Ingenieur Vol 68 Oct-Dec 2016 | Page 57

BEM UPDATE Memorandum of Understanding Between BEM and UniKL for Registration of Engineering Technologists A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Engineering Technologist Bulk Registration between the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) was signed on October 12, 2016 at UniKL Kuala Lumpur. The MoU signed by the President of the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), YBhg. Datuk Ir. Adanan Mohamed Hussain and YB Datuk Dr. Adham Baba, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of UniKL. This cooperation would contribute to the enhancement of engineering education, the profession and to the economic and social development of Malaysia. The purpose of the MoU is to facilitate bulk registration of engineering technologist graduates from accredited engineering technolog y programmes with the BEM as Engineering Technologist. With the signing of the MoU, UNiKL can submit applications from their engineering technology graduates who have been approved by the Senate in bulk to the BEM to be processed more quickly, effectively and efficiently without waiting for their convocation. Eng ine ering e duc ation and training has evolved from its early focus on producing purely pr ac tic e oriente d engineers to the present-day focus which involves producing two categories of engineers; theoretical and practical oriented engineers that complement each other. Internationally, the practice oriented engineers are known as Engineering Technologists and the former as Engineers. Both professions are supported by the Technicians that complete the Engineering Team. The need to regulate the Engineering Team; Engineers, Engineering Technologists and Engineering Technicians has led the BEM to amend the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 to incorporate two new categories: Engineering Technologists and Inspector of Works (also known as Engineering Technicians). The amended Act was ratified by the Parliament on December 17, 2014 and effective from July 31, 2015. With the amended Act, the Board of Engineers Malaysia 55