25th September 2026 | Held in conjunction with ENGINEER and MARVEX 2026
IEM YES Open Day 4.0 was held on 25 September 2026 at Lounge 1, Hall 1, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), in conjunction with ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026. The event was organised by the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) Young Engineers Section (YES), IEM University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) Student Section, and CIS.
This event brought together engineering students, fresh graduates, young professionals, and industry representatives for a day of knowledge sharing, professional discussions, and career exploration. Through a series of sharing sessions, forum discussions, and a career networking session, participants gained insights into various engineering sectors, explored potential career pathways, and engaged with industry professionals. The event also provided a platform to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry while helping aspiring engineers better understand the opportunities and expectations within the engineering profession.
The event was officially opened by Mr. Chuah Pei Lim, Chairman of IEM YES HQ, setting the stage for a programme centred on professional development, emerging industry opportunities, and career preparation for aspiring engineers.
The programme featured four sharing sessions, a forum discussion involving all four speakers, and a Career Matching Coffee Session designed to facilitate direct engagement between students and industry representatives.
From Graduate to Greatness
The first sharing session, From Graduate to Greatness, featured Ir. Dr. Cheong Thiam Fook and Mr. Ho Wei Liang (Liam), bringing together the perspectives of two engineers from different generations. Through their respective career journeys, the session explored how the engineering profession, workplace expectations, and career opportunities have evolved over time, while highlighting the values and principles that remain relevant across generations.
By comparing their experiences, the speakers offered students valuable insights into navigating the transition from university to professional practice, adapting to changes in the industry, and preparing for the challenges of an engineering career. The session also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and professional growth, while providing practical advice to help aspiring engineers build their careers in an ever-changing landscape.
Drawing on his extensive experience in mechanical and electrical engineering, engineering consultancy, and corporate leadership, Ir. Dr. Cheong offered insights into the progression from technical engineering roles to management and leadership positions. His career journey highlighted the importance of continuous professional development, adaptability, and the ability to translate engineering expertise into practical solutions.
Mr. Ho Wei Liang, a mechatronics engineer, technologist, and social innovator, brought a complementary perspective on the role of technology in addressing societal and environmental challenges. Through his work in artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable development, he demonstrated how engineering innovation can extend beyond conventional industrial applications to create meaningful social impact.
Together, the speakers highlighted the diverse pathways available to engineering graduates and the importance of developing both technical capabilities and leadership skills throughout their careers.
The Next Gold Mine
The second sharing session, The Next Gold Mine, featured Dr. Eu Poh Leng, Senior Director of the Chief Technology Office at NXP Semiconductors Malaysia, and Mr. Halif Rizuan B. Baharuddin, Senior Manager of Sponsorship and Student Development at PETRONAS. The session explored two important yet less commonly discussed areas of engineering: semiconductor packaging and the oil and gas industry. Through the speakers’ respective expertise, participants gained insights into the technological advancements, industrial applications, and career opportunities within these sectors.
With almost three decades of experience in semiconductor packaging, Dr. Eu shared perspectives from an industry undergoing continuous technological advancement. Her experience spans conventional and advanced packaging technologies, research and development, product qualification, and global product launches. Her contributions to technical research and engineering leadership provided valuable context on the opportunities and demands within the semiconductor sector.
Mr. Halif offered insights into talent development and the importance of preparing future professionals for the evolving needs of industry. Through his work in scholarship programmes, recruitment, workforce planning, and capability development at PETRONAS, he brought attention to the role of education, leadership development, and structured support in nurturing future-ready talent.
The session provided participants with perspectives on both the technological developments shaping engineering industries and the human capital required to sustain their growth. Together, the speakers broadened participants’ understanding of the diverse fields within engineering, highlighting the contributions of these industries to technological progress and economic development, as well as the opportunities they offer to future engineers.
Forum Session: Perspectives from Industry
Following the sharing sessions, all four speakers came together for a forum discussion. The session provided an opportunity to explore engineering career pathways from different professional perspectives, covering the relationship between technical expertise, leadership, innovation, and industry expectations. It allows participants to engage directly with the speakers and ask various questions.
The discussion touched on various aspects of the engineering profession, including business management, the qualities needed to start and manage a business, effective people management, essential professional skills, and the importance of networking in building career opportunities. These perspectives highlighted the diverse competencies required of future engineers as they navigate an increasingly interconnected and rapidly evolving professional landscape.
Career Matching Coffee Session
The programme concluded with a Career Matching Coffee Session, connecting students with industry representatives from Beckhoff Automation Sdn. Bhd., Motorola Solutions Singapore Pte. Ltd., Schneider Electric (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., ABB Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., NYKK Engineering Group Sdn. Bhd., Swagelok Malaysia Fluid Systems Technologies Sdn. Bhd., and NCT PMC Sdn. Bhd., alongside speakers from the earlier sessions and other industry professionals.
The informal networking environment encouraged students to engage directly with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and gain greater exposure to potential career pathways. The session also provided an opportunity for participants to build professional connections and better understand the expectations and opportunities available within the engineering sector.
Strengthening Industry-Academia Connections
IEM YES Open Day 4.0 provided a platform for students to gain insights from experienced professionals while engaging with organisations across the engineering and technology sectors. By combining professional sharing, open discussion, and direct industry engagement, the event sought to support students in preparing for the transition from university to the workplace.
Through initiatives such as IEM YES Open Day 4.0, the engineering community can continue to strengthen connections between students and industry, encouraging the next generation of engineers to develop their capabilities and contribute meaningfully to the profession.
