HashTech Kampar 2020 was yet another successful mega-science event organised by Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) Kampar on 4 March 2020 at UTAR Kampar Campus. The event was sponsored by EasyParcel Sdn Bhd, Exabytes Network Sdn Bhd, SNS Network (M) Sdn Bhd, Web Bytes Sdn Bhd and Cytron Technologies Sdn Bhd. It was supported by Kon10 Innovations, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology and Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology.

Present at the opening ceremony were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat, CFS Kampar Director Ts Tan Lee Siew, Deputy Director for Student Affairs and Development Lim Khiew Loon, Deputy Director for Academic Phang Ying Ning, Department of Science and Engineering Head Ooi Siew Fong, Organising Chairperson Hoh Ming Chee, CEO of EasyParcel Sdn Bhd Clarence Leong, Digital Marketing Specialist from Exabytes Network Sdn Bhd Martin Tang, Marketing Manager of SNS Network (M) Sdn Bhd Harry Chin, teachers and students from SMJK Pei Yuan and SMK Methodist (ACS) Kampar, UTAR staff and students.

Attracting over 400 participants from secondary schools and UTAR students, the science event was comprised of Internet of Things (IoT) workshop, Tech Exhibition, talks and sharing sessions. The aim was to enhance students’ interest in technology and generating public awareness on the practical application and utilisation of emerging technologies.

Prof Ewe, in his speech, encouraged participants to use the online platform as a learning resource to learn about the technological application. “When we talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI), we may not understand how it affects us, but recently on Youtube, there was a documentary series on AI, and it was hosted by a famous celebrity. The series tells how people incorporate the application of AI, even for movie making. AI has also enabled the production of artificial limb, while some gain their lost voice. Therefore, it is important to take this opportunity to learn what you think you are interested in and all the technologies.”

He added, “In view of the Covid-19 situation in China, they are experimenting with the largest ever online learning. Although they are learning online, it also tells them to search for other new learning resources online. Younger people these days are also spending a lot of time on social media, but imagine if you could use a few good hours to watch a lecture series; how much more would you learn? So make online resources useful, and be more acceptable to the application of technology because IoT and AI are meant to improve human lives. So we must increase ICT literacy. This event is a good platform for you to gain more experience. Talk to the exhibitors and sponsors, learn from them and understand how they apply technology and internet in their businesses. It is important that we develop a passion to learn more and cultivate transferable skills. These skills will be useful across various industries and it will be very much helpful for you throughout your life.”

 “The digital industry is growing rapidly and STEM-related positions are among the top emerging jobs in the market. The technological development has also made it possible for medical students to use augmented reality (AR) technology to practise surgery. Consumers, on the other hand, are also enjoying the benefits of AR when they are provided with virtual visits of showrooms. Added with the invention of IoT, we can now access our home appliances and digital devices while not being present physically. All these have changed the business landscape and brought an enormous impact on our lives. Therefore, I hope participants here can enjoy the activities prepared and contribute to the STEM development,” said Hoh.

Apart from the fun IoT workshop, specially organised for secondary school students and UTAR students, participants were also treated to some insightful tech talk, by speakers, namely Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Selvakumar Manickam, Exabytes Digital representatives Martin Tang and Priscilla Prasanthi, SNS Network (M) Sdn Bhd representatives Ng Meng Keong, Chan Keen Wai and Seet Ee Jay, and lastly, OpenMinds Founder Jan Wong.

Dr Selvakumar spoke about “Demystifying Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things”, which included topics on Industry 4.0, Industrial Revolution 4.0, Fourth Industrial Revolution, Internet of Things, and Smart Factory. He explained the changes in technology and its application over time and explained the current megatrends.

“Physical trends are the easiest to see because they are tangible. For example, autonomous vehicle, 3D printing, advanced robotics and formation of new materials that are lighter, stronger, recyclable, adaptive, and smart. Some of these trends are also a bridge between the physical and the digital world. For instance, IoT is a relationship between things and people. Blockchain is a new approach for engagement and collaboration, and it creates trust without a neutral central part. Platforms match supply and demand in a very accessible way. Biological trends involve the progress achieved in reducing costs, for instance, genome sequencing, synthetic biology and the use of data to increase medicine precision with targeted therapies,” explained Dr Selvakumar.
Exabytes speakers, on the other hand, spoke on “Branding Strategies for Startups You Can Do Immediately”. “When starting a business with a small team, you will wonder where to start first and how to get your business known. Firstly, you would want to build a brand that tells your story. It will attract the people, and from the story, they can learn the purpose of the business, the solution for a problem and importantly, make your brand relatable to people,” explained Priscilla.

Her colleague, Tang, further elucidated on the tools, startup business owners can use to boost their online presence. He also emphasised on the importance of having consistent colours and themes on the website to better reflect the brand. The usage of the right fonts is also important as it would make it easier for consumers to read and navigate around the website. Towards the end, they advised participant to continuously innovate and learn more, in order to remain competitive and to stand out.

Participants also learnt much about SNS Network, their products and how these products have been incorporated in an individual’s daily life. They inspired participants to make good use of digital devices to make documentations and business processes more efficiently.

At a more personal level, Wong, who is also listed under the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2017 list, shared “Key Learnings of Running a Startup” by sharing his experiences. He shared how he started his business and what motivated him.

“Entrepreneurship for me is about what I can do for myself and the community. Yes, I have my struggles and challenges but entrepreneurship is education as well because I learnt a lot along the way. What many people don’t realise is that entrepreneurship is impactful, as though giving us a position to change lives for the better,” said Wong.

He shared the five key lessons he learnt from his experience. “When you start a business, you want to have a good team, so start with good people. Secondly, you want to make sure your products sell, so make something that customers really want. Thirdly, be wise when spending, and it is best to spend as little as possible. Meaning to say, keep your expenses low. The next thing is to keep your focus in your business. It is easy to start comparing, but we should focus on what is at hand and expand that. Of course, finally, you want a business that makes money,” said Wong. 

The event also attracted positive responses from the participants. CFS Kampar student Tan Kah Hsing said, “The talks were insightful and I was very inspired by the speakers. Learning about their success stories is very motivating. More importantly, this event has enabled me to learn much more about the technological opportunities that I should make use of and the ways to overcome challenges when starting a startup.”

CFS Kampar student Ng Xin Yi, likewise spoke of the event as experiential and enjoyable. “I had a good time learning at the workshop. The lecturers taught well and I was able to understand better about IoT. Learning and seeing the practicalities of IoT and its application is truly remarkable, so I’m really happy that the university organises such events to benefit the students,” said Ng.