Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) today organised three simultaneous events; the Opening Ceremony of the 31st Science and Engineering Design Exhibition (SEDEX 31), MoU Signing Ceremony between UTP and Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and MOU Signing Ceremony between UTP and Anise Asia Cloud Sdn Bhd, as part of the University’s efforts to realise its vision in becoming a leader in Technology Education and Centre for Creativity and Innovation.
This year marked the 31st Science and Engineering Design Exhibition (SEDEX 31). It serves as a platform for UTP students and staff to showcase their creative and innovative ideas and designs to the campus community. Since it was first held in 1997, the event has successfully produced many inventions leading to new prototypes, research methodologies and approaches in various fields of expertise.
The opening ceremony of SEDEX31 was officiated by Ir. Choo Kok Beng, President of Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM). In his speech, Ir Choo Kok Beng said that Science, Engineering and Technology are essential elements for the successful implementation and maintenance of the many infrastructure projects needed for the nation to achieve developed status by 2020. As Malaysia’s march towards becoming a developed nation, the role of young engineers, becomes increasingly important. Thus, he urged that today’s young aspiring engineers to apply innovation in their work and study, to find and create alternative innovations and ultimately become the pioneers and drivers of these innovations.
Later, an MoU was inked between IEM and UTP. The collaboration with IEM will benefit UTP in many ways since IEM promotes and advances the science and profession of engineering in all disciplines. The society also facilitates the exchange of information and ideas related to engineering. Besides gaining recognition for engineering experiences and professional accomplishments, UTP students joining IEM will also have access to a wide network of fellow engineers in the private and public sectors in Malaysia as well as regional and international engineering bodies.
At the same event another MoU was inked between UTP and Anise Asia Cloud Sdn Bhd. UTP will collaborate with Anise Asia to organise a competition known as Dis.Rupt.Edu, from 13 until 15 November 2013, at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS. The event is held with the objective to cultivate innovativeness among the university’s community. It will showcase an array of great projects by students and companies, and will look for great presenters, who may compete for a trip to the United States.
Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Fadzil B Mohd Hani, UTP Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic, in his closing speech believed that SEDEX 31 has achieved its objective to aspire school children’s involvement in creative and innovative activities as part of extending the innovative culture towards the surrounding community, which is also in line with the Government’s innovation initiatives. He also delivered the prizes to all winning teams.
Apart from design exhibitions, SEDEX 31 also conducted two new programmes. One was a learning programme known as “1 Malaysia Kids”, aimed to create awareness of cultural diversity in Malaysia and to enhance school children’s interest and passion in Science, Mathematics and Technology through fun and simple ways. Another one was industrial sharing session, a programme that linked UTP with major professionals from the industries.
