Beyond the Campus Walls
Postgraduate studies and researches have long been closely associated with universities and places of higher learning. Hence, this connection prompts the images of such institutions whenever postgraduates come to mind. However, a lesser known fact is that there are also many postgraduates working in different industries and who have been actively contributing to the society while pursuing their own interest and passion for knowledge and research.
So, what actually lies beyond that campus wall?
By Tan Chin Siong & Catherine Tang
Surrounded by intricate circuit designs on his computer monitors in his cozy Motorola Penang office, Dr. Colin Chee Chong Hin describes that his passion for radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit (IC) design drove him to pursue an industrial career. When he graduated with the Bachelor’s degree from Hull University, UK in 1994, he did not think that he needed a postgraduate degree.
“At first, I didn’t think it was necessary. But the opportunity came in the form of scholarship offered to me at Hull University. Since I had passion for IC design, I took the chance”. The rest is history.
He is now Distinguished Member of Technical Staff currently attached to the Advanced Technology and Research (ATR) group in Motorola Penang. This venerable group is responsible for exploring new technologies, and Colin leads a group of IC engineers in designing next generation RF IC which are used in Motorola’s future two-way radio platforms. Among his many achievements include 3 patients pursued, 2 defensive publications, and 1 global Best-in-Track award from Motorola’s Virtual Innovation Symposium (VIS).
Colin feels his postgraduate experience was invaluable in leading to where he is today. “Apart from the fact that RF IC design is my area of interest, my postgraduate degree taught me how to do independent research, think critically, look at designs differently and more-in-depth”. He also added with a chuckle. “In fact, it was then (during postgraduate studies) I started understanding and appreciating all the things I learnt in undergrad!”
Dr. NorAzmi Alias, another post-graduate holder attached to Motorola Penang completely concurs with Colin. He describes that his journey in obtaining his doctorate degree has tremendously aided him to delve into details and always challenging the way things are done with the hope of doing better at each attempt.
As he was exploring his career options, the Senior Engineer Manager remember that he wasn’t keen of teaching but was more interested in pursuing a career in turning theories into applications. “It is a proud moment when you see that the idea which you have spent so much time in finally culminating in the fruition of an actual product that helps to resolve customer issues”.
When asked about their opinion in engineers pursuing postgraduate program while working, Colin says, “I think I would have benefited and appreciated more of my post-grad studies if I had had say 2 to 3 years working experience. Industrial experience tends to focus your thought and help you to see which parameter is more important”.
Dr. NorAzmi agrees with this and further adds, “Management has a role to play by giving time and the appropriate support to the staff to allow them to better themselves through postgraduate degree. For example, here in Motorola, we have the EAP which is an excellent opportunity for people who have started working right after their undergraduates to further pursue their studies”.
The Educational Assistance Program or EAP is an educational aid offered by Motorola Penang to its employees who want to pursue postgraduate studies during their tenure in the company. It is also a differential investment in Motorola’s future and is provided to enhance the knowledge and skills sets of select employees.
One of those who took up the offer and challenge is Lim Lee Ling, in her 6th year with Motorola Penang. She views Motorola as a company that provides a lot of opportunities for continuous learning and undertaking the EAP program has allowed her to grow and add depth to her technical knowledge.
“it is certainly a tough experience, especially juggling between study and work,” laughs Lee Ling as she recalls her experience with the program.
“The schedule and course structure calls for a full 5 days of classes once every 4 months. Assignments need to be submitted at the end of the 5 days class, which will then form 40% of the coursework. I guess therein lies the challenge,” explains Lee Ling. She is currently undertaking the MScs in Reliable Embedded Systems by University of Leicester and is on track to complete the course in early 2011.
Despite the challenge of managing time, Lee Ling feels that it is better to have some working experience before starting on the MSc program. R.M.Muthaiah another Motorolan studying the same course readily agrees, “I am able to apply the things I learnt from the course directly into my job”. He explains that he research assignments performed during the course can be aligned to the company’s business goals, making the whole exercise a practical one to both the candidates and Motorola.
Both Lee Ling and Muthaiah feel excited as the course completion is in sight and the hard work they have put in gives them a great sense of satisfaction. “It has certainly been worth the time and effort spent. And I believe this will help my career growth. Exposure through this course is better compared to self-learning as that would surely have been a tougher and longer route,” says Muthaiah.
As they along with many other postgraduates’ students complete their courses, they are confident to join the likes of Dr.Colin and Dr. NorAzmi in their pursuit of excellence. In this age where such talents are highly valued by technology firms such as Motorola Penang, people should be encouraged to follow the footsteps of these postgraduates students. The experiences and knowledge obtained from their studies and industrial experience will be crucial for our industries and nation to move forward, beyond any boundaries and walls.
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