History of IEM YES
1967 – The concept of establishing a G&S Section was proposed.
1969 – The suggestion to reduce membership fees was well received, leading to the revival of the G&S Section under the leadership of UM Engineering Graduates. Students showed a keen interest in having a younger group work more closely with the IEM Council, aiming to participate in training programs and pathways toward becoming professional engineers.
1970 March – A group of 11 graduates and students met with two IEM council members, resulting in the formation of a Protem Committee to initiate the G&S Section. By May 1970, the section received approval, and with the assistance of Ir. Chiam Teong Tee, an IEM council member and UM lecturer, By-Laws and Regulations were drafted, modeled after those of similar sections in the UK and Australia.
1970 June – 53 graduates and students attended the inaugural meeting at the Lecture Theatre of the Engineering Faculty, UM, where a formal resolution to establish the G&S Section along with its By-Laws and Regulations was approved. Ir. Cheah Kok Cheong was elected as the first Chairperson, with Ir. Gurmit Singh serving as the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer.
Early 70s – The founding committee dedicated substantial effort and worked closely with the IEM main body and Council. Their commitment successfully raised awareness among graduates and students about the importance of IEM membership and the requirements for the Professional Interview.
Mid 70s – The G&S Section addressed critical issues such as unemployment among engineers, low salaries, and the restrictions imposed by the Engineers Act that prevented Professional Engineers from signing. They organized career talks to support graduates and undergraduates in building successful engineering careers.
1977 Apr - May – The G&S Section's first overseas study tour to the Engineering Institute of Thailand boosted engagement from engineers in the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID). After nearly a decade, the section added soft skills courses to enhance its recognition from the IEM Council and the broader community.
1980s – The G&S Section made history with the resounding success of its inaugural Gala Dinner. Facing challenges like low participation and contract engineers limited to two-year government positions, the section actively protested these issues and achieved their objectives. Additional contributions included organizing badminton tournaments for the Chiam and Lim Challenge Trophies, launching the inaugural edition of the G&S Book on Engineering Professionalism and Ethics (EP&E), and conducting night classes for IEM/BEM exams. They also secured increased allocations, engaged in community service, and undertook various initiatives.
Late 1980s – During the amendment to the Registration of Engineers, which restricted graduate engineers from using the "Ir" title until becoming Professional Engineers, the G&S Section advocated for minimum wages and a compulsory two-year contract with government agencies. Despite the recession, they supported graduates by organizing activities and assisting the unemployed. This period marked the start of their efforts to secure IEM Council representation. They also launched the Electronic Board Bulletin and strengthened relations with student members.
1990s – As the first female Chairperson, Y. Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Rosaline Ganenda empowered women engineers. Under her leadership, the committee expanded outreach to universities and engaged in CAFEO. The G&S Section was pivotal in founding the YEAFEO, holding its inaugural meeting in Brunei on November 28, 1994, chaired by Ir. Poobalan Mahalingam. The section upheld its social responsibility, supported those in need, secured its first IEM Council representative, and earned international praise, including commendation from the YEP.
2000s – Under the leadership of Sdri Foong Pek Ling, the G&S Section launched its website to facilitate the easy sharing of information and published a new edition of the EP&E Book. In 2001, the committee organized over 20 activities, including meetings with G&S Sections, IEM Past Presidents, and Excomm members, and hosted workshops and events focused on graduate training and university collaborations, including the Engineering Games. In the late 2000s, the G&S Section was rebranded as the G&S – Young Engineers Section, or YES. This rebranding culminated in their first national summit, where IEM-YES leaders gathered in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
2010s – In June 2010, IEM-YES celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of impact. Its active role in IEM Engineering Week and IEM Family Day strengthened support for the IEM main committee. In 2011, IEM-YES made history by registering 43 ASEAN young engineers as Associate ASEAN Engineers.