KUCHING: The ‘Pi Day’ at CityONE Megamall here has truly been an exciting event dedicated to the mathematical constant ‘pi’ (), with the ‘Pi Challenge’ and ‘Build A Structural Model on the Spot’ game becoming a hit among visitors.
The two-day programme, organised by Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak Graduates and Students Section, was declared open by Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang yesterday.
The ‘Pi Challenge’ had participants answering correctly as many mathematical questions as they could within 90 seconds, while the on-the-spot building game required three-member groups to construct models but with a twist – the ‘rules and conditions’ were only revealed to them bit by bit during the game, not before.
There were also other activities on the line-up, including a ‘Pie Eating Competition’ and a colouring contest for children.
According to organising chairman Jason Yeo, the event is hold to promote, enhance interest and educate ‘future engineers’.
“The event is to celebrate the global ‘Pi Day’ (yesterday). This year is a special one where the mathematical constant ‘pi’, which has a value of 3.1415, represents the calendar year of March 14, 2015.
“Our committee members take this opportunity to hold an engineering exhibition and games, as well as to educate the history
of ‘pi’, which we get to know more about once we learn secondary school mathematics,” he said.
Yeo stressed that engineering is the application of scientific, economic, social and practical knowledge in order to invent, design, build, maintain, research and improve structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes.
“The discipline of engineering is among the oldest in the world – arguably as old as civilisation itself.”
Lo – who is an engineer by profession – said in his capacity as MPP chief, he saw the engineering field as one that could complement the city’s growth and progress, bringing much potential into housing, commercial and industrial developments.
“Having said this, we require more people to join the ranks of engineers and be part of that development. It is our duty and privilege to help develop our hometowns and home cities, bring them to the next level through sustainable development.”
Lo also hoped that the exhibition with its range of activities would benefit visitors, as well as create interests in engineering among students.
The ‘Pi Day’ here was sponsored by Jurutera Minsar Consult Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Energy Bhd, KTA (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, Weida (M) Bhd, The Survey Shop/Institute of Survey Malaysia (Sarawak), Golden Screen Cinemas, SugarBun and John’s Pie.
Venue was courtesy of CityONE Megamall, while Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus supported the event.
IEM Sarawak vice chairman Vincent Tang, together with IEM Graduates and Students Section engineer Dr Ling Tong Wei were among the distinguished guests at the opening.