Industry Talk With Dialog Upstream: Unveiling the Real Challenges of Energy Engineers!

An Industry Talk session was successfully held on 23 May 2025 at the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology (FTKEE), UMPSA Pekan. The session was conducted online and delivered by Ir. Ts. Zarina Johan, a Senior Engineer from Dialog Upstream. The program involved students from the Electrical Power System, Renewable Energy & Technology, and System Installation and Maintenance courses, coordinated by Ts. Dr. Norhafidzah Mohd Saad and Ts. Dr. Mohd Shawal Jadin.

The talk, titled “Navigating Electrical Engineering Challenges in the Energy Sector,” provided students with valuable insights into the diverse challenges within the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the energy sector. Ir. Ts. Zarina shared her experience in managing large-scale energy projects such as solar system installations, including the complexities of offshore solar installations for the oil and gas (O&G) industry.

Key topics highlighted during the session included safety, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with industry standards. She also discussed the critical role of engineers in decision-making, risk management, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Furthermore, the speaker emphasized the importance for today’s engineers to master both technical skills and soft skills, especially in this era of energy transition toward renewable sources.

Overall, the session was highly beneficial in raising student awareness about the realities of an engineering career while inspiring and boosting their confidence to step into the industry. The faculty extends its heartfelt appreciation to Ir. Ts. Zarina for her meaningful and impactful sharing.