Engineering and Science Fiesta 2017

The Engineering and Science Fiesta (ESF) 2017 was held at Sungai Long Campus from 20 to 23 February 2017. Themed ‘A Glimpse into the Future’, the event aimed to cultivate interest of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

From left: LKC FES Dean Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, Azhari, Prof Chuah, Lam, Dr Lai and Lai

“In the face of declining interest in STEM, I am very glad to know that our students are taking a proactive role in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Our nation’s progress relies on good engineers, scientists, technologists and mathematicians to develop our nation,” said UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik at the opening ceremony.

From left: Lai, Prof Goi, Azhari, Prof Chuah, Lam and Dr Lai officiating the fiesta

“In order to inspire students to take up STEM, we must show them what future possibilities there are because that is where the excitement lies. By showing off some innovative and creative projects, I hope it will inspire more young people to take up STEM programmes as their chosen course of study in the future,” said ESF 2017 Chairperson Lai Jia Shern.

Fiesta sponsors with the VIPs

KakiDIY Founder Johnson Lam said the fiesta shared similar aspirations with KakiDIY, cultivating interest and training people in science, technology, engineering, arts and math to create innovative and creative products and inventions for our nation’s development.

Prof Chuah inspecting some advanced testing and measurement instruments

3-D printers at Pebble 3D Sdn Bhd’s booth

A homemade robot built for domestic use

This four-day fiesta featured an engineering, science, and technology exhibition, workshops, talks, a carnival, and a career fair with 80 companies represented including Malayan Flour Mills Berhad (MFMB), Intel, Huawei, Omron Electronics, Motorola Solutions, Gamuda Berhad, Daikin Malaysia and Top Glove.

MFMB’s career booth

MFMB Director of Business Development and Corporate Affairs Azhari Arshad encouraged students who are passionate in food science to visit MFMB’s booth to explore careeropportunities. “It is because oftalent and technological advancements in science that has made it possible for us to produce affordable and high quality flour and poultry for the nation.”

Fiesta Advisor and 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 would be able to cultivate good analytical skills, creativity, professionalism, communication skills, business and management knowledge, and leadership traits from participating in the fiesta’s myriad activities.

The Production Team with their drone

One of the highlights of the event was a series of drone demonstrations conducted by ESF 2017’s production team. “The drone gave us the opportunity to apply our knowledge gained from our lessons. Designed for agricultural purposes, it is equipped with technology such as an infrared sensor, video tracking, object recognition and detection, and image processing to monitor crops and harvests. It took us eight months to build and programme from the ground up,” said Production Team Leader Lim Kai Wen.

“I would like to thank our advisor Dr Lai, my friends, teammates as well as our supporters whose contribution and assistance have made this event a success. We have learnt so much from one another, from the planning stage all the way to implementation,” said Chairperson Lai.

Live-action Angry Birds

A participant navigating a ball through a maze

The UTAR Engineering and Science Fiesta 2017 was organised by the UTAR Engineering Society in collaboration with 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), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Institute of Materials, Malaysia (IMM), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Student Chapters, as well as UTAR Robotics Society, UTAR Mathematics Society, UTAR Architecture Society and Actuarial Science Society.

The fiesta was sponsored by Malayan Flour Mills (MFM) Berhad, Vinci Construction, Acson International, V-tech, BlueScope Lysaght, Daikin, Loh & Loh Corporation Berhad, G&P Professionals SdnBhd, Muhibbah Engineering (M) Berhad, Dream Catcher, My Conceptual Robotics (MyCRO) Sdn Bhd, and KakiDIY.