTP's internship and student exchange programme. This really broadened my horizons and taught me to view things from different perspectives. The interaction with passionate students from
passionate students from various backgrounds made me feel constantly challenged and inspired to do well."
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