If you're really not interested in educational/theoretical field, then go for experience and a professional certificate: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_an..._in_engineering or other well known certifications like MCSE or CCNA for example, other factors against going for postgraduate studies is probably uncertainty -you're not assured of actually finishing your theses in X years, there are tons of journals to be read and published, field works and studies, nutty supervisors, assisting your professors in classes and marking their papers etc. :\

This post has been edited by mgjg: May 26 2011, 10:31 AM

I'm writing as an outsider here, with a layman's view. Like I wrote in my original post, it's really up to you whether you can give at least 5 years (IMHO a more prudent ballpark) pursuing postgrad studies in Malaysia. The choice too depends on whether you can stomach working as a junior engineer for some years, get the necessary qualifications and get a better paying job.
Another thing, have you tried contacting IEM?: http://www.myiem.org.my/default.aspx?redirect=oldsite

@amy From what I've heard, it's not 'exemption', it's promoting your Masters thesis to PhD because your research is superior or reached a higher level than originally proposed. So, it's like the first few years of your Masters work becomes the preliminary work for your PhD, and you'll save a few years.


@TS It depends, if a company wants a graduate from a ranked uni. they'll offer him the job; if the company finds a candidate they like, is qualified and fits into the team they'll still hire him/her even if he/she comes from a lower ranked/less glamorous uni.
Another advantage of being a graduate of 'named' uni's is probably the old boys and their network :s

IMO you need to take the research route, because the local uni's prefer candidates who are qualified researchers and have the relevant experience. Doing part time PhD (if there is such a thing) usually mean course works (classes/exams/presentations) which would not help you with writing journals and research papers (the current policy iirc, is for an academic staff to write and publish a journal/research paper every year) and supervising postgraduate students.