Yew (far left), Prof Goi (third from left), Prof Chuah (fourth from left), Prof Faidz (fourth from right) and Dr Tham (second from right) with sponsors at the opening ceremony

The Engineering and Science Fiesta 2019 (ESF 2019) was held from 24 to 26 June 2019 and 28 to 29 June 2019 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The theme of the fiesta this year was ‘A Journey to STEM Education’. It aimed to promote a culture of interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among the public and school students and provide them with a platform for creativity, innovation and hands-on experience.

Present at the opening ceremony were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, UTAR Engineering Society Advisor Dr Tham Mau Luen, Event Chairperson Yew Sze Yen, sponsors, exhibitors, UTAR staff, students and the public.

Prof Chuah explaining the importance of supporting STEM education

In his opening remarks, Prof Chuah said that the number of students who are doing science, technical and vocational education has dropped since the year 2007. “We talk a lot about Industry 4.0 and 5G technology, but only talent and people will make things happen,” he said. He pointed out that the availability of talents in the STEM-related areas was worrying because the talent pool in these areas is continually shrinking. He highlighted the importance of promoting the understanding of STEM among young people and explained that studying science subject does not only offer laboratory jobs but also a wide range of career options.

Yew expressing her hope to stimulate interest in STEM among youngster

Yew, on the other hand, thanked all the sponsors, participants, collaborative industry partners, organising committees and helpers for their support. According to her, the UTAR Engineering Society has organised several activities prior to the fiesta including mural painting at SJKC Sungai Nipah, tree planting in collaboration with Free Tree Society KL, beach clean-up and site visits to Penang and Kulim. She said, “It has been 16 months since the preparation of ESF 2019. I was happy that there were 100 committees working together with me along this wonderful journey. We hope that ESF can build a culture of inclusivity among the youngsters in STEM education.”

Distinguished guests having an exhibition tour

The participants having fun at the workshops and exhibition

A series of interesting activities lined up to keep the school kids entertained

This year’s fiesta featured an exhibition, competition, workshops and an Engineering and Science Internship (ESi) Fair. Held on 26 June 2019, the ESi saw the participation of more than 30 companies which included MaxMoney, Top Glove, I-Chem Solution Sdn Bhd, Blue Ocean IT Sdn Bhd, Malayan Flour Mills Berhad, EVOL Consultancy and many more. The objective of the fair was to encourage networking between engineering students, alumni and recruiting professionals as well as opening doors for them to gain access to co-op and internship opportunities.

Thean (left) with event committee member Tan Ting Seng

One of the exhibitors, who is also the gold sponsor of the event, Pesona Metro Berhad Corporate Communication Manager Thean Kim Sim said, “Our company’s primary focus is on the construction area. Hence, students will be able to pick up construction skills upon joining our company. We hope to recruit students who know our company well and possess brand awareness and a good attitude. We chose UTAR because we believe in the quality of their students.”

From left: Yap, HR Assistant Manager Christine Lee and HR Executive Harsukhdip Singh from Panasonic Appliances Air-Conditioning R&D Malaysia Sdn Bhd

“We are from the Panasonic Air-Con R&D centre. We provide students with internship opportunities, according to the different timing of intake so that UTAR does not need to compete with other universities. The interns have some requirements to fulfil in order to join our company. Although the requirements are difficult for the students, I have faith that they will work hard to join our company,” said Yap Kim Haw, Principal Engineer of Panasonic Appliances Air-Conditioning R&D Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

“This internship fiesta is very helpful. I wanted to find an internship position in a company nearer to my home and I successfully came across this company called Blue Ocean IT Sdn Bhd. The structure of the company and the service they provide are truly excellent. I am interested in mechanical engineering and programming. Since it is very much related to my course, this company would be my choice,” said Wong Yoke Kim, Year One Mechatronic Engineering student.

Year Three Chemical Engineering student Wong Li Xuan said, “I would be choosing Top Glove because it is a well-known company and my seniors suggested me to apply for a position at that company. I am from a chemical engineering background. Since the company is related to my course, I can learn a lot and get experience while doing my internship there.”

ESi provided a wide range of career options to UTAR students

Prof Goi (front row, fourth from right) with the company representatives

The exhibition and workshops were organised by UTAR Engineering Society in collaboration with Malaysian Association of Creativity and Innovation (MACRI). Some interesting activities and games such as hydraulic maze, wiggle wire electric, DIY clay and the making of Gelatin fragrance were offered to the participants during the event.

Moreover, UTAR Engineering Society together with GreenRe Shd Bhd organised “My Green Space-Green Building Innovation Competition”. An appreciation dinner was also held on 29 June 2019 in appreciation of all the support, hard work and dedication of the committee and collaborative partners for making the event a success.

This year’s fiesta was supported by Platinum sponsor Greatech Integration (M) Sdn Bhd; Gold sponsors Doshin Rubber Products (M) Sdn Bhd, Pesona Metro Sdn Bhd, and NS BlueScope Lysaght Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

Click here to know more about “My Green Space-Green Building Innovation Competition”.

A journey to promote STEM education