Academic and International

40 undergraduates, 500 school students explored the world of engineering in UMP

By: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION

Some 500 school students from Kuantan and Pekan got to experience what it took to be an engineer during an event called ‘Engineering Day’ organised by Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Mechanical Engineering Professional Student Club (MECHAPRO) that was held at Pekan Campus on November 23, 2018.

The event, involved 40 undergraduates from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM), gave the students the opportunities to explore various aspects of engineering and career prospects in the field.

Industrial and Community Network Department (JJIM) was also involved in the programme where many activities were carried out such as the Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM)-concept exhibition, TRIUMP (glider) programme, mini games and an Explorace called ‘Engineering for Awesome’.

Among the guests at the event were FKM’s Deputy Dean (Academics & Students Development Affairs), Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Haji Nik Mohd Zuki, JJIM Director, Dr. Nurul Hazlina Noordin and Programme Advisor, Ts. Dr. Siti Haryani Tomadi.

According to Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Haji Nik Mohd Zuki, the programme could have a big impact on the students and that they got to learn a lot about engineering.

“The world of science and technology is developing rapidly now and requires a high commitment from the education industry to produce quality human capital as well as to focus on having a more interactive and creative learning style.

“The activities carried out would also allow the undergraduates to apply what they have learned and share with the students by entering in contests in the event,” he said.

He also hoped that more of these programmes could be held in the future in a move to enhance awareness on engineering in the university among the school students.

Programme Director Wan, Husna Nabilah Meor Jamaludin said the programme was a platform to expose the school students on the challenges in facing the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Internet of Things (IOT).

It would also help to boost efforts taken to produce highly confident undergraduates who could tackle challenges faced locally or globally and to promote the university among school students so they would pick UMP as their tertiary education destination, she said.

Academic and International

Chem E Car Programme to develop student’s creativity

Nearly 60 primary school students from year four, five and six from Sekolah Kebangsaan Bunut Rendang, Kuantan participated in Chem E Car Programme organized by Faculty of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, UMP, held on November 22, 2018.

Programme Director, Professor Ts. Dr. Hamzah Ahmad said, collaboration programme between UMP and SK Bunut Rendang aims to give exposure to the students as well as to instill their interest in Sciences and Mathematics. 

“In addition to that, this programme also able to produce competitive human capital. They were expose to the producing of car using wasted materials such as ice cream stick and bottle cover.

“From this activity, we can develop their creativity and their ability to think outside the box,” he elaborates further. 

Dr. Hamzah added, in line with UMP tagline ‘Communitising University’, UMP always has the door opens to help the teachers and students and to share latest update in technology that UMP has especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). 

While for Rosnawati Khashmi, SK Bunut Rendang teacher, this collaboration programme was a success in instilling the student’s interest in Sciencse and Mathematics as well as producing highly motivated students. 

She did not expect the students were able to design a car according to their creativity. 
She appreciates the UMP commitment and plans to continue the programme later in the future. 

As for the students, Abdul Muiz Abdul Syukur and two of his friend was very excited to be able to finish making the car so quickly and were looking forward to participating in the programme in the future. 

Alumni’s Trail

Have passion and have goals in life - Heziwan

By: NURIZZATUL ALIN AHMAD BASTANI, STUDENT AFFAIRS AND ALUMNI DEPARTMENT

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) alumnus Heziwan Hamsah, 32, did not at all fancy being an engineer when he was small but eventually, the profession became his livelihood because of his deep concern over the environment.

“Learn whatever it may be, whenever you can and wherever you will’ was the motto of the holder of Bachelor Engineering (Hons) Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology) from Faculty of Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering (FKKSA).

He is now a Senior Plant Engineer at Cenergi Tanah Makmur Sdn. Bhd. that operates in Pekan, Pahang.

He works at the utility department and is now involved in a project to supply electricity from renewable resources or also known as from waste-to-energy.

Prior to that, Heziwan had worked in the manufacturing and chemical polymer sector and utility department at Indah Water Konsortium Sdn. Bhd. (IWK). 

According to Heziwan, the project would have great impact to Mother Nature as it would help reduce the greenhouse effects and lower earth temperature.

“The project will also help the government to meet its target that by 2030, 20 percent of the electricity is powered from waste,” he said.

Heziwan added that he had full support from his wife in developing the project that would help preserve the environment as global health was already affected by pollution and affecting the future of mankind.

As such, choosing a course at the university was really important, he said.

“Learning starts with passion. Without passion, one can be aimless and lose focus. For me, if there is no focus, one will study without an objective and a future plan, and this will be a waste of time and money,” he added.

He also said activities prepared by the university was really helpful in getting one ready for work because they helped to build up confidence and character.