At present, most academic institutions and industries in the Asian region are only system integrators. Components are procured from more developed countries (e.g. computer numerically controlled machines, robots, and automated guided vehicles) and are integrated as a system (e.g. flexible manufacturing system). To support the growth of the region’s economy, expertise not only as system integrators but also as builders of components of advanced technologies must be developed. The growing number of electronic devices and the strong interactions between mechanical and electronic parts no longer permit separate investigations of these components.

Today’s major challenges for water engineers and managers include securing water for people and for food production: protecting vital ecosystems: and dealing with variability and uncertainty of water in space and time. The Water Engineering and Management (WEM) field imparts education and training toward an understanding of the complexity of water use and water resources management problems. It offers a balanced curriculum, which covers both the engineering and management aspects of water resource development.