UTAR hosts SES-IX: Pushing the frontiers of structural earthquake engineering

The tremors may have been simulated, but the excitement was real as the UTAR PROKON Structural Earthquake Stability Competition 9.0 (SES-IX) once again brought seismic energy to the UTAR Multipurpose Hall, KB Block, over two exhilarating weekends on 13 and 20 July 2025. Jointly organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Student Chapter – UTAR, Prokon Software Limited, and the Department of Civil Engineering of the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), SES-IX has established itself as one of UTAR’s flagship engineering competitions. Its mission goes beyond trophies — it aims to equip future engineers with the practical skills, innovative mindset, and collaborative spirit needed to design resilient structures in earthquake-prone environments.

The first phase, held on 13 July 2025, featured the Intra-University Competition, with 44 members, 140 non-members, and 15 invited guests gathering to test their skills. The event was graced by Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, Deputy Dean of LKC FES; Mr Louis Viljoen, Managing Director of Prokon Software Limited; Mr Leon van Rensburg, Director of Operations of Prokon Software Limited; and Ir Ts Dr Yip Chun Chieh, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering. Competitors constructed small-scale earthquake-resistant models under strict design parameters before subjecting them to dynamic shaking table tests. Team EZ 5.0 clinched the Champion title, while Team Tahan and Team Shake It Off took the first and second runner-up spots respectively.

The spotlight shifted on 20 July 2025 to the Inter-University Competition, where SES-IX showcased its national reach. Participating teams represented a diverse line-up of institutions, including Monash University (one team), University of Nottingham Malaysia (one team), Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology (two teams), INTI International University (two teams), SEGi University (two teams), Heriot-Watt University (one team), Universiti Teknologi Petronas (one team), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (one team), and UTAR (two teams). The competition was officiated by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, together with Mr Louis Viljoen and Mr Leon van Rensburg.

In the final round, Team Tahan from UTAR was crowned Champion, with Monash Civil from Monash University and Iron Minds from SEGi University taking the First Runner-up and Second Runner-up positions respectively. Special awards were also presented for the Most Economical Design, Time Efficiency, and Best Structural Presentation.

The highlight across both phases was the dynamic seismic testing, where each model faced the ultimate trial on the shaking table — a test of not only structural resilience but also creativity, resource efficiency, and sound engineering judgment. The thunderous applause that followed each successful model demonstrated the pride, camaraderie, and learning that the competition inspired.

SES-IX was more than a test of engineering skill; it was a living classroom, a leadership workshop, and a national networking platform rolled into one. Students walked away with hands-on experience in structural dynamics, sharpened teamwork and problem-solving skills, and the confidence to tackle real-world challenges. Guests and sponsors lauded the professionalism and innovation on display, while the 44-member organising committee gained invaluable experience in managing a high-profile, multi-institutional event.

With glowing feedback from participants and industry guests, SES-IX 2025 stands as a testament to UTAR’s commitment to pushing the frontiers of structural earthquake engineering education. As the competition’s tremors fade, its impact will continue to ripple through the engineering community — inspiring future editions that are set to be even bigger, bolder, and more ground-shaking.