IT is important for students to understand how the Fourth Industrial Revolution will shape the future workforce and how to make the right career choices based on this phenomenon.
Industry 4.0 as it is more commonly called, is the fourth phase in the series of industrial revolutions that first started in Europe and the United States.
The First Industrial Revolution took place in the late 18th and early 19th century, and it was a revolution that gave rise to the manufacturing industry, the use of machines, and steam power.
The Second Industrial Revolution happened between the late 19th century and early 20th century. During this time, manufacturing and production technology advanced and spread through rail networks and telegraphs, relying primarily on electrical power.
The Third Industrial Revolution, which is also called the Digital Revolution, saw the shift from mechanical technology to electronics. This revolution happened in the second half of the 20th century and saw the development of computers and the internet, and laid the foundation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has led to increasing automation and digitisation, through the development of smart technologies, like Smart Phones, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and the Internet of Things. Industry 4.0 is creating a powerful virtual copy of our physical world, through technologies such as social media and virtual reality that are being deployed across all domains such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, entertainment, banking, and more. But what does it mean for us?
Each industrial revolution has had a massive impact on employment because it revolutionised the economy. Each revolution determined what were the industries that would thrive, what jobs would be automated, and hence, what new directions would careers move in.
It is estimated that about 40% of the jobs that exist today could be automated by 2035 and hence these jobs would cease to exist for human employment.
But it is not all gloom. Each industrial revolution has also led to new employment opportunities, increasing decentralisation of the economy, and increasing distribution of power and resources among the youth of an economy.
Today, Malaysia is poised to become an important player in this ongoing global revolution and hence, it is the duty of the educational institutes in Malaysia to help its students develop the skills required to capitalise on this revolution. This is the role that Manipal International University (MIU) seeks to fulfil in society through two routes. First, by ensuring that all its curriculums across programmes meets the requirements of industry 4.0. And second, by assuring 100% employability to its graduates in a fast-changing economy, subject to terms and conditions.
All MIU’s programmes at the foundation, diploma, and degree level are fully accredited by the MQA, and its analytics driven MBA programme that was launched in May 2018 will soon be fully accredited, too.
MIU’s programmes are also globally recognised by relevant industry standards such as the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) and the Washington Accord for its Engineering programmes while its Accounting programme is affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and
also the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The university is also a member of the global Association of MBAs (AMBA) for its MBA programme, which gives graduates an advantage in their respective fields due to such high-quality industry affiliations.
Furthermore, international exposure is a key focus at MIU where undergraduate and postgraduate students have multiple opportunities to pursue part of their studies with partner international universities in India, Australia, UK, UAE, and more.
A second cohort of MIU’s Business and Accounting students recently completed their international immersion trip to the respected T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), India, during which they received hands-on training in global business practices in the Bloomberg Lab at TAPMI.
As part of the global network of Manipal universities, MIU is strategically placed to help its students develop global perspectives and skillsets through such immersion trips. Frequent industry talks and visits are also a focus area for all programmes at MIU.
MIU provides 100% industry internships for all its students. These internships expose students to real life practices in companies operating within the Industry 4.0 environment.
All graduates also complete a Final Year capstone project that further prepares them for Industry 4.0 in their respective fields.
The university’s graduates have also secured employment with leading national and global organisations such as General Electronics, Nestle, Barclays, Celcom, Exxon Mobil, Top Glove, DHL, Citi Bank, British Petroleum, Panasonic, American Express, and more.
Intake dates are as follows:
January 2020 – MBA
March 2020 – Degree
April 2020 – Foundation and Diploma
For more information,
call 1800 222 648, email enquiry@miu.edu.my or visit www.miu.edu.my.
