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JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 25 – The UTM-PolyU Summer School 2024 is a dynamic and intellectually stimulating program focusing on “Machine Learning, Robotics, Internet of Things, and Malaysian Culture”. It has been organized by the Wireless Communication Centre (WCC) at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in collaboration with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). The event took place from 18th to 25th August 2024 at UTM Johor Bahru.

This week-long event brought together 14 enthusiastic students and one lecturer from PolyU, along with five dedicated UTM student buddies from FKE. The participants, who come from various engineering disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence & Information Engineering and Electronic & Electrical Engineering, engaged in exploration and hands-on workshops. The program was carefully designed to combine cutting-edge machine learning, generative artificial intelligence, robotics, and Internet of Things workshops with rich cultural immersion, ensuring a comprehensive and memorable experience for all involved.

Throughout the week, the students dived into the interconnected topics of machine learning, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). They took part in a series of theoretical and practical hands-on sessions at UTM Flexible Learning Space (UTMFlexis), where they explored advanced concepts and their real-world applications. Highlights included visits to UTM’s renowned laboratories—the Wireless Communication Centre (WCC), the Robotics Lab, and the Mechatronics Lab—where the students witnessed live demonstrations of various robots and 5G communication systems. These sessions were not only educational but also inspirational, sparking curiosity and innovation among the students.

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Snapshots of classroom activities during the Machine Learning, Robotics, IoT and Malaysia Culture Workshops.

The program included a variety of engaging lectures and workshops conducted by esteemed academics from FKE UTM. First, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Kumeresan A. Danapalasingam provided a comprehensive introduction to machine learning, covering topics such as Python programming, linear regression, decision trees, and neural networks. Following this, Ts. Ir. Dr. Michael Tan Loong Peng led a practical session on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The session included hands-on activities with ChatGPT that encouraged creative writing and group project development. Subsequently, the robotics workshop was led by Ir. Dr. Fauzan Khairi bin Che Harun. Students gained practical experience in IoT, machine vision, and machine learning, ultimately participating in a thrilling recycling collection robot competition. Dr. Kew Si Na from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) added a unique cultural dimension to the program by delivering an engaging session on Malaysia’s diverse culture. Students were introduced to fun facts about the country’s multicultural society, its rich culinary traditions, and even basic Malay language skills for daily conversation.

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Zapin dance, traditional costume try-out, and Johor Laksa tea break.

During their time outside of the classroom, the students had the opportunity to engage in a range of cultural and recreational activities, allowing them to fully experience Malaysia’s beauty and heritage. Visiting the Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex in Johor Bahru and the Bugis Museum at Pontian provided valuable insights into Malay heritage, architecture, and traditional crafts. The students were able to try on traditional costumes, learn the traditional Johorian Zapin dance, and enjoy the famous Johor Laksa.

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Visit to iconic and historical landmarks in Johor Bahru

They continued their cultural journey with visits to iconic landmarks such as the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, Johor Bahru Hindu Temple, Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street, and the bustling Bazaar Pasar Karat. The outings also included an adventurous trip to Tanjung Piai National Park. Here, the students stepped foot on the southernmost point of Eurasia, marveled at the region’s biodiversity, and received certificates for their achievement. Additionally, they went on a guided visit to a local bee farm and orchard, where they got to pick fruits, savor the king and queen of the local fruits – durian and mangosteen, and taste freshly harvested raw honey.

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Having a taste of student life at the tropical campus

Additionally, students had the opportunity to experience life at UTM’s tropical campus, including the unique opportunity to bathe and walk a horse at the UTM equine park.

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Savouring diverse mouth-watering food and beverages in Johor

The summer school was not just about academics; it celebrated multiculturalism. Participants enjoyed a variety of cuisines, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, Arabic, and modern fusion. From curries to Johor Laksa, nasi kandar, and even Roti Tissue, the students had a true culinary adventure. They were continually impressed by the warmth, hospitality, and cultural richness they encountered throughout their stay.

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Group photos of the organizing committee, student buddies, and participants and a snapshot from the closing ceremony.

During the closing dinner at the Impiana Hotel, the Programme Director, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Leow Chee Yen (Bruce), delivered an appreciation speech and congratulated the students for their achievements. The Deputy Dean of Academic and Student Affairs of FKE, Prof. Ir. Dr. Muhammad Nadzir Marsono, delivered a closing speech and welcomed students from PolyU to further their studies in UTM. Prizes were awarded to quiz winners and the winners of the robotic competition.

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Group photo during the robotic workshop.

As the curtains close on this year’s summer school, the memories, friendships, and knowledge gained will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on everyone involved. The UTM-PolyU Summer School 2024 serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when academic excellence meets cultural exchange, paving the way for future collaborations and lifelong learning.

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