Curtin Malaysia programme engineering students master cutting-edge automation at Ultech Engineering workshop

Miri, Sarawak – 24 June 2024 –Students from Curtin University Malaysia’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering recently attended a Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) workshop at Ultech Engineering Sdn. Bhd., an automation solutions provider founded by Curtin alumni in Miri.

The intensive workshop empowered 26 students with the expertise to develop an automated fish tank monitoring system for the Curtin Aquaculture Research Laboratories (CARL) at Curtin Malaysia using the Internet of Things (IoT) and other advanced technologies. Accompanied by lecturers Professor Garenth Lim and Dr. Wong Kiing Ing, the students immersed themselves in practical, hands-on learning.

Over two sessions, the workshop delved into logic gate programming, digital and analogue component enablers, sensor controls, and pump activation. The students explored the fundamentals of PLCs, various types of PLCs and their applications, and honed their skills in Basic PLC Programming.

The training was led by Curtin Malaysia alumni Wong Voon Xing, Kelvin Tiong Ka Yung, and Mike Gaby Law Ik Pin, under the supervision of Bong Chu Jun and Wang Zhi Xian. Their dedication to fostering future automation talents underscores Ultech Engineering’s alignment with Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to delivering industry-relevant education and practical experience.

“Partnering with Ultech Engineering has been an invaluable opportunity for our students,” remarked Prof. Lim. “The skills they acquired are crucial for implementing advanced monitoring systems at CARL and will significantly enhance their future engineering careers.”

The automated fish tank monitoring system at CARL will utilise IoT technology to maintain optimal conditions for aquaculture research. By monitoring parameters such as water quality, temperature, and pH levels, the system will bolster CARL’s research capabilities and support sustainable aquaculture practices.

Dr. Lee Yih Nin, Assistant Director of CARL, highlighted the project’s significance: “Utilising IoT for fish tank monitoring will enhance hatchery management, allowing researchers and students to remotely track water quality, including pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia levels, and temperature. Our goal is to practice sustainable and innovative aquaculture.”

Eddie Sim Chow Ping, co-founder of Ultech Engineering, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are thrilled to support these talented students from our alma mater. Empowering them to tackle real-world challenges is incredibly rewarding,” he said.

Wang Zhi Xian, Project Automation Manager added, “It has been a pleasure being able to share my knowledge and expertise on Automation with current Curtin students and to be able to contribute as a Curtin alumni.”

Dr. Wong, meanwhile, emphasised that the collaboration between Ultech Engineering and Curtin Malaysia highlighted the strong connection between the university and its alumni, showcasing a shared dedication to advancing education and technological innovation.

Jason Benny Wan Jutina, the team lead for the CARL project, praised the workshop: “Training with experienced engineers before starting our project was invaluable. We’re grateful to Ultech Engineering for their comprehensive training and guidance. The workshop not only prepared us for the CARL project but also connected our classroom learning with real-life industrial applications.”

Curtin Malaysia is the largest international campus of Curtin University, located in Miri, Sarawak. Known for its strong emphasis on research and industry engagement, it offers a diverse range of pre-university, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at www.curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Tik-Tok.

Ultech Engineering is an innovative provider of engineering solutions specialising in automation and IoT technologies. Founded by Curtin alumni, the company is dedicated to advancing practical skills in engineering students and delivering cutting-edge technological solutions across industries.

Prof Lim (standing 5th right) with students attending the workshop’s morning session

Prof Lim (standing, far right) with the afternoon session participants