Welcoming international student from MIT

Olutimilehin Omotunde

UTAR received an international student named Olutimilehin Omotunde from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to Sungai Long Campus on 10 January 2019. Olutimilehin was in UTAR for a research programme under the Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development (AOARD). He first came to know about the programme through an online resource. He then came into contact with UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, who is also an MIT alumnus.

Olutimilehin was working on a research project called “Computational Electromagnetics in Scattering Interactions of Earth Terrain for Remote Sensing Modeling” where he used satellite imaging, SAR techniques, to model the production palm oil from palm oil trees. According to Olutimilehin, his primary job was to conduct data analysis for solar energy besides studying and compiling the given data. “This is my first time being here in Malaysia. I’m glad to be here on time to celebrate the festive season; Chinese New Year. I was able to witness the beauty of the Chinese culture through the various performances put up by UTAR students. It was truly intriguing and I am very happy to be part of the celebration. I also visited the Batu Caves during Thaipusam, and I am happy to be given the opportunity to attend the UTAR Alumni Dinner. It was an eye-opening experience for me.”

He added, “I find the students here very friendly and nice. When I first got here, they showed me around the campus and they even took me out for meals.” He said that there was no any sort of discrimination as the students were friendly and well-accepting. He also expressed his affection towards Malaysian spicy food like “curry laksa” and “mamak” food. Over the weekends, he would travel up to Kuala Lumpur to see the city as he enjoys exploring the places in Malaysia. He also commented that the weather in Malaysia was nice and warm.