Over 100 secondary school students take part in Curtin Malaysia’s Engineering Camp

Miri – 2 October 2023 – Over 100 students from various secondary schools in Miri recently took part in an Engineering Camp at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia).

Organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Curtin University Malaysia Student Chapter, in collaboration with the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Curtin Malaysia Student Branch, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Curtin Malaysia Student Chapter, and Curtin Civil Society (CCS), the event showcased the engineering prowess, learning, and potential of young minds to shape the world through innovative ideas and technical expertise.

By collaborating to host the camp, the four engineering academic clubs aimed to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and provide a platform for budding engineers in the schools to engage with their peers and mentors from the clubs.

The event’s theme, ‘Improving the World through Engineering’, also perfectly encapsulated the ever-expanding world of engineering and the limitless potential that awaits those who dare to dream and innovate.

The event commenced with a welcoming by organising chairman Daniel Yeo Jing Shern of the IMechE Curtin University Malaysia Student Chapter, who highlighted the importance of events like the Engineering Camp that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

Throughout the day, various interactive workshops were conducted for the participating students by senior student chapter members. These workshops covered a range of engineering disciplines but focused mainly on 3D modeling and 3D printing software. The students engaged in hands-on activities which allowed them to experience firsthand the challenges and rewards of engineering problem-solving.

The highlights of the event, however, were the station games, where the Curtin engineering academic clubs proudly presented their projects. From a filament nerf gun robot to an innovative technique to crack open coconuts with chewing gum, their showcases demonstrated engineering concepts and theories in very informative and fun ways.

A Floating Structure Competition was also held to reinforce engineering and scientific concepts. The students had to build floating structures with recyclable materials and the structures which sustained the most weight without collapsing or sinking were declared the winners.

On hand to close the day-long event was Cr. Nicholas Toh Kah Shiong representing Minister for Transport, Sarawak and Chair of Curtin Malaysia’s Management Committee Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, and President of the IMechE Curtin University Malaysia Student Chapter Kenneth Lim Zheng Yuan.

All three expressed satisfaction with the Engineering Camp and the tremendous benefits the participating students derived from it. Certificates of participation were presented to the participating students, and certificates of recognition to the participating student clubs, in gratitude for their involvement in the camp.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Vu said the Engineering Camp was a fantastic initiative by the IMechE Curtin University Malaysia Student Chapter and co-hosting academic clubs.

“In a world facing complex challenges, from climate change to rapid urbanisation, the role of engineers has never been more critical. This Engineering Camp serves as a reminder that education should not be confined to classrooms and textbooks; it is about fostering a spirit of exploration, nurturing creativity, and empowering young minds to shape a better future,” he said.

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

Students dipping their hands in Non-Newtonian Fluid in STEM Station Game during the camp

Students taking part in Tallest Tower Challenge

Student trying her hand at controlling the nerf gun robot

Conducting weight test on floating structure in Floating Structure Challenge

Student attending the Engineering Camp’s 3D Modeling and 3D Printing Workshop

Group photo of guest of honour, organisers and participating students at the closing of the Engineering Camp