UTAR continues to inspire the next generation of STEM innovators

UTAR reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future STEM talents by organising the Python & IoT Workshop and Competition for Secondary School Students under the AMD CSR STEM Education Grant on 25 July 2026 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. Organised by the Centre for Foundation Studies of UTAR Sungai Long Campus (CFS-SL), the event gathered 57 secondary school students at the AMD Interactive Learning Centre for an immersive hands-on learning experience in Python programming and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

The programme introduced students to Python programming using MicroPython while building their understanding of IoT concepts and embedded systems. Through hands-on experience with the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 H, participants assembled electronic hardware and integrated it with software to develop a functional smart home system. The programme also strengthened students’ creativity, innovation, teamwork and communication skills, while helping them gain greater interest in STEM education and emerging technologies.

Designed by UTAR academics and trainers, the workshop adopted a project-based learning approach that enabled participants to gain practical experience in MicroPython programming, hardware assembly and IoT application development. Working in teams under the guidance of UTAR lecturers and student helpers, participants designed and developed a Smart Home Intrusion Prevention System using the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 H.

The participants were divided into 12 groups, with three to five participants per group. To enhance the learning experience, each participating team was mentored by a UTAR student helper from the CFS-SL and the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES). Their guidance fostered collaborative learning while allowing participants to receive personalised support throughout the workshop and competition.

In the hardware assembly task, participants assembled the hardware on breadboards and learned the functions of various electronic components, as well as the basics of electronic circuit construction, GPIO connections, digital input and output, and proper wiring techniques commonly used in embedded systems and IoT applications.

Participants also learned to understand how software controls electronic hardware within an IoT system by testing, debugging and refining their programmes to strengthen their understanding of logical reasoning and programme development.

Following the hardware assembly and programming activities, students designed and constructed a Smart Home Intrusion Prevention System prototype. This enabled them to visualise how embedded systems and IoT technologies can be applied to real-world applications.

After the workshop activities, each team demonstrated its Smart Home Intrusion Prevention System to the judges. This enabled the participants to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the workshop while showcasing their creativity, technical competency and collaboration.

The workshop and competition not only equipped students with technical skills in programming and hardware integration, but also inspired them to explore the possibilities of technology in solving real-world problems. UTAR remains dedicated to providing such platforms for young learners to discover their potential and pursue their interests in STEM fields.