PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA - There is still misconception that engineering is a man's domain, says Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei.

"During my classes, I see very few girls. There is a perception that engineers get their hands dirty, but the truth is many engineers work in an office environment these days," he said.

Dr Lee said engineers not only worked in the technical section but also in sales, design and research.

"And women can do better in certain areas like sales and design," he said. "So more women should take up engineering."

Dr Lee will speak on "Engineering as a career option" on Saturday at the Star Education Fair 2009 in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

Joining him in the session will be Institution of Engineers, Malaysia, deputy chairman of mechanical engineering technical division Dr Cheong Thiam Fook and Shell Refining Company senior engineering manager Khairuddin Tamby Hashim.

Dr Cheong will talk about civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering as well as gaining recognition from the Board of Engineers Malaysia, while Khairuddin will share his work experience as an engineer.

There will also be talks on medicine, dentistry and employment market trends on the same day.

On Sunday, sessions on pharmacy, nursing, radiography, psychology, loans, scholarships and post-SPM options will be held.

All talks will be at Conference Hall 1 and 2 on Level 3, KLCC.

There will be 150 education providers occupying 500 booths in the centre's five exhibition halls.

Visitors can also win prizes for the Award 'N' Win contest and a recycling contest.

The fair will open from 11am to 7pm, and will also be held at the Penang International Sports Arena on Feb 28 and March 1. Admission is free.

For enquiries, call 03-7967 1388, ext 1168/ 1250/ 1243/ 1466, or 04-647 3335 (Penang), between 9am and 5pm from Mondays to Fridays, email msd@thestar.com.my, or check out thestar.com.my/education.

The Star/Asia News Network