Engineering and Science Fiesta 2018

A car racing platform built by the students

The Engineering and Science Fiesta 2018 (ESF 2018) was held from 29 to 30 January and 1 to 2 February 2018 at the Sungai Long Campus. The event aimed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to the public, especially among the high school and under-privileged students. The theme for this year was ‘The Era of Innovation’.

Present at the opening ceremony were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, ESF 2018 Advisor Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Department of Student Affairs Assistant Manager Norazilah binti Adnan, sponsors, exhibitors, UTAR students and staff.

Prof Chuah said, “I applaud this year’s theme of the Fiesta which sets to promote innovation in STEM education among the higher learning institutions and schools. In the face of declining interests in STEM among school children, I am very happy to know that our students are playing a role to raise awareness on STEM education through such a meaningful event. They have taken the initiative to go to the streets and schools to provide STEM workshops for school students.” He continued, “Innovation and science literacy highly depend on knowledge in the STEM areas. Our nation’s progress relies on good engineers and architects for development and the health of the future generation will require good medical expertise. It is therefore imperative that we all do our part to ensure that the young generation continue to be interested in STEM and there are enough skilled people to meet the future demand. I would like to thank the organisers and the sponsors for making ESF 2018 special for everyone.”

“With the theme ‘The Era of Innovation’, we hope to introduce the element ‘Do-it-Yourself’ (DIY) and share the excitement of innovation to the participants. We wish to implant the mind set of innovation and DIY, so that students will begin to believe that they are capable of creating and innovating beautiful ideas. STEM education is not only about memorising facts and passing the exam papers but it is also about experiencing the fundamental truths of STEM by yourself and then start making changes for a better future. I hope through this Fiesta many will come to know about STEM and learn its importance. I believe that will make the event more meaningful. On behalf of my team, I would like to extend my gratitude to all the sponsors and role players that have made it possible for our dreams to become a reality,” said ESF 2018 Chairperson Lee Chee Fatt.

UTAR’s Makers Club

Architect Junior’s exhibition

My Robot Time’s exhibition

The fiesta featured an engineering, science and technology exhibition, workshops, carnival and a career fair which saw the participation of more than 50 companies including SB Tape International Sdn Bhd (SB Group), Malayan Flour Mills Bhd (MFMB), Huawei, Daikin Malaysia and Top Glove. One of the highlights of the event was a series of drone demonstrations conducted by the ESF 2018’s production team.

“It is very heartening to see the University students going all-out to promote STEM to the public. This kind of platform prepares the students and trains them to be more responsible in the future. As for our interviewees, we hope to provide them with the experience they need to begin their working life. We are ready to train and mould them to propel even further,” said Muhammad Haiqal Shukri from SB Group.

“It is great to see UTAR giving much emphasis in the area of STEM, especially engineering. We are from a construction and engineering company, so our main target would be engineering students for our technical positions. Therefore, a platform such as this enables us to find the pool of students we are looking for. We are indeed glad to be here,” said Lydia Bosuin from WCT Construction Sdn Bhd.

Second from right: Muhammad Haiqal and his team from SB Group

Far right: Lydia Bosuin and her team from WCT

The ESF 2018 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, Mathematics Society, Architecture Society and Actuarial Science Society.

The fiesta was sponsored by SB Group, Strong Force (M) Sdn Bhd, Sunway Construction Group Bhd, MFMB, Vital Technical Sdn Bhd, Inventech Solution, G&P Professionals Sdn Bhd, IKA Works Sdn Bhd, Dream Technology System Sdn Bhd, WCT Holdings Bhd, BlueScope Lsaght and Warrior.

Origami exhibition

Exhibition by IKA

Students trying out the “Hulk Buster VS Hulk” arm wrestling

Boxing-robot match

Mega sized pinball game

ULTRONBOT match

 A career fair that saw the participation of more than 50 companies