38 ENGINEERING DEANS GATHER IN PENANG FOR 91ST MCED MEETING

BAYAN LEPAS, 11 September 2025 - A total of 38 engineering deans from public and private higher learning institutions across the country have gathered here for the 91st Meeting of the Council of Engineering Deans of Higher Learning Institutions (MCED), which kicked off today.

MCED chairman, Professor Dr. Jafri Din, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), said this round of discussions focused on four key agenda items central to the advancement of engineering education in Malaysia.

“Our main areas of focus include the enhancement of academic and co-curricular programmes, accreditation matters, collaboration potential between institutions, and the strengthening of research and innovation,” he said.

With the theme “Driving Excellence in Academia, Accreditation and Innovation in Engineering”, the programme aims to provide a strategic platform for engineering deans to share insights and align academic priorities collaboratively.

“Despite their tight schedules and faculty responsibilities, the presence of all deans and representatives today is a testament to their commitment to the goals of MCED,” he said during the programme’s opening session.

Meanwhile, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Shahrel Azmin Sundi @ Suandi, Dean of the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to host the event, which brings together key leaders in engineering education nationwide.

“As a research university, USM has always supported collective efforts to enhance the quality of engineering education. We believe that progress in this field requires alignment in knowledge, policy and practice across institutions,” he said.

Shahrel noted that the MCED meeting enables members to exchange best practices, address institutional challenges, and foster synergies that contribute to a more sustainable and impactful engineering future for the country.

“We also hope that all participants find the environment here comfortable and conducive for fruitful discussions, exchange of ideas and meaningful collaboration throughout the event,” he added.

“It is this spirit of shared commitment that will continue to strengthen the ecosystem of higher engineering education in Malaysia," he said.

In conjunction with the programme, a dinner reception was held, attended by USM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab.

In her speech, she said that the key issues discussed in this programme are critical in shaping the future of engineering education in the country.

"These discussions will open the door to new ideas, proposals for improvement, and stronger collaboration among all parties," she said.

"I believe this is the strength of MCED as a platform that unites the voices of engineering deans for the common good," she added.

The two-day MCED meeting, held from Sept 11 to 12, 2025, is co-organised by USM and UTM.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman