UTAR alumni honoured by Institution of Mechanical Engineers for engineering excellence

Two distinguished alumni from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) earned prestigious accolades from the United Kingdom’s Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), a globally respected professional engineering institution. Their recognitions underscored not only individual excellence but also UTAR’s continued commitment to producing industry-ready and socially conscious engineers.

Ling Dai Hong, a graduate of the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours programme, was awarded the Institution Project Award, an honour presented annually to final-year undergraduates who have completed outstanding research, development, or design projects in mechanical engineering. His award-winning project, titled Performance Study of a Hybrid Solar PV-T System, presents a timely and innovative solution for sustainable energy needs in Malaysian households.

Designed and installed on UTAR Sungai Long Campus’ KB Block rooftop, Ling’s prototype hybrid solar photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) system integrates real-time monitoring and smart controls to harness both electrical and thermal energy. The system achieved an impressive combined efficiency of 32.73%, outperforming traditional standalone PV systems. Beyond numbers, the research highlights a viable path for domestic energy efficiency, extending the longevity of solar panels while also supplying usable hot water. In doing so, it directly addressed real-world challenges in the push towards renewable energy adoption.

“I am truly honoured and grateful to receive this award from IMechE. It recognises not only the hard work I put into my final year project but also the relevance of research in renewable energy. I hope this achievement inspires more students to explore clean energy solutions for a greener future,” said Ling, reflecting on the significance of the award.

Also recognised was Lau King Lin, recipient of the IMechE Best Student Certificate, an annual distinction awarded to top-performing undergraduates on IMechE-accredited programmes, based on the recommendation of their department heads.

Lau’s recognition stemmed not only from his academic standing but also from his exemplary leadership as Chairperson of the UTAR IMechE Student Chapter for the 2023/2024 term. Under his stewardship, the chapter organised impactful events including site visits to Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, and a virtual tour of Top Glove’s facilities. He also spearheaded an in-house site visit focusing on escalator installations at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, giving fellow students valuable exposure to practical mechanical systems.

“This award is a meaningful acknowledgment of my journey at UTAR and the incredible mentorship I received. It motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to contribute meaningfully in my future endeavours,” said Lau, who now serves as the Chapter’s Auditor, ensuring quality and continuity in its ongoing programmes.

These recognitions affirm UTAR’s strength in nurturing talent capable of addressing contemporary engineering challenges with both technical acumen and a sense of social responsibility. As the world pivots toward clean energy and smarter infrastructure, the achievements of Ling Dai Hong and Lau King Lin exemplify the role of young engineers in leading this transformation.

Their success aligns closely with the University’s mission to foster sustainable innovation and these awards not only celebrate individual brilliance but also reinforce UTAR’s enduring contribution to a sustainable and resilient future.