Tech Wizards in the Making

Empowering Young Minds with IoT

By actively engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, universities can significantly impact their communities, bolster their reputations, and cultivate a more enriching learning environment for their students. Through participation in community service projects and sustainability efforts, institutes not only contribute to societal well-being but also develop critical skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective teamwork among students.

Letter of Intent Signing Ceremony

On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, a momentous event unfolded with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) to launch an Internet of Things (IoT) skill-building programme. This collaborative effort brings together the School of Technology (SoT) at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), the Faculty of Education at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and SMK Jalan Empat, Bandar Baru Bangi.

The initiative is generously funded by the “Suruhanjaya Kebangsaan UNESCO MALAYSIA (SKUM, or National Commission for UNESCO Malaysia)” Donation Grant, supported by SKUM. The signing ceremony took place at the Faculty of Education, UKM, and was attended by key figures including YBrs Dr Khairul Azhar Jamaludin from UKM and Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei from APU. The APU team who volunteered for this CSR drive consisted of Mr Kamalanathan Shanmugam, Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Ehsan Rana, and Ms Nur Khairunnisha Zainal were also part of this LOI signing.

The core objective of this collaboration is to equip young individuals with the crucial skills, knowledge, and ethical insights necessary to navigate the dynamic field of IoT. This programme is designed to foster a technologically adept workforce and inspire innovation in the tech industry.

IoT Training Programme Overview

The IoT training programme unfolded over three weekends, engaging 26 students aged 15 to 16 in a hands-on learning experience.
 

• Day 1: Hands-On Introduction to IoT Fundamentals
  The programme kicked off on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at SMK Jalan Empat, Bandar Baru Bangi, with an engaging introduction to the fundamentals of IoT and its real-world applications. The first day was designed to immerse students in the practical aspects of IoT, providing them with hands-on experience using microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators. Participants were equipped with a variety of IoT components and tasked with developing basic functional programmes, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge tangibly and creatively. The interactive sessions fostered a deeper understanding of IoT technology and its potential impact on everyday life.

  

• Day 2: IoT Application Development
  On the second day, Saturday, August 10, 2024, the focus shifted to the practical integration of various IoT components, such as sensors and actuators, to develop functional IoT projects. Students were immersed in hands-on activities that involved combining these components to create innovative solutions. They exhibited profound enthusiasm as they engaged with the training materials, showcasing their growing proficiency and comparatively deeper understanding of IoT concepts. The interactive nature of the sessions allowed students to apply their knowledge in real-time, further enhancing their skills and creativity in IoT application development.
   

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• Day 3: Project Demonstration & Evaluation
  On Saturday, August 24, 2024, the final day of the programme was dedicated to project presentations and demonstrations at Dewan Budiman, Faculty of Education, UKM. Eight teams showcased their innovative IoT projects, each demonstrating the skills and knowledge they had acquired throughout the training. A panel of evaluators, including staff members from both APU and UKM, assessed the projects based on criteria such as creativity, functionality, and technical execution. Following a thorough evaluation, the top three projects were honoured with awards, recognising their outstanding quality and effectiveness. This culmination of the program provided students with valuable feedback and celebrated their achievements in IoT application development.
   

The 3-day training and skill-building programme was led by APU’s faculty members from the School of Computing (SoC), Mr Kamalanathan Shanmugam, Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Ehsan Rana, and Ms Nur Khairunnisha Zainal. The sessions were further supported by APU student assistants— Subasree Ramish (Level 3, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies), Zainab Ehsan (Level 2, Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering with Honours) and Viman Vinesh (Level 1, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Engineering)—who provided essential guidance and assistance throughout the training.

The IoT skill-building programme represents a significant advancement in strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and the community. By imparting essential IoT skills to young learners, this initiative not only contributes to the development of a skilled workforce but also fosters innovation within the technology sector.