Giving Girls Equal Opportunities in Engineering at Heriot-Watt
Founded in 1821 with roots deeply enriched in Scottish history, Heriot-Watt is known as the first mechanic’s institute in the world. Heriot-Watt University is lauded for its truly global presence and impact, gaining the title of the International University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018. It is also ranked in the world’s top 150 universities for Chemical Engineering and Civil and Structural Engineering according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018.
The first institution in Scotland to admit women into STEM programmes, Heriot-Watt acknowledges the need in cultivating more women leaders for our future workforce. One such effort taken by the university is in creating more opportunities for women in realising their careers in engineering. Women in Engineering Scholarship (WIES), is a four-year scholarship awarded to female candidates who are passionate in Engineering and possess leadership skills. Placing women at the forefront of learning and development through its four core components: Personal Development, Professional Development, Leadership Development and Global Exposure, this scholarship offers candidates robust opportunities to get a head start in their dream career through industry links, industry-based projects and early acceptance into leading corporations.
Reyshienee d/o A. Vana Muthu, is a first-year BEng (Hons) Petroleum Engineering student at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. “Petroleum engineering has been my goal since I was 15. To my delight, the course at Heriot-Watt provides comprehensive coverage of the field of engineering, which encompasses mechanical engineering, geology, chemical engineering and petroleum engineering. We are exposed to practical sessions such as lab sessions and site visits, and theoretical teachings through lectures and workshops.”
When asked if she has had the opportunity to develop industry links, she enthused, “Yes! I was given amazing exposure to the industry in terms of leadership, partnerships and sponsorships from companies like NREDGE, PetroEdge, Petronas, Shell and many more.”
Florence Ong Woei Yng, who recently graduated from the BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering programme, shared, “Many doors of opportunity have been opened to me, both in Malaysia and the UK. I am currently working in Glasgow, Scotland, under a graduate scheme with a role in project management in BAE Systems. I certainly believe that my degree has given me a solid foundation to thrive in a competitive world.”
“We hope to encourage and empower women in the study of STEM, specifically in Engineering, as we recognise the importance of fostering growth in this area,” expressed Professor Dennis Wong, Deputy Provost of Academic at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.
The scholarship is available for the university’s MEng Chemical Engineering with Oil and Gas Technology, MEng Mechanical Engineering, MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering, MEng Civil Engineering and MEng Petroleum Engineering programmes. The closing date for applications is 13 August 2018.
To find out more on the university’s Engineering programmes, the WIES, as well as other programmes or scholarships on offer, visit its campus in Putrajaya during its Open Days or during its consultation hours which are from 9am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. Alternatively, log on to www.hw.edu.my or call +603 8894 3888/e-mail hwum@hw.ac.uk.
