An A-leveling experience at FEGT for Westlake International School students

University is all about discipline—not just academic self-regulation but also a deep dive into specialised fields, where curiosity sharpens into expertise and learning becomes a lifelong pursuit. The pursuit of knowledge in a youth’s academic journey can often be nebulous and meandering, filled with uncertainties and shifting ambitions. Yet, it is precisely through navigating this ambiguity that resilience, clarity, and true passion are forged.

For three A-Level students from Westlake International School (WIS), Kampar, their experience at UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) offered a meaningful preview of university life.

From left: Pon, Tseng, and Poh during a workshop by the Department of Industrial Engineering

The trio, Poh Yu Xin, Pon Teck Yu, and Tseng Yi-Ching, gained firsthand exposure to university life through the Job Shadowing Programme organised by FEGT at UTAR Kampar Campus, from 28 July to 1 August 2025.

The programme aimed to provide pre-university students with hands-on exposure to a diverse range of engineering and technology disciplines at FEGT. It not only helped them better understand each field but also guided them in selecting an academic path that aligns with their interests.

The trio’s five-day adventure at the green campus brimmed with ever-changing experiences as they explored various FEGT departments. Each day, they took on the role of a FEGT student from a different department, including the Department of Environmental Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Construction Management, Department of Electronic Engineering, and Department of Industrial Engineering.

Throughout the programme, they participated in a variety of academic activities, from lectures and practical sessions to interactive workshops—offering them an authentic taste of the diverse facets of student life at FEGT.

Environment Engineer for a day — the trio working laser-focused on water treatment in a practical session by the Department of Environmental Engineering

Structure, properties, and reactions — the trio in their element during an organic chemistry practical session by the Department of Chemical Engineering

It’s all about building a robust bridge towards the future for the trio at the bridge-building activity and tensile strength test demonstration by the
Department of Construction Management

Creativity takes flight — the trio experimenting with electrical technology and drone applications during their session at the Department of Electronic Engineering

The trio getting hands-on with ‘optimised manufacture’ at the optimisation of manufacturing processes workshop by the Department of Industrial Engineering

Though five days may be too brief to fully experience the vibrant life of a science student at UTAR, the programme nonetheless provided the trio with meaningful insights into each discipline. It paved a clearer path for their academic choices while igniting a deeper appreciation for the possibilities within the scientific field.

In their reflections on the final day, the students shared that they had gained valuable knowledge through the programme, particularly on the roles and contributions of the various engineering disciplines in real-world applications.