UTAR hosts 3rd Postgraduate Colloquium on STEM 2024 with inaugural 3MT Competition

The annual research showcase, Postgraduate Colloquium on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) 2024, returned for the third time on 16 October 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus. This year, the event marked another milestone with the introduction of the inaugural Three Minute Thesis (3MT™) Competition, demonstrating UTAR’s continuous commitment to fostering innovative STEM research.

The colloquium was jointly organised by the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT), the Faculty of Science (FSc), and the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT), alongside the Centre for Electronics Systems Design (CESD), the Centre for IoT and Big Data (CIoTBD), the Centre for Agriculture and Food Research (CAFR), and the Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research (CBNR), and sponsored by Techkem Group Sdn Bhd.

The colloquium was launched by Deputy Director of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) Prof Dr Sumathi Sethupathi, who represented UTAR Vice President for Research and Development and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman. Meanwhile, Organising Chairperson, Junaid Abbasi, delivered the opening speech and highlighted the colloquium’s role as an interdisciplinary scientific forum and the 3MT communication competition where postgraduate candidates were challenged to present their research topic and its significance compellingly in just three minutes.

Also present at the colloquium were Director of IPSR Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, Dean of FEGT Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, Deputy Dean of FEGT Dr Lo Po Kim, Deputy Dean of FICT Assoc Prof Ts Dr Goh Hock Guan, and Deputy Dean of FSc Dr Phoon Lee Quen, representative of CESD Dr Ahmad Uzair Mazlan, faculty judges and academics, organising committee, UTAR academics and students.

Three distinguished speakers were invited to share their expertise throughout the event. The first speaker, Senior Prof Dr Chye Mee Len discussed Genetic Engineering for Better Crops and enlightened participants on the worldwide latest advancements in plant molecular biology and advances in genetic modification with various potential applications in developing healthier disease-resistant crops.

The second speaker, Prof Dr Wong Ling Shing from INTI International University spoke on Interdisciplinary Research Skills for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasised the importance of integrating diverse fields such as biosensors, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence to address global challenges.

Universiti Malaya academic Assoc Prof Ts Dr Ismail bin Ahmedy then presented on Internet of Things (IoT): Technological Advancements Driving Research Evolution. He explored the transformative potential of IoT in various research fields, including wireless sensor networks and energy management optimisation to improve lives and highlighted various academic grants available for researchers.

The colloquium featured parallel sessions where postgraduate students presented their research topics in between insightful talks. The presentations were divided into four tracks: (1) Data Science and Big Data, (2) Information Technology Management, (3) Biotechnology for Sustainable Development, and (4) Green Engineering Technology & Smart IoT/Security/Applications.

After the track presentations, the best presenters from each track competed in a live presentation. This session was judged by the event advisors, who determined an overall winner. The selected winner will represent UTAR in the national-level 3MT competition in 2025. After an intense final round of presentations, Yap Xing Fui from the Biotechnology for Sustainable Development track emerged as the overall champion. Winners were then awarded with certificates and cash prizes, presented by the event advisors.

The event ended with a closing speech by Dr Ahmad, who highlighted the dual purposes of the colloquium, which were training students in organising university-level programmes and showcasing innovative STEM research. He emphasised the value of academic event management experience for postgraduate students, noting its relevance in both academic and industry settings as part of professional progression.

In addition to showcasing UTAR’s cutting-edge research, the event also highlighted the university’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, articulate researchers ready to make significant contributions to the nation. This year’s introduction of the 3MT competition also elevated the event and challenged participants to present their research in the most accessible and engaging manner, allowing them to put their skills to practise and embrace the opportunity to present their ideas to a wider audience.

The respective winners for each track: