Based on the country s present and projected output of engineers, our engineer to population ratio is estimated to be much lower that that of many developed countries by the year 2020. The year that Malaysia hopes to achieve the status of a developed nation. It is therefore important that resolute and effective steps are taken now to remedy the shortage. The projected shortage of engineers is attributable to a number of factors. Firstly, engineering as a career appears to be less attractive to students.
Students view the profession as very hard work with inadequate rewards.
They prefer to choose business related studies, where the rewards are more attractive. This situation is aggravated by the many qualified engineers leaving the profession and moving into other vocations. The situation is not helped either by the generally low image of engineering as a profession. It is no exaggeration to say that engineers are often taken for granted. The facilities, services and conveniences provided to the public through the sweat and toil of engineers are often not appreciated.