By Bakri Baharom@Koboi Tunjang

A group of students in deep discussion to buy components for their course requirements.

What will be the most promising field to pursue in future? Economics? Finance? Medicine? Law? Culinary? Agriculture? …
 
There is no simple answer to the question. To be fair, all is needed. The only advice for anyone is to be the best in your trade – the best doctor, the best surgeon, the best columnist…. even the best Stand-Up Comedian. There is always room for the best talent anywhere, anytime (remember Ikigai?).
 
Looking at the world trend, Koboi Tunjang thinks of two areas worth striving for – 2E. The first is Electronics and the second is Energy – especially related to Electrical Vehicles (EV) and their ecosystem.
 
In EV cars, the battery will run the car motor – which consists among other things, magnets. Powerful magnets are made from Rare-Earth-Elements (REE). An example of REE industry in Malaysia is Lynas in Kuantan. Not too long ago Kedah MB announced the discovery of REE in the state worth RM billions. Now REE productions and processes are mainly done in China. REE are important materials for high technology items like microchips, smartphones, digital cameras and jet fighters to name a few.
 
Nowadays, almost every device is powered by electronics. You will see it in the form of a microprocessor, electronics boards with in-built computer software – popularly known as an Algorithm. Gone are the days, when you may send your cars to mechanics under a tree. Even an innocent-looking scooter needs high-tech tools for diagnostic tests – not to mention the new generation of BMWs, Mercs, Hondas or even Personas.
 
Given such a scenario, we may ignore the 2E at our own perils. Koboi Tunjang is very concerned about the newspaper report that our country’s Science: Non-Science Ratio Policy in our schools is wanting. Further, more students are said to quit after SPM. Reasons: Lack of financial support and interest, huge debt and uncertain employment. In the long term, we will not be competitive. The high-income economy will be but a dream.
 
Which country has a proven record of an abundance supply of Nickel? Answer: Indonesia. What is their policy? For a few years now, Indonesia has banned the export of this critical metal. They are collaborating with battery manufacturers like LG and Hyundai for the expertise. They are keeping tight on Copper and Bauxite too.
 
The most commendable policy is to value-add our commodities. We should sell furniture rather than timber or tyre rather than rubber. Similarly, we have to see the rollout of our Low-Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021 – 2030.
 
Once upon a time, Japan’s economy was second to the USA’s. But, it was trailing far behind. Until China opened up in hot pursuit. Now, China is almost neck-and-neck with The Big Apple. Some say, given a few more years, there is no stopping for China to claim #1.
 
Is it all by coincidence? No. It is too big an issue for Koboi Tunjang to discuss; the rise of China. But one thing, if you care to check, for the last 30 years, you will be surprised by the academic backgrounds of China #1. They are all science and mathematics-inclined, calculations and applications savvy, and comfortable with analysis, evaluations and creations. They are all engineers.
 

• Xi Jinping: 2012 – present (Chemical)
• Hu Jintao: 2002 – 2012 (Hydraulics)
• Jiang Zemin: 1989 – 2002 (Electrical)
   
  These leaders came from old schools but the competencies remain the same. You are considered outdated if terms like Block Chain, Machine Learning and Analytics do not ring any bell.
   
  Let us take a quick look at Industrial Revolution (IR) which is divided into generations and is now in its 4th; 4IR or IR4.0:
   
  1st – Mechanisation / Steam / Water Power
  2nd – Mass Production and Electrical Power
  3rd – Automated Production / IT System
  4th – Augmented Reality, Robot, Big Data, 3D, Cloud Computing, System Integration, Cybersecurity, Simulation and Internet-of-Things (IoT).
   
  On a personal note, BB Electronics aspires to play an active role in IoT. We call ourselves Makers in Electronics Innovations – catering for students in both public and private institutions and interested individuals. We provide consultation to customers to acquire the right components to minimise cost. We propose alternative solutions if required. We carry out enhanced tuition like C++ Programming in person or online. We assist researchers to acquire tools and equipment using their grants. But, the mission remains; to equip and establish our IoT Thinking Lab for Gen Y and Z – IR 4.0 is the Name of the Game.
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  NOTE: BB Electronics is registered after Koboi Tunjang retired, commencing 1 Jan 2020. Prior to that, it was under FBX Electronics, Koboi Tunjang’s son. We are in our 6th-year operation.