Student Spotlight - Ke Yeun Yong

The Aviation industry requires high calibre engineers at every stage of the product life cycle, from conceptual design through to in-service support. Aircraft Engineering is a strategically important industry for Scotland with companies such as BAE Systems and Rolls Royce employing people in high skill, high-paying jobs. Aviation courses at Perth College UHI offer a range of academic qualifications and our staff have specialist knowledge across the breadth of disciplines with backgrounds in industry, academia and the armed forces.

Our Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Management degree is a unique course and is the only one of its kind in Scotland and is designed to produce graduate-calibre aircraft maintenance engineers. In the blog this week, we meet one of those talented engineers.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Ke Yeun Yong, and I am from Brunei.

What course are you studying at Perth College UHI, and what year are you currently in?

Currently in my third year studying for an honours degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Management, which includes studying towards a helicopter license (B1.3) with Air Service Training (AST).

What were you doing before you came to college?

I completed my A-level study with focuses on physics, chemistry, mathematics, and English.  

Why did you decide to pick this course?

I decided to pursue my future career in the aviation field, and I am fortunate to obtain a scholarship from a company. The degree course provided by Perth College UHI, and the training towards the helicopter license (B1.3) with AST respectively, are recognised and accepted by the company.

What is your favourite thing about the course?

The degree teaches me about aircraft design and an in-depth understanding of how it works. I also get to learn new software namely MATLAB, Catia and LabVIEW. The license allowed me to do hands-on fixing an aircraft and bring it back to service. Moreover, it has given me a lot of opportunities to work on a wide range of fixed-wing aeroplanes and helicopter components. With those two combined, I have gained extensive knowledge along with hands-on skills and techniques which is what I enjoy doing and am working towards achieving more from this course.

Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?

I started late on my course because of the pandemic but all the lecturers and instructors are very helpful in providing academic support and understanding the student’s difficulties in such a stressful and depressing covid period. Although most lectures were taught online from late 2020 to early 2021, they were more than welcome to have a virtual one-to-one session with the students regarding their enquiries. Even now that we are back to face-to-face teaching, their support does not lessen.

Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?

In the AST hanger, we got to work on a great variety of fixed-wing aeroplanes - namely Jetstream and Cessna, and helicopters. As the hanger is near a flight training site, the view of all types of aircraft taking off from the field together with Scotland's majestic scenery is a view that I would never get bored of. We also got to 3D print an aeroplane wing that my team designed, and have it tested in a wind tunnel located in the Perth College UHI hangar to test its aerodynamics.

Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?

My class consists of 13 people from different nationalities and backgrounds, but that is what made it beautiful as since it is not made a big class, we interact with each other more and form a wonderful and memorable friendship bond. Studying abroad also assists me in self-independent and allows me to start adjusting to work and an adult lifestyle. 

What do you like about the campus/facilities?

They have all the decent learning resources and equipment we needed, and the sport building is near to the building where we commonly have classes which is great for after-class football or any sport/exercise with friends. As the campus is located a bit uphill, the view out far is great to watch with a cup of hot coffee at hand during cold season after class.

Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI?

The course can be challenging at times but overall, it is worth studying where my passion lies.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?

Whenever time allowed, I like going on solo and group trips around the United Kingdom and Europe experiencing different cultures, seeing breath-taking sceneries, and trying out delicious local food. To take care of my mental and physical health, I would go for a run at Perth’s North Inch Park when the weather permit and do indoor exercises.

What are your plans, for after you finish your course?

To officially get my B1.3 license, start working on my dream job and travel to many different countries!

And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?

If you planned to pursue the same major (degree and license) as me, the study schedule can be packed and heavy but that must not be the reason why you would stop going after your dream career. Every field has its difficulties so do not be demotivated and scared. Step out of your comfort zone and apply for the course where your burning passion is. Lastly, all the best in your future endeavours!

Applications for our Aircraft Engineering courses are open for 2023 - find your next start and #ApplyNow >>