Engineers in Society

Module 1:
The Engineer & The Society

Ir. Dr. Chua Yaw Long

Acknowledgement : Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Ungku Anisa Ungku Amirulddin

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 Engineers in Society
Module 1:
The Engineer & The Society

Ir. Dr. Chua Yaw Long

Acknowledgement : Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Ungku Anisa Ungku Amirulddin

ALLPPT.com _ Free PowerPoint Templates, Diagrams and Charts
The Engineer’s Social Responsibility

Content of Notes

1. Engineer vs Engineering Technologist

2. Characteristics of Successful Engineer
3. The Society & Challenges Faced
4. Social Responsibilities of the Engineer

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Engineer vs Engineering Technologist

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Science vs Engineering vs Technology
Science
• understanding fundamental laws of nature and the behavior
of materials and living things

Engineering
• Acquiring and applying scientific knowledge to
design / create useful tools / devices / processes for the
society, within economic, environmental and resource constraints

Technology
• The sum of all the engineered tools / devices / processes
available

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Scientist

• Actively involved in the

scientific discovery
• Explore new knowledge
about the universe
and how it works.

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Engineer
• Involved in designing
efficient engineering
processes
• Solved practical
problems by applying
mathematics and
physical science
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Technologist

• Involve in applying existing

engineering processes and
technologies.
• Apply engineering processes
to achieve a certain objective

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Engineer vs Engineering Technologist
Definition of Engineer based on Cambridge Dictionary

a person whose job is to

design or build machines,
Engineer a person whose job is to
repair or control
engines, or electrical machines, engines,
equipment, or things or electrical equipment
such as roads, railways,
or bridges, This definition
using scientific principles overlaps with
that of an
engineering
technologist

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 Engineer vs Engineering Technologist
Based on the job scope:
• An engineer is expected to be able to design, develop, test, analyse and
integrate complex systems for a specific objective
• An engineering technologist would be involved in operations service and
maintenance, production, manufacturing, component design, testing and
evaluation.

Technologist Engineer

Reference:https://www.nspe.org/resources/pe-magazine/september-2017/profession-x
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Characteristics of Successful Engineer

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Characteristics of A Successful Engineer
Logical Thinking
This is required
to understand and evaluate
the workings of a system.

Analytical Ability Mathematical Ability

Analytical thinking is required Mathematical skills are
to define a problem and develop required to develop solutions
solutions for the problem. in engineering.

Problem Solving Attention to detail

An engineer should be This is required to ensure all
able to effectively address aspects of the problem has
any arising problems. been solved.

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Characteristics of A Successful Engineer
Team Player
An engineer must be able to
contribute and work
well in a team for a project.

Communication Skills Leadership

They must have the ability to An engineer must also be
explain technical details in able to lead and manage
layman’s terms without being a team to achieve their objectives.
patronizing.

Creative Continuous Learning

An engineer should have An engineer must stay up-to-
the ability to date with latest developments
think outside the box. in technology.

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The Society & Challenges Faced

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Definition of Society
Based on Cambridge Dictionary

A large group of people who live together

in an organized way, making decisions
about how to do things and sharing the
work that needs to be done.

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21st Century Global Challenges
Based on the United Nations, the following are some of the challenges faced by
the global society:

Climate change
Shifting weather patterns
Food production
Rising sea levels
Risk of catastrophic flooding

Food Security
Inadequate food supply
Issues on nutritional status

Reference: https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/16
21st Century Global Challenges
Based on the United Nations, the following are some of the challenges faced by
the global society:

Inadequate supply of clean water.

Lack of sanitation and poor hygiene.

Infectious diseases
Obesity
Mental health.

Reference: https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/17
21st Century Global Challenges
Based on the United Nations, the following are some of the challenges faced by
the global society:

Human rights
Gender equality
Human trafficking
Support for refugees
Health and education
Ending violence
Poverty

Reference: https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/18
21st Century Global Challenges
Based on the United Nations, the following are some of the challenges faced by
the global society:

Increase in population in Asia

Impact to the environment and
resources
Reduction in the European
population
Ageing population
Pressure on Healthcare system
Declining labor workforce

Reference: https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/19
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Social Responsibilities of the Engineer

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Engineer & the Society
Engineering
• Acquiring and applying scientific knowledge to design / create
useful tools / devices / processes for the society, within
economic, environmental and resource constraints

Engineers have a
social responsibility
to uphold!
Scientific Societal
Knowledge Needs

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Social Responsibilities of the Engineer
Providing expert advice Ensuring safety & well-being of
to non-experts. public at all times.

Ensuring that the funds and

Commitment to design and resources of the society
develop sustainable related to the technology
technologies developed by the engineer
are effectively used.

Commitment to educate Minimizing the impact of

future engineers on their social projects on society and
responsibilities. environment.

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