The Engineering Fiesta 2016

A robot created by UTAR Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET)

The Engineering Fiesta 2016 was held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus from 23 to 27 February 2016. Themed ‘Creating a Better World’, it aimed to raise awareness for STEM education as the foundation of societal development.

This four-day event included an Engineering, Science, and Technology exhibition, a Green Product Design competition, talks and forum on current opportunities for STEM students, a carnival, community projects, and a career fair.

Prof Chuah speaking on the importance of STEM education during the opening ceremony

Prof Chuah (fourth from left) cutting the ribbon with the sponsors

“Our nation’s progress relies on good engineers, scientists, technologists, and architects for developments, while the health of the future generations will need good medical experts,” said UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik at the opening ceremony.

Engineering Fiesta 2016 Chairperson, Teo Hock Meng hopes that this science fair will inspire more young people to take up STEM fields as their course of study in the future. “STEM education does not mean it’s boring; you’ll be able to witness very creative projects created by students.”

Students displaying their projects to the public

A student trying out a virtual reality headset

Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Lai Soon Onn hoped that students will be able to cultivate good analytical skills, creativity, communication skills, business and management knowledge, and leadership traits through this fiesta.

Musical stairs at the entrance of KB block 

A robot made out of wood and PVC pipes on display

The Engineering Fiesta 2016, after five days of activities, culminated in an appreciation dinner held on 27 February 2016 at the Multi-purpose Hall in Sungai Long Campus. Among the guests at the dinner were Prof Chuah, Vice-President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Dr Teh Chee Seng, LKC FES Dean Ir Prof Goi Bok Min, Dr Lai, Director of the Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations Ong Soo Weon, sponsors, invited guests, UTAR Heads of Departments, staff, and students.

Students receiving career advice from various companies

It was a night of good food and entertainment with lucky draws and free photos from the photo booth at the foyer. The performances showcased the talents of students who sang, played musical instruments, and even performed a capella in their own creative style. A donation of RM 1,800 was given out to a welfare home in support of charity.

Prof Chuah said, “UTAR engineering students are not square. From what I have seen over the week’s activities and the performances planned tonight, I am proud of our students who have demonstrated what the university has always advocated, a well rounded education.”

Band performance by Fubumomo, which consist of UTAR students

In concluding, he said, “Bear in mind that your degree will earn you a bronze medal; your experience will earn you a silver medal; your human network will earn you a gold medal; and your right mindset and attitude will earn you a royal medal.”

Organising Chairman Teo in his speech said that, “I would like to thank all my friends and teammates in the organising committee, and also all the supporters and helpers whose contribution and assistance have made this event a success. We have learnt so many things about each other and so much about teamwork, coordination, and implementation, including the managing of resources. It has been truly educational for all of us. Most of all, our deepest appreciation goes to the sponsors for their support and contributions; thank you for believing in us.”

A capella by Black Muffin who serenaded with their creative song compositions

Diabolo performance by Yeow Peng Fu, a second year Actuarial Science student, who took up diabolo when he was seven years old

The UTAR Engineering Fiesta 2016 was organised by UTAR Engineering Society and eight student chapters of LKC FES, namely The Institution Of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Leibniz Institute for New Material (INM), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

The fiesta was sponsored by Doshin Rubber Product (M) Sdn Bhd, IEM, IET, IMechE, IJM Corporation, i-Chem Solution, Loh & Loh Corporation Berhad, and BlueScope Lysaght.