Q1 – 2024

STEM for Development (SFD) Webinar Series: Preparing to Apply to Graduate School (17th February)

STEM for Development (SFD), a monthly series of live online webinars led by seasoned SFD staff, delve into
critical topics for budding STEM professionals. In this month’s series held on 17th Feb 2024, exclusively for
students at UCSI University aimed to sharpen their STEM skills with a focus on communication and
preparation for graduate programs. Crafted in collaboration with UCSI, this session covered fundamental
aspects of grad school, mentor communication, and more. Beyond webinars, students can join tailored
workshops to put theory into practice, ensuring practical application of newfound knowledge. UCSI students
gain access to SFD’s wider community activities, including SFD’s prestigious 10-month mentorship program.
In this inaugural hour-long session, which commence from 9am to 10am, Dr. Daniel navigated grad school
pathways, while Dr. Mohamed Khan explained UCSI’s unique educational landscape.

Technical Adjunct Lecture Series: Unveiling Today’s Industrial Energy Control & Management Practices: A
Comprehensive Exploration (14th March)

This adjunct lecture series entitled “Unveiling Today’s Industrial Energy Control & Management
Practices: A Comprehensive Exploration” unfolds an insightful exploration into the dynamic
landscape of industrial energy control and management practices. This two-hour session was
held from 4pm to 6pm on 14th March 2024 at UTP Tronoh Campus. Ir. Ts. Dr. Lee Wai Yin, from
Leadway Consultancy (M) Sdn Bhd, shared insights. He’s a Principal Consultant with 18 years’
diverse in various companies in the Construction, Technology, and Energy industries. Hosted by
Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering under coordination of Dr Kishore, about 45
students gained invaluable insights from industry experts, uncovering best practices and real-
world case studies that showcase the transformative power of effective energy control.

STEM for Development (SFD) Webinar Series: Career Pathways for Engineers (16th March)

Every year, a multitude of aspiring students from the global south eagerly apply to pursue
graduate degrees in STEM fields. Despite their enthusiasm and qualifications, the admission
rates for these students typically hover between a discouraging 10-15%. Understanding the
challenges and intricacies of the application process is crucial for aspiring scholars. Against this
alarming scenario, Dr. Daniel and Ms Jess Dong hosted an insightful seminar, shedding light on
the fundamentals and timelines of the application journey. This hour-long session held under the
coordination of Dr Mohamed Khan on 16th March 2024 shared some insights empowering 120
participants with knowledge essential for navigating the competitive admission landscape. The
duo emphasized actionable steps students can take to enhance their prospects of success.
Whether it’s crafting a compelling personal statement, securing strong recommendation letters,
or acing standardized tests, every detail matters on the path to acceptance.

Research Insights Exchange : Logbook Imperatives: Navigating Project Success through Diligent Documentation (18th March)

The recent sharing session held on 18th March 2024 underscored the pivotal significance of
logbook entries in attaining project success. This session coordinated by Dr Sivajothi, 30
attendees, both final year project students and academics from School of Engineering, UOWM
delved into the necessity of maintaining meticulous and well-structured logbook documentation
to proficiently monitor advancement, tackle hurdles, and drive projects towards their goals. An
external academic from UPNM Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saiddi Ali Firdaus to share some best practice
in this given context. In essence, participants departed with a heightened awareness of the
indispensable role logbook entries play in project management. They gained insights into not only
the importance of documentation but also strategies to manage it effectively amidst competing
priorities. This session held from 10.30am till 12 noon served as a catalyst for enhancing
organizational practices, fostering a culture of meticulous record-keeping, and ultimately
facilitating smoother project execution.

School Robotics Showdown : Inter Robot Sumo 2024 (IRS24) (27th March)

School of Engineering (SOE), UOW Malaysia, Glenmarie Campus recently organized an Inter Robot Sumo 2024
(IRS24): Igniting Innovation Through Robotics on 27th March 2024 from 8.30am to 1.30pm at Atrium, UOW
Malaysia, Glenmarie Campus. On behalf of the chairperson and organising committee and event advisor. Dr Sivajothi
invited external judges in the IRS24. This event aims at fostering innovation and technological advancement in the
field of robotics and serves as a platform for students of SOE to showcase their expertise, creativity, and problem-
solving skills in designing and building competitive sumo robots in the realm of robotics. The IRS24 challenge features
8 groups of 3 members each, pitting their electronically and mechanically designed robots against one another in a
circular arena. Each robot is tasked with pushing its opponent out of the ring, employing sensors for navigation and
strategic maneuvers. With a specified floor plan, robots must balance agility and strength, utilizing intricate designs
and programming to outsmart and overpower their rivals. The competition attended by 50 students and academics,
fosters innovation in robotics, promoting teamwork, engineering prowess, and creative problem-solving. This event
was supported by the presence of IEEE RAS past Chair, Dr Mohamed Khan and Treasurer elect Pn. Wan Zailah Wan
Said as part of external judges as well as to hand over awards to the winner