Curtin Malaysia students crowned national champions in Shell’s 2024 #ShellSelamatSampai Varsity Challenge

Miri, Sarawak – 20 December 2024 – A team of bright young innovators from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has clinched the championship title in Shell’s prestigious #ShellSelamatSampai Varsity Challenge 2024.

The team, aptly named Team Curtin_IoT and comprising Wong Zhe Ming, Gigi Hii Shu Qi, and Kho Jia Ann, triumphed over five other university finalists, including Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), Universiti Malaya, and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. Their groundbreaking project, the ‘Vision Integrated E-Nose (VIEN): Advanced Vehicular Alcohol Detector and Classifier with IoT-Enabled Surveillance Platform’, earned them not only the coveted champion trophy but also a grand prize of RM10,000.

The VIEN system is a cutting-edge vehicular alcohol detection and classification mechanism designed to prevent intoxicated drivers from taking the wheel. Its ability to distinguish between intoxicating substances and non-alcoholic products like hand sanitisers makes it a potential game-changer in road safety. Additionally, the system integrates IoT-enabled surveillance, further enhancing its functionality and impact.

Speaking about the victory, team representative Wong Zhe Ming said, “The challenge pushed us to think critically and creatively. We are incredibly grateful to Shell for this opportunity and hope that our project will contribute to reducing road-related accidents while promoting responsible driving practices.”

Team Curtin_IoT’s success was guided by their advisors, Associate Professor Wong Wei Kitt and Dr. Chew Ing Ming, who played an instrumental role in shaping the project.

At the grand finale in Kuala Lumpur, the team received their award from Siti Sulaiman, Shell Malaysia’s Country Chair and Senior Vice President of Integrated Gas & Upstream, in a ceremony officiated by Dr. Nor Fuad Abdul Hamid, Deputy Secretary-General (Management) of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia.

With the theme ‘Innovative! Captivate! Save Lives!’, Shell’s 2024 challenge inspired university students across Malaysia to harness STEM to tackle road safety challenges. The competition drew attention from esteemed judges, including Tuan Ir. Mohd Yusop bin Mohamad, Director of Automotive Engineering at the Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ), Dr. Ahmad Azad Ab. Rashid, Senior Researcher at the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), and Harnamdav Singh, High Risk Transport Road Safety Advisor of Shell Malaysia.

Shell’s commitment to road safety dates back to 1957, and its #ShellSelamatSampai Varsity Challenge, launched in 2017, continues to nurture Malaysia’s brightest young minds. This year’s event reaffirmed Shell’s role as a catalyst for innovation and safety on Malaysian roads.

This remarkable win by the team also serves as a shining highlight for Curtin Malaysia during its 25th Anniversary celebrations, reflecting the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

For more details on the #ShellSelamatSampai Varsity Challenge and Shell’s ongoing road safety initiatives, visit Shell Malaysia’s official website.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Siti Sulaiman (3rd right) presenting championship trophy to Dr. Chew while A Prof. Wong (right), Dr. Nor Fuad (4th left), and members of Curtin_IoT celebrate the victory