EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENGINEERING STUDENTS' SKILLS AND READINESS TOWARD INDUSTRY REVOLUTION 4.0

Abstract

To move into the industrial revolution (IR) 4.0, the manufacturing sector faced some challenges, one of them is the shortage of skilled workforce. Previous studies also determined a lack of awareness and knowledge of IR 4.0 and Malaysian students still lack the necessary skills to work in the IR 4.0 era. Thus, the objectives of this study are to conceptualize the students’ skills towards adapting to IR 4.0. The study will discover IR 4.0 required skills, and the significant factors influencing students’ readiness, and the findings will also contribute to some solutions to improve students’ skills. This study is significant to the students, university, industry as well as policymakers. Students will increase their understanding of the required skills in the IR 4.0 era. University will gain input to provide quality education to equip the students with necessary skills. Besides, the industry can gain benefits from education development. Therefore, the issue of shortage of skilled workforces can be reduced. This study also will acknowledge the policy makers towards preparing future workforces and meeting the government objectives of implementing IR 4.0, particularly in the manufacturing sector in Malaysia.