Future-proof skills for a career in engineering

Sponsored by Sunway University 

While many engineering programmes provide graduates with a core set of essential skills, the requirements to succeed in the workplaces of the future are changing and the best universities are adapting their curricula to address this. 

We spoke to Sunway University to learn more about how sustainable engineering design and data analytics are vital skills for engineering graduates to thrive in the changing world of work, and how their engineering programmes are adapting to address this.  

The importance of sustainable engineering design 

In an era defined by climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality, engineers bear a significant responsibility to develop solutions that mitigate social and environmental impact while meeting the needs of current and future generations.  

The programmes offered by Sunway University’s School of Engineering & Technology provide students with a deep understanding of sustainable principles and equip them with the expertise to integrate these principles into their work. For example, their Bachelor of Electronic and Electrical Engineering covers sustainable engineering design within the second year of its four-year programme. 

Studying sustainable engineering design will prepare you for a workplace where collaboration with professionals from diverse backgrounds is essential. The programme's interdisciplinary approach ensures that you gain experience in approaching problems from a variety of perspectives.  

Harnessing the power of data analytics 

The field of data analytics, which involves extracting insights from large datasets, holds immense potential for engineers seeking to optimise processes, improve efficiency and solve complex problems.  

Therefore, a degree that integrates data analytics into the curriculum equips you with the skills needed to harness the power of data in your work. Sunway’s engineering programmes include a module on ‘Data Analytics for Engineers’. 

Data analytics plays a crucial role in sustainable engineering design by enabling engineers to make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. Whether it is optimising energy consumption in buildings, predicting environmental impacts, or designing efficient transportation systems, data analytics provides engineers with the tools to analyse complex systems and identify opportunities for improvement. 

From collecting and preprocessing data to analysing and visualising results, students learn the entire data analytics pipeline and gain proficiency in industry-standard tools and technologies. This hands-on experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared to apply data analytics techniques to real-world engineering challenges. 

The future-proof engineer 

Engineering degrees such as those offered by Sunway University provide students with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience needed to address pressing sustainability challenges and leverage the power of data to drive innovation.  

With expertise in sustainable engineering design and data analytics, engineers are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to society, the environment, and the future of engineering.