How to Become an Engineer in Malaysia: Complete Guide, Courses & Career Path
Engineers are the backbone of modern society, from construction, transportation, power, electronics to IT, mechanical, and environmental fields - all rely on engineers' participation and innovation. In Malaysia, engineering is a highly professionally recognized career, and many students aspire to enter this technology and practice-oriented career path.
So, what steps are needed to become a legally registered engineer in Malaysia? What subjects, universities, and career prospects are worth paying attention to? This article will take you deep into understanding.
1. What is an Engineer? Why Become One?
An engineer is a professional who uses mathematical, scientific, and technical knowledge to solve real-world problems, design systems, develop new technologies, and improve human life.
- Social respect and professional status
- Technological innovation and challenging problem-solving
- Wide industry demand, multiple employment options
- Salary growth potential
- Opportunity to work abroad or obtain international certification
2. Types of Engineers in Malaysia
Malaysia's engineering disciplines cover multiple fields. Common engineering departments include:
| Engineering Field | Common Department Name |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | Civil Engineering |
| Electrical & Electronic Engineering | Electrical & Electronic Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Chemical Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Telecommunications Engineering | Telecommunications Engineering |
| Computer Engineering | Computer Engineering |
| Environmental Engineering | Environmental Engineering |
| Industrial Engineering | Industrial Engineering |
| Petroleum Engineering | Petroleum Engineering |
| Biomedical Engineering | Biomedical Engineering |
3. Basic Path to Becoming an Engineer (Overview)
To become a professionally qualified engineer, you typically need to complete the following process:
- Complete engineering pre-university courses or equivalent qualifications like STPM/A-Level
- Study for an Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) recognized Bachelor's degree in Engineering (4 years)
- Register as a "Graduate Engineer" (GE)
- Accumulate at least 3 years of relevant work experience and submit engineering practice records
- Pass professional assessment to register as a "Professional Engineer" (PE)
- Optionally obtain international engineering certification such as ASEAN/APEC/IntPE
4. University Stage: Studying for Engineering Bachelor's Degree
Entry Requirements:
Different universities have slightly different entry requirements. Here are general references:
| Qualification | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| A-Level | Mathematics + Physics BBB |
| STPM | CGPA 3.0, must study science subjects |
| UEC | Minimum 5 subjects with grade B, including Mathematics and Physics |
| Foundation | Foundation in Engineering/Science, CGPA 2.5 |
| Diploma | Can directly enter second year, must have relevant engineering diploma |
Universities Offering Engineering Courses (EAC Accredited)
Universities with EAC-accredited engineering programs include:
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- UCSI University
- Taylor's University
- Monash Malaysia
- INTI International University
5. Register as Graduate Engineer (GE)
What is a Graduate Engineer?
After completing an EAC-accredited engineering bachelor's degree, students need to register with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) as a "Graduate Engineer."
Registration Required Documents:
- Graduation certificate and transcript copies
- IC copy
- Passport photo
- BEM application form
- Registration fee (approximately RM50)
After successful registration, you can work as an "engineer" and prepare for the next stage of professional engineer.
6. Work Experience & Professional Assessment (PE Application)
Engineering Practice Period Requirements:
As a graduate engineer, you need to work in professional engineering fields for at least 3 years and write an "Engineering Practice Report" demonstrating your project experience, problem-solving abilities, professional ethics, etc.
Engineering Practice Record Content:
- Project description and role
- Technical challenges and solutions
- Team collaboration and communication experience
- Professional ethics and safety standards
Professional Assessment Examination (PAE):
You then need to pass BEM's "Professional Assessment Examination" (PAE), including:
- Engineering technical written exam or thesis
- Oral interview
Successful candidates will receive the "Professional Engineer" title (P.Eng) and can use the "Ir." title after their name.
7. Engineering Career Fields & Development
Employment Industries:
| Industry | Engineer Roles |
|---|---|
| Construction & Civil Industry | Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers, Project Managers |
| Manufacturing | Mechanical Engineers, Process Engineers, Quality Control Engineers |
| Energy & Power | Power Engineers, Systems Engineers, Renewable Energy Consultants |
| Information Technology & Communications | Network Engineers, Systems Integration Engineers, Communication System Designers |
| Oil & Gas | Petroleum Engineers, Drilling Engineers, Pipeline Engineers |
| Government & Regulatory Bodies | Technical Review Officers, Urban Planning Assistants, Environmental Review Officers |
| Education & Research | Engineering Lecturers, Research Engineers, Laboratory Technical Support |
8. Engineer Salary & Prospects
Salary range reference (varies by experience and industry):
| Position | Average Monthly Salary (RM) |
|---|---|
| Graduate Engineer | RM 2,800 RM 4,000 |
| Engineer with 3-5 years experience | RM 4,500 RM 7,000 |
| Senior Engineer/Manager | RM 8,000 RM 15,000 |
| Professional Engineer (PE) | RM 10,000 RM 20,000+ |
Some high-end industries (such as petroleum, power, data engineering) offer even higher salaries.
9. Additional Certifications
Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng) & International Certification:
Engineers certified by Malaysia's BEM can further apply for the following international certifications:
- APEC Engineer (Asia-Pacific Engineer)
- IntPE (International Engineer)
- ASEAN Engineer (ASEAN Engineer)
These help you practice or take on projects in other countries.
US 13301 
GB 10740 
AU 9853 
CA 9626 
IE 6647 
NZ 3776 
BR 1814 
IN 935 
