Tag: STEM Outreach

2024/2: STEM Career Talk MTE @Petrosains Playsmart – Electrifying Sustainability: The Role of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in Eco-Friendly Solutions

 

 

Electrifying Sustainability: The Role of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in Eco-Friendly Solutions

I had the privilege of presenting at Petrosains PlaySmart Kuantan today, thanks to Rau and Zahida, engaging with bright minds from Form 4 and Form 5 from SK Paya Besar. Our topic of discussion? “Electrifying Sustainability: The Role of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in Eco-Friendly Solutions.” It was an exhilarating experience, delving into how technology intertwines with sustainability, especially for Malaysia’s budding engineers and environmental enthusiasts.

Understanding Sustainability – Before delving into the details of electrical and electronics engineering, it’s crucial to understand the essence of sustainability. Sustainability entails preserving our planet’s resources for future generations, striking a delicate balance between environmental preservation, economic growth, and societal well-being. For Malaysia, a country blessed with natural beauty and biodiversity, sustainability is not merely a buzzword but a pressing necessity for our continued prosperity.

The Role of Electrical and Electronics Engineering lies at the heart of modern technological advancements. It’s the driving force behind innovations that shape our world, from renewable energy solutions to smart infrastructure. In Malaysia, where environmental conservation is paramount, electrical and electronics engineering plays a pivotal role in crafting eco-friendly solutions tailored to our unique challenges.

Renewable Energy Sources – One of the most prominent areas where electrical engineering intersects with sustainability is in harnessing renewable energy sources. Malaysia boasts abundant sunlight, wind, and hydro resources, making it ripe for renewable energy production. Through solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric dams, electrical engineers contribute to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change impacts.

Solar energy, in particular, holds immense potential for Malaysia’s sustainable future. With its year-round sunshine, Malaysia can tap into solar power to generate clean electricity for homes, businesses, and remote communities. By leveraging solar panels and innovative technologies, electrical engineers pave the way for a brighter, greener tomorrow.

Malaysia’s coastal areas and highlands offer prime locations for wind energy generation. Wind turbines harness the power of the wind, converting it into renewable electricity. This sustainable solution not only reduces carbon emissions but also strengthens Malaysia’s energy independence and resilience.

Hydroelectric dams, such as Bakun and Murum, are integral to Malaysia’s energy landscape. By harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water, hydroelectric power contributes significantly to our electricity supply. While it poses environmental challenges, careful planning and sustainable practices ensure that hydroelectric energy remains a vital component of Malaysia’s energy mix.

Efficient energy storage is essential for maximizing the potential of renewable energy sources. Electrical engineers pioneer advancements in battery technologies, enabling us to store excess energy and stabilize the grid. In Malaysia, these innovations facilitate the integration of renewables into our energy infrastructure, paving the way for a more sustainable energy ecosystem.

The electrification of transportation is another frontier where electrical engineering drives sustainability. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a cleaner alternative to traditional combustion engine vehicles, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Through infrastructure development and battery technology advancements, electrical engineers propel Malaysia towards a greener, more sustainable transportation sector.

As I concluded my presentation at Petrosains PlaySmart, I couldn’t help but feel optimistic about the future. The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the Form 4 and Form 5 students reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and innovation. With electrical and electronics engineering at the forefront, Malaysia is poised to electrify sustainability, paving the way for a more resilient, eco-friendly future.

Thank you again Petrosains Playsmart for this wonderful session.

Let’s harness the power of technology to build a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robot Literacy 24/1

*UMP STEM Lab Robot Literacy – Introduction to Robot and Robotics can be found here.

40 teachers and school children from Kuantan, Pahang had participated in this program. Students have gone through activities including robot anatomy, actuators and sensors.

Thank you Dr Irene for coordinating the communication between STEM Lab and the participants.

 

 

Meeting UMP STEM Lab – MCMC Pahang

 

In a significant stride towards bridging the digital divide and empowering local communities with access to reliable internet connections, the UMP STEM Lab yesterday engaged in a fruitful meeting with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in Pahang. The meeting is chaired by Tn Shahrizal Husin, the State Director. 

The meeting, hosted by MCMC Pahang, brought together service providers and managers from Pusat Ekonomi Digital (PEDi), a government initiative spearheaded by MCMC. PEDi aims to empower communities in rural areas with access to stable internet connections, ensuring that digital opportunities are not confined to urban landscapes.

 

Back in 2022, UMP STEM Lab initiated a collaborative program with MCMC Pahang, piloting a project with 10 PEDis in Pekan and Kuantan. The program focused on providing coding and physical computing classes over an 8-week period. Classes covered a diverse range of topics, including Python programming, Scratch programming, 3D modeling, and Arduino robotics.

Through our collaborative efforts, we successfully conducted four coding and physical computing classes, reaching out to a remarkable 306 participants from rural areas. This achievement not only highlight the potential impact of such initiatives but also bring forward the appetite for digital education in communities that might not have easy access to these resources.

The classes conducted during the program were strategically designed to impart crucial skills in Python programming, Scratch programming for beginners, 3D modeling techniques, and hands-on experience in Arduino robotics. These courses aimed not only to introduce participants to the world of coding but also to foster creativity and problem-solving skills through practical applications.

I strongly believe in the transformative power of education. Every child can code when provided with the right tools and opportunities :). Our collaborative program with MCMC Pahang not only aligns with the academic ethos of inclusive education but also reflects the commitment to fostering digital literacy in diverse communities.

Yesterday’s meeting was not just a reflection on past accomplishments but a discussion on the possibility of extending our educational approach to a wider audience. The prospect of bringing coding education to more communities is both exciting and promising.

Special thanks to Pn Haznita Mohamad Lazim – Pahang State Director Development and Pn Saidatul Ashikin Abu Hassan – Director, Centre for Communications Safety Department for their continuous support and commitment.

UMP STEM Lab remains committed to advancing digital education and contributing to the empowerment of communities, fostering a future where digital literacy is accessible to all.

Stay tuned for more updates on our collaborative endeavors!

 

 

 

 

STEM Career Talk 2024/1 – Chip War the Battle of Semiconductor

Delivered a STEM career talk at MRSM Pekan today, sharing some experiences and perspectives with the central theme of the ‘Chip War’ or the Battle of Semiconductors.

This topic is inspired by Chris Miller’s Chip War 2022 book. My review on this book 🙂 

This session was both fun and fulfilling. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light Communicates. Yes it does!

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/interestingengineering_what-do-airplane-lights-mean-ugcPost-7149390169492697088-5EtJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Airplane Lights

Engaging young minds in STEM outreach programs is a rewarding endeavor, whether the engagement involves the simplest or most advanced activities =). One activity that consistently finds its place in almost every UMP STEM Lab module, especially in programming, physical computing and robotics, is the humble LED. Let’s delve into the journey of LEDs in STEM education and how these tiny diodes offer more than meets the eye.

The Simplicity of LED Control – At first glance, controlling an LED appears to be a straightforward task. Playing around with various control statements to manipulate the LED’s output, experimenting with multiple LEDs, different colors, and sequences – it all seems like child’s play. After all, there are only two states for an LED: on or off, making it an ideal starting point for novice learners. Even the introduction of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to control the LED’s intensity doesn’t complicate matters too much.

However, a memorable incident served as a turning point in my perspective. A young participant in UMP STEM Lab – back in 2018, yes I remember dates well :p, having completed his assignment, looked at the blinking LED and asked a simple question, “So what? The LED blinks.” This innocent query prompted a deeper reflection on the true potential of LEDs beyond mere on-off cycles.

Beyond blinking lights- One can program LED to convey information. While it’s true that LEDs can blink, their utility extends far beyond this basic function. In reality, LEDs can convey a wealth of information through various patterns, colors, and sequences. Consider the indicator lights in an airplane operation – each different light carries a distinct meaning. From indicating engine status to signaling the readiness for takeoff, LEDs play a crucial role in communication.

This video, beautifully illustrates the significance of lights in conveying  information. In an airplane cockpit, the combination of different lights serves as a visual language for the pilot, communicating critical details about the aircraft’s status and operation.

The seemingly simple light (often represented by LEDs) holds the power to convey intricate information, making it a valuable tool in STEM education. Beyond the basics of on-off control, the exploration of LED applications opens doors to a deeper understanding of electronics, programming, and the nuanced language of visual communication. As educators and enthusiasts, let’s continue to unveil the complexity behind the blink and inspire the next generation of problem solvers.