In the context of the World Engineers’ Day celebrated yesterday, this paper puts on record the latter’s crucial role in society. Around the world, engineers and scientists are viewed differently. In Europe, scientists are known to “rule the world” and are revered for the technological progress they have brought. Asian countries have given a new dimension to technology.

The US does not need an introduction for the technological leap that has transformed it into the ultimate world super power. Recruitment and facilities granted to top engineers and scientists from around the globe have harnessed development there.

Australia and South Africa are banking a lot on technological research. Meanwhile, South American and most African countries, poor in technology, are struggling for survival. Although both USA and China are super powers, their governing styles are totally opposite. The development of tertiary sectors has permitted both to flourish and prosper.

Apart from being optimistic about the future, it has often been alleged that the IQ of scientists has always been the highest. Faraday, Edison, Darwin, Bell, Ford, Einstein, Pasteur, Curie, etc. have changed the course of humanity. Their creativity coupled with hard work has made this a better world. Without them, we would be without electricity, telephone, cars, vaccines, etc.

A scientist can work worldwide because of established regulations governing every rule and calculation. Every scientist consults them before making any decision. The conformity of the outcome gives science its universal appeal.

There seems to be no limit to technological advancements. In spite of past ecological disturbances due to inventions, science is gradually winning battles for a cleaner, safer and better world. In India and Israel, terrorist infiltrations have been considerably reduced by the introduction of sophisticated radars and intruder detection systems.

The importance of technical and scientific personnel could be judged if a general strike was called around the world. Imagine one day without electricity, water, telephone, Internet, TV, radio, satellites, planes, trains, ships, hospital equipment, military surveillance, etc. A scientist has always got a time frame in which to complete his duties. His decision must be precise and timely. Let’s take a few examples.

During a natural disaster/war, the very first professionals summoned are always doctors and engineers to treat casualties and reconstruct infrastructure. On the outbreak of a new disease, genetic engineers have to work relentlessly to find solutions to halt its proliferation. These people cannot say “case postponed”. The list is endless. We often marvel how God engineered the universe and the species.

With the irreversible equations of world economy, it is frightful to contemplate how Mauritius will cope with the technological demands of the developing world if scientists and engineers are underpaid. With research and development virtually inexistent in Mauritius, how do we expect to foster innovation? In the Economist, Mr Hammer, ex-professor at MIT in the US, says that it is no coincidence that many US corporate leaders and managers are first trained as engineers. The latter are thus taught that designing is part of a system in which everything interacts and engineers continually measure the robustness of the systems (equipment or business).

It is true to say that ICT is being developed and given loads of facilitating schemes. What must not be forgotten is that, without the contribution of other engineering fields, ICT alone will not develop and survive. Growth can never depend on only one or two factors. Semi high-tech industries are where we need to focus right now.

In the existing Civil Service, it is no secret that engineers can never aspire to become the supervising officer (permanent secretary) of a Ministry unlike managers of successful private companies. What is recommended is an examination for the grade of a PAS open to all graduates and professionals. If engineers had more administrative power, things would look different today.

Decision making, designing and restructuring are the inherent qualities of engineers. We believe that the key to a developed and progressive society lies in a proper blend and cognizance of its intellectual power. On this Engineer’s Day, we want to pay tribute to all engineers who have contributed to the making of Mauritius.

<B>Dr K. Reesaul

President GPEA R. K. SEMBHOO Sec. GPEA</B>