With the nation’s first-of-its-kind bachelor’s degree in Robotic Design & Development, Taylor’s University is at the forefront of robotics education and research. Integrating knowledge and skills from different engineering disciplines, the programme is built to give students a broad-based overview of multiple specialisations – making them highly adaptable to today’s fast-paced employment market.

Endorsed by industrial experts from the Malaysian Robotic and Automation Society (MyRAS), the 3-year programme looks to expose students to a valuable 32-week working experience on real-world challenges in their final year, placing them at some of the top industrial names: Western Digital, FourFang, Robopreneur, Omron Electronics, and Me.Reka to name a few.

The programme comes at a time when there is an increased demand for robotics engineers in its push towards Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) in Malaysia. _[1]  Rise of technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence during the era of Internet-of-Things are key factors that prompt the demand for robotics engineers. It is projected that the number of jobs in the field will grow 9% between 2016 and 2026, leading to a shortage of qualified engineers. _[2]

Students enrolled in the Robotic Design & Development undergraduate programme at Taylor’s will benefit from three disciplinaries in computer science and engineering - integrating their knowledge and skills in different areas, increasing their flexibility to adapt to the current employment landscape

Speaking at the launch, Taylor’s University Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Professor Dr Pradeep Nair notes the significance of robotics talents in Malaysia’s national agenda: “IR4.0 technologies, such as robotics, have long proven the capabilities to entirely transform the manufacturing value chain. However, the pandemic has revealed how vulnerable global supply chains can be and has motivated manufacturers to further expand their digital capabilities to future-proof their business in the new normal. That said, the lack of robotics talent in the local market will hinder this recovery process – we cannot, and should not, have to rely on foreign talents alone to fill high-income jobs. That is the motivation behind the launch of Robotic Design & Development programme – to produce IR4.0 compliant graduates to drive the current market and spearhead the revolution internationally.”

The virtual event was graced with the presence of Dr Ishkandar Baharin, President of Malaysia Robotics & Automation Society (MyRAS). “The automation capabilities enabled by advanced robotics and AI/cognitive can lead to ample opportunities to innovate and bring the industry to the next level. Currently, we are just at the start of this technology adoption – there are more work to be done, especially in talent development. Because of this, we constantly work with partners across different clusters including the government, industry, academic and public, to raise awareness on the need for robotics and automation in Malaysia. Our vision is to be a professional platform where all engineers and technologies can meet and network to discuss about robotics and automation program in the country,” said Dr Ishkandar. 

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) Robotic Design & Development at Taylor’s facilitate a student-centred curriculum, while focusing on enhancing professional development in a year-long experience at a workplace setting. Students graduate highly skilled and employable, meeting industry requirements

The programme will be taught by 100% certified professionals with both academic and industrial backgrounds, including Professional Engineers and Professional Technologists in leading companies. This means that there is a potential opportunity for the students to be absorbed as interns or permanent staff in top-tier organisations before or upon graduation. With a flexible and innovative teaching framework powered by TCF2.0, the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Taylor’s University, aims to offer graduates a fast-tracked entrance to the industry. This keeps in line with Taylor’s top university in Malaysia for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2020 and QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020 results. _[1]

Additionally, Taylor’s is also one of the partnering schools with Robopreneur Sdn. Bhd, a fast-growing service robotics company based in Malaysia with a strong focus on R&D in robotics technology and innovation. The collaborative efforts in research between two parties may also result in ground-breaking frontiers for the industry.  

Dr. Hanafiah Yussof, the Founder, Board of Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Robopreneur Sdn Bhd, congratulates the school: “We believe that the partnership with Taylor’s University will bring us closer to becoming the leader of service robotics in Malaysia, followed by in the ASEAN region. The additional exposure provided to graduates of the Taylor’s programme will also ensure that they have an edge against regular engineering grads, landing them high-income roles that are in-demand. I look forward to seeing young, budding talents taking a stab at real-world issues throughout their learning journey and finding their passion in the robotic industry.”

Students in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Robotic Design & Development gain experience and job opportunities with leading industry players & MNC partners in industries such as aerospace, automotive & manufacturing