Curtin Malaysia, Pustaka Miri hold innovative bootcamp
MIRI: The Faculty of Engineering and Science of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently collaborated with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri (Pustaka Miri) to host a two-day ‘MakersMeet X Makers Bootcamp 2023’.
The main aim of the event was to provide a platform for local designers and creators of diverse backgrounds to convene, exchange knowledge, and raise awareness about the MakerSpace, or Ruang Daya Cipta (RDC), located at Pustaka Miri.
Additionally, it aimed to spark creative thinking and innovation among the participants, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation at grassroots level in the local population.
According to a press release by the university, the event, attended by over 6,000 visitors, showcased a wide array of interactive and educational activities strategically designed to encourage continuous learning and knowledge cultivation within the community.
The programme included nine competitions and 24 workshops, involving the participation of 60 collaborators.
The IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch, in collaboration with Prof Garenth Lim King Hann of the Faculty’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, captivated and engaged visitors with a compelling showcase of interactive projects featuring modern technologies and electronics.
Their innovative showcase included the ‘Arduino Bluetooth Nerf Turret’, ‘Wack a Button’, ‘Arduino Piano’ and a 3D-printed RC Car. These cutting-edge technologies showcased the field’s potential versatility and creativity.
Meanwhile, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering lecturer Foad Motalebi conducted a drone workshop that garnered enthusiastic participation from 30 attendees of varying ages.
The culmination of the workshop was marked by an exhilarating drone challenge, where participants showcased their acquired skills by navigating their drones through hoops and landing them precisely on a landing pad.
The top eight winners, recognised for their agility and precision, were Siti Syamimiee, Jeremy Moim Syed Hafiz Syed Alwi, Peter Tiong, Kingsley Yeo Eng Sing, Shafiyah Darwad, Malyn Mo Tian Yang, and Saiful Abdullah.
Many of the participants said they thoroughly enjoyed participating in the workshop and expressed hopes of being able to join future drone-related events, underscoring the keen interest in drones and the technologies behind unmanned aerial vehicles in general among the young.
Curtin Malaysia remains committed to providing the community with innovative learning experiences and has many more engaging workshops planned for the near future.
This is particularly significant as the university is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and enhancing community engagement is key focus of the celebration.
Faculty of Engineering and Science dean Prof Tuong-Thuy Vu said he was proud of the efforts from the faculty’s staff and students to host the event with Pustaka Miri.
“Our faculty is fully committed to fostering meaningful conversations with various community groups. I firmly believe that events such as this contribute significantly to enhancing the critical skills of the Miri community.
“We can create a lasting positive impact on Miri’s future by working together,” he said.
According to ‘MakersMeet X Makers Bootcamp’ coordinator Mohd Khadzrie Mohd Ramzie Faizal, the programme created a platform for local creators and innovators from various fields and backgrounds to meet and share their knowledge.
“MakersMeet X Makers Bootcamp encouraged participants to think creatively and innovatively. The programme enhanced collaborating and networking between Pustaka Miri and other smart partnership collaborators by promoting a culture of lifelong learning and encouraging the cultivation of knowledge in the community,” he said.