Alicia Moh Peik Shya
KUCHING: The sky is the limit for Nilai University Department of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering alumni Alicia Moh Peik Shya and Jason Tan Jen Keat.
Moh graduated in 2017 with an Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering from Nilai University and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) (Hons) in Aircraft Engineering awarded by Kingston University, United Kingdom.
The BEng (Hons) in Aircraft Engineering is a top-up programme for Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering students.
They will complete both programmes in one year after graduating with the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (DAME).
Moh had offers from an international company in Singapore and also a scholarship to do her master’s with a prestigious university in Hong Kong but chose to gain further work experience.
She was offered her current post of quality assurance executive with an international maintenance, repairs, and overhaul (MRO) company within a month after completing her degree.
She is a certified lead auditor, liaising with professional aviation authorities such as European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Indonesia, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) United States, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), and Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
Initially, Moh pursued DAME at Nilai University and after completing her diploma, she joined an international company before furthering her studies.
DAME incorporates in its syllabus the internationally recognised Easa Part 66 Category B1 and B2 syllabus.
This means students will study for both a diploma as well as for the Easa examinations using the same course notes.
Easa is the core agency of a new, cost-efficient regulatory system in Europe, which stringently ensures all its partner agencies worldwide are similarly well-organised.
It is responsible for the airworthiness standards for most civil aircraft registered in the EU.
“Nilai University’s Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering courses are well balanced between theory and hands-on practice. With both theory and practical exposure, I was well-prepared for the real deal. The most exciting curricular is a six months on-the-job training which allowed me to explore the relevant roles and functions on the ground,” said Moh.
Tan graduated with DAME in 2016 and worked in an MRO company specialising in repairs and overhaul of helicopters.
He was assigned to inspect and rectify technical issues of aircraft based on the respective maintenance manual.
“In addition, the technical courses taught at Nilai University were relevant. I applied the technical know-how and practical skills such as composite repairs, metal works, structural repairs, turbine engine inspection, and maintenance procedures in my previous role,” he said.
“It’s extremely crucial to take on responsibilities seriously and with integrity. I am committed to these core values even till today when I manage my business.”
Jason Tan Jen Keat
Tan opted to be an entrepreneur after working for a few years. The technical know-how gained during his studies and experience gathered gave him an avenue to start an ingenious business model – supplying qualified professionals for electrical installation in factories.
He enjoyed his years at Nilai University, where he also coached squash and started a squash club.
The multi-faceted learning environment encouraged Tan to mix with other course mates from different countries.
He developed soft skills, which gave him the confidence to communicate with his French and Chinese colleagues during his previous job.
DAME at Nilai University is open to both science stream and non–science stream students who achieved three credits in English, Mathematics, and Physics or Science, passed Bahasa Malaysia and History in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia.
Students should be medically fit and have excellent eyesight and hearing with no colour blindness or hearing impairment.
Nilai University has a purpose-built hangar with two aircraft and students have access to proper tooling and equipment to enhance their practical training.
Students will also undergo six months on-the-job-training with AirAsia X and AirAsia.
Nilai University offers up to 100 per cent scholarships.
Nilai University is open daily except on public holidays.
For more information, call 06-8502308, go to www.nilai.edu.my, or visit the campus.