Month: July 2026

Arduino Programming 2026/3 – SMK Indera Shahbandar

UMPSA STEM Lab Arduino Programming can be found here.

Throughout the course, 30 participants from SMK Indera Shahbandar Pekan were introduced to the concepts of programming loops, conditional statements, and sequential execution. Activities include controlling multiple LEDs, understanding the concept of digital output, using a photoresistor to expand their understanding of sensor interfacing, integrating analog sensors with Arduino and controlling digital outputs based on sensor readings. Towards the end, participants visualize data and messages using an OLED display.

Thank you Cikgu Dahlia  for coordinating the communication between UMPSA STEM Lab and the participants.

Rovation 2026 Innovation

Today, I had the opportunity to serve as a judge for the National Rovation Innovation Competition 2026, evaluating entries under the Innovation Category in Vocational College Kulim, Kedah. The participants came from vocational colleges across Malaysia, bringing with them a diverse range of ideas, solutions, and perspectives.

I have always enjoyed being involved in innovation judging activities like this. In fact, I have been doing this since 2014, which means it has now been 12 years of observing how students conceptualise, build, and present their innovations. Beyond the competition itself, it offers a unique window into the evolving landscape of student innovation and technology adoption.

Over the years, I have noticed a clear shift in the nature of projects. In the earlier days, many innovations revolved around microcontroller-based automation, where students focused on controlling devices and automating processes. As connectivity became more accessible, projects evolved towards Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, incorporating remote monitoring, notifications, and internet-enabled control. More recently, especially over the past one to two years, a growing number of projects have started incorporating elements of Edge AI, reflecting the increasing accessibility of artificial intelligence tools and technologies.

Of course, the overall maturity of many projects is still a long way from industrial deployment. However, that should not overshadow the value of competitions such as this. The competition serves as an important platform for students to transform ideas into tangible solutions, communicate their thinking, and defend their approaches before a panel of judges.

What I find particularly valuable is not necessarily the final prototype, but the opportunity for students to develop the confidence to present and discuss their work. The depth of knowledge naturally varies depending on the students’ academic background, exposure, and experience. Yet, one skill consistently stands out: the ability to remain composed when faced with difficult questions, and to respond, clarify, or sometimes tactfully redirect the discussion. These are skills that are difficult to teach in a classroom but are often developed through competitions and real-world engagement.

Sometimes I find myself wondering whether participating as a judge is worth the sacrifice of being away from formal teaching commitments. My answer is neither a simple yes nor no. Rather, it is about making full use of the time and space given. Every judging session provides an opportunity to understand emerging trends, appreciate the creativity of young minds, and reflect on how education and technology continue to evolve.

Once again, congratulations to all participants. Every project represents effort, courage, and a willingness to share an idea with others. Continue refining your work, asking questions, and exploring new possibilities.

With the accessibility of AI today, there has never been a better time to learn deeply and push ideas further. Use these tools wisely, not merely to generate answers, but to challenge assumptions, explore alternatives, and develop a stronger understanding of the problems you seek to solve.

As we often say at UMPSA STEM Lab 🙂

See. Think. Explore. Marvel.

Keep exploring. The best innovations often begin with curiosity.

Nurul – July 22nd, 2026

 

Young Innovators Challenge Pahang State 2026: Inspiring the Next Generation of AI Innovators

On 16 July 2026, we had the privilege oto co-organize the Young Innovators Challenge (YIC) Pahang State 2026, a competition that brought together 15 teams of young innovators showcasing their creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.

This year’s challenge was particularly exciting as participants were required to integrate microcontrollers and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their projects, introducing a new dimension to the competition. The shift towards AI-enabled solutions reflects the growing importance of intelligent systems and digital technologies in addressing real-world challenges.

The competition was preceded by a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) programme held in May 2026, where participants and mentors were introduced to concepts and hands-on applications of Edge Impulse, AI, and Machine Learning. The training provided a solid foundation that enabled teams to transform ideas into working prototypes and innovative solutions within a relatively short timeframe.

A special note of appreciation goes to Chumbaka for their continued partnership and support in nurturing STEM and innovation education. Initiatives such as these are instrumental in exposing students to emerging technologies and empowering them to become creators rather than merely consumers of technology.

My sincere congratulations to all participants for embracing this year’s challenge. Developing projects involving microcontrollers, embedded systems, and AI is no small feat, particularly for young learners. The enthusiasm, resilience, and willingness to explore unfamiliar technologies demonstrated by the teams were truly commendable.

I would also like to thank my fellow judges for their dedication and insightful deliberations throughout the evaluation process. It was an enriching experience to engage with educators, industry representatives, and technology practitioners who share a common passion for developing future-ready talent.

Being involved in competitions at this level provides a valuable perspective on the current trends in STEM education, innovation, and AI adoption among young learners. More importantly, it offers insights into the cognitive capabilities, creativity, and problem-solving approaches of the next generation. The ideas presented clearly demonstrate that today’s students are not only capable of using technology but are increasingly able to leverage it to design impactful solutions for society.

As AI and digital technologies continue to reshape the world around us, initiatives such as the Young Innovators Challenge play a crucial role in building confidence, curiosity, and innovation capacity among our youth. I look forward to seeing how these young innovators continue to grow and contribute to Malaysia’s technological future.