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“There’s nothing I believe in more strongly than getting young people interested in science and engineering, for a better tomorrow, for all mankind.”Bill Nye

Due to huge investments in infrastructure, the Global Engineering Services industry has significantly grown in revenue over the past five years, and is now worth over US$767 billion worldwide. Industry forecasts predict an annual growth of 3.8 percent internationally, meaning the demand for highly-skilled engineering graduates is likely to increase, raising the employment prospects of qualified engineers around the globe.

For the Asia-Pacific region in particular, engineering is big business.

Sector professionals project that by the year 2018, the Asia-Pacific’s Engineering Plastics Market alone will be worth US$385 billion, and the future of the industry looks increasingly bright. Revenue brought in through the market is expected to grow rapidly over the coming years, generating a consistent surge in demand which will, in turn, boost levels of production among the region’s major players.

“There are plenty of engineering jobs in the Asia-Pacific region, even shortages in several locations,” writes Ron Schneiderman, a contributing editor for IEEE Spectrum Online. “In some areas, like India and Australia, diversification into systems design and manufacturing have become part of these countries’ national growth strategies.

“Consequently, some companies are becoming more active with local universities in helping train engineers in the skill sets they need, while some companies continue to pull in engineers from outside the region to meet their technical talent needs.”

When the promising future of engineering in the Asia-Pacific is considered, candidates at the top of the heap for consideration from potential employers are those who have received a comprehensive, practice-based education from one of the region’s top engineering faculties.

With that in mind, here are six of the most reputed providers of a professional engineering education in the Asia-Pacific:

1. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – SOUTH KOREA

This College of Engineering is part of Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea’s first and highest-performing public university. The institution is ranked 36th overall in the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2016, the same organisation that ranks the University 15th in the world for its provisions in Engineering and Technology.

The School’s College of Engineering is a world leader in building a first-class infrastructure and nurturing talent, relentlessly working to achieve its goal of providing leaders in both global industry and society as a whole. The College boasts a diverse array of engineering disciplines, delivered by the sector’s elite who dedicate themselves to the professional success of their students.

“In this time and age, globalization is the answer,” says Kunwoo Lee, Dean of SNU’s College of Engineering. “In particular, engineering has no borders and is a field with unlimited competition and cooperation. Engineers have a huge role in helping South Korea develop into the focus of the world stage in the 21st century. A single engineer’s research can improve the qualities of life of 10,000 people. Engineers are necessary to provide a better future for our community.”

Graduates of the College have gone on to become CEOs of multinational corporations, entrepreneurs and first-rate engineers, involved at all different levels of society to become the driving force behind the sector’s national, and international, development.

“Seoul National University College of Engineering boasts varied fields of study, fulfilling curriculums, and various academic systems that provide a solid background for global engineers of the future,” Lee concludes. Read the full profile…

2. MELBOURNE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE – AUSTRALIA

The University of Melbourne is recognised worldwide for the high quality of its teaching and research, ranked 42nd overall in the 2016 QS World University Rankings. The School boasts outstanding partnerships with both industry and government, allowing students to gain unique real-world experience alongside their intensive studies, instilling them with a competitive edge in this fast-paced, global industry.

Engineering students can choose from 14 varied specialisms, allowing them to hone the skills relevant to their particular ambition, and earning the School the title of Australia’s number one educator in this particular field.

“Our engineering and technology community is drawn from over 100 countries, consisting of 3,000 students in coursework programs… and more than 900 students in research training, all supported by over 400 PhD qualified researchers and teachers,” says Professor Iven Mareels, Dean of Melbourne’s School of Engineering.

“Our graduate model of engineering education provides depth, breadth and flexibility to a world-class curriculum that is informed by real-world, problem-based learning, industry experience and a generous program of scholarships for both local and international students.”

3. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY – AUSTRALIA

The University of Sydney is one of Australia’s top three universities, ranked 45th overall in the latest QS World University Rankings, and landing a top 30 position among the globe’s leading engineering faculties.

The School offers a diverse range of taught undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across a wide range of engineering subjects. Students develop a passion for knowledge and experience, reaching far beyond the classroom walls to conquer engineering issues facing the wider world, now and long into the future.

“As a graduate, you will have excellent employment prospects as well as work-ready qualifications that are recognised worldwide,” the Faculty states. “Our engineering degrees are accredited by Engineers Australia… The faculty works with hundreds of companies to support students through scholarships, vacation work, and industry-sponsored projects.”

The School’s vast network of industry professionals means Sydney’s engineering students are never short of practice-based opportunities, and the real-world experience gained as a result of these strategic partnerships are universally recognised by employers.

4. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE – SINGAPORE

The most recent league table from QS World University Rankings has placed the National University of Singapore (NUS) 12th in the world, and the University’s Faculty of Engineering is internationally reputed for the high quality of its provisions.

Undergraduates can choose from programs that range from Bioengineering to Mechanical Engineering and beyond, with industry playing a major role within the Faculty’s education and research programmes. These courses are specially designed to nurture creativity and management qualities, all the while enabling students to build expertise within their chosen discipline.

“We are one of the largest faculties in the University, with established programs recognised internationally and accredited by various professional bodies,” notes Chua Kee Chaing, Dean of the Engineering Faculty. “The Faculty offers exciting opportunities for students to embark on a variety of learning pathways, each with a global perspective, complemented by an Asian focus.”

5. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND – NEW ZEALAND

The University of Auckland was ranked 82nd overall in this year’s QS World Rankings, and is renowned for the prestige of its programmes and the high quality of its academics.

The Faculty boasts more than 3,900 students; 2,900 at undergraduate level, 430 in taught postgraduate programs and over 500 research postgraduate students, all of whom lead the world with their ground breaking discoveries and developments.

Student life within the Faculty is vibrant and exciting, with state-of-the-art facilities that are virtually unparalleled. The Engineering Atrium, which includes a 250-seat, oval-shaped lecture theatre, four new computer labs and a quirky café, is the hub of student activities, providing a relaxed environment in which students can socialise but that is also conducive to learning.

“Our strong links with industry mean your degree has the right mix of theory and practice,” says Professor Nic Smith, Dean of the Faculty. “With a BE(Hons) degree from the University of Auckland, you will be recognised and sought after by employers here and around the world.”

6. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND – AUSTRALIA

Ranked 46th in this year’s QS World University Rankings, the stellar education provided by the Faculty of Engineering at Queensland has earned the institution a global reputation for excellence.

The Faculty has long and proud traditions of innovation and leadership across student education and research. The department seeks to be universally recognised as an outstanding provider of education in engineering, design and technology as it influences the world through creative thinking, innovative technologies and distinguished staff, students and alumni.

“In just over a century, more than 27,000 Faculty graduates have gone on to use their UQ education to have significant impact on our state, our nation and across the world,” says Simon Biggs, the Faculty’s Executive Dean.

“From novel hydrogen storage and next generation polymers to biomedical engineering and mining safety, our research outcomes are solving problems for local and international communities, and our industry partners.”

Images via Seoul National University & Shutterstock.