UNIMAS’ team pose with officials from Shell Malaysia, Ministry of Education Malaysia, JKJR Malaysia and MDEC for a photo taking session at #ShellSelamatSampai Varsity Challenge award presentation ceremony.
KUALA LUMPUR: University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) became the overall grand winner of the #ShellSelamatSampai Varsity Challenge which is part of Shell Malaysia’s #mydigitalmaker Fair 2018.
The fair, which was held in collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), showcased Shell’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives comprising the #MyGeekMovement Access to Energy (A2E) project, Shell Eco-Marathon and the Shell V-Power Vroom Puzzle Kit workshop. Part of this feature also included the grand finale of the #ShellSelamatSampai Varsity Challenge (#SSSVarsityChallenge).
The fair took place on September 29 and 30, 2018 at Arena Axiata, Bukit Jalil.
The #MyGeekMovement A2E project showcased A2E prototype invention, created by students which uses imbedded Arduino. The Shell Eco Marathon showcase featured a prototype and urban concept fuel and energy efficiency vehicles. The Shell V-Power Vroom Puzzle Kit workshop was a DIY miniature car kit; a hands-on activity that encouraged students to innovatively ensemble a 3D puzzle that results in the creation of a miniature car.
According to Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd’s managing director Shairan Huzani Husain, in today’s world, Science and Engineering are critical to economic and social progress.
Students are seen explaining their energy efficient prototype to Minister of Communications and Multimedia Gobind Singh Deo. #mydigitalmaker Fair 2018 showcases Shell’s STEM initiatives comprising the #MyGeekMovement A2E project, Shell Eco-Marathon and the Shell V-Power Vroom Puzzle Kit workshop.
Shell’s STEM support aims to inspire more young people to pursue careers in science and engineering, and to equip them with the skills that will prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.
“Increasing digitalisation and automation are changing the nature and mix of skills that young people will need to remain relevant today and in the future,” Shairan Hazani added.
UNIMAS became the grand winner of the #ShellSelamatSampai Varsity Challenge when its team came up with an innovative sensor detection system called The Prelude Sensor Detector. This system, when installed at T-junctions, will allow road users to make safe turns.
The device had already been successfully tested and installed within the university’s campus.
The #SSS Varsity Challenge is an inter-varsity road safety innovation competition which kick started in 2017. The theme for #SSS Varsity Challenge 2018 is ‘Goal Zero’ and the key objective is to empower young adults (university students) to embark on road safety innovation projects that would contribute towards achieving zero road related accidents among youth and motorcyclists.
“As part of our objective to share the Shell safety culture with the society, we aim to contribute towards reducing road accidents in the county by encouraging our youth to get involved in coming up with innovative measures that will curb these mishaps. Though it’s a road safety initiative, the devices and interventions created are very much STEM related as they involve technology and innovation,” shared Shairan Huzani.
Under the programme, 15 teams were selected from Curtin University Malaysia, Monash University Malaysia, UNIMAS, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Selangor. The teams were selected based on their project proposals and each participating team was given RM1,000 start-up fund to embark on an eight-week project implementation. This year two teams from UMS, two teams from Curtin University Malaysia and one team from UNIMAS made it to the finals.
The #SSS Varsity Challenge Champion received a certificate, coveted trophy and a cash prize of RM10,000 by the Guest of Honour, Datuk Rosli bin Isa, Director General, Road Safety Department (JKJR) of Malaysia.
“We believe that the cultivation of STEM begins at the classroom, hence our drive to invest in our youths, equip them with the right skills and tools, and to empower them towards becoming future innovators and engineers who will fulfil the nation’s aspirations,” said Shell Malaysia in a press statement.