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What: Robotics
Why: Sci-fi movies have been predicting that robots are the future for decades, but so far there has been little evidence of them beyond manufacturing plants.
But experts say that, for the first time, Hollywood’s predictions are coming true.
Robots are now being designed for an increasing range of duties, from digging undersea tunnels to helping the aged in nursing homes and even rescuing survivors from scenes of catastrophe.
Engineers working in this industry develop artificial intelligence and design robots for an increasing variety of tasks.
Who: Computer, mechanical and electrical engineers
What: Clean energy
Why: More people are ditching their fuel-guzzling sport utility vehicles for electrically powered hybrids such as the Toyota Prius.
Clean energy is the wave of the future, and serious money is being poured into solar, wind and alternative fuel research.
The industry needs engineers from a wide range of fields to develop new ways to harness hitherto-untapped sources of power.
Who: Mechanical, electrical, biological, chemical and materials science engineers
What: Digital media
Why: The digital media industry in Singapore is hot to trot – a recent study by Deloitte Consulting estimated industry revenue to be $1.8 billion in 2008.
World-renowned game development studios such as LucasArts have set up shop here, while home-grown companies like Boomzap and Garena are staking our claim in this rapidly growing market. If you want to make video games and animated films, now is the time to jump in.
Who: Computer engineers and software engineers
What: Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
Why: Being hit by cancer is not the death sentence it used to be, thanks in part to the efforts of engineers.
Giant strides have been made in cancer research over the past 50 years, and even larger ones are set to be made in the years ahead, as nanotechnology and biophysics pave the way towards longer, healthier lives.
The advances in cancer treatment and a multitude of other areas have been made on the back of the new field of biotechnology, which is booming here. About $3 billion worth of medical devices are manufactured per year in Singapore.
Engineers trained in the biological and chemical sciences can cut their teeth on projects ranging from novel methods of drug delivery to the development of artificial organs.
Who: Bioengineers and chemical engineers
What: Aerospace
Why: Turn your eye to the sky – Singapore’s aerospace industry is taking off and going places. And it needs new blood.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore estimates that about 1,500 recruits are required every year by the aerospace industry.
From training systems for fighter jets to unmanned aerial vehicles which survey the ground, there is something for everyone.
Who: Aerospace/aeronautical, mechanical, electrical and computer engineers
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