July 10, 2025

JOHOR BAHRU, June 12 – UTM Centre for Engineering Education (CEE) hosted an engaging session titled “Internet of Things in Engineering” at Asia Math Engineering Challenge (AMEC 2025) held at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), showcasing the university’s leadership in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for youth across Asia.

Organized by KRYA Global, AMEC 2025 brought together 70 primary and secondary school students from Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Malaysia for a five-day immersive learning experience in Johor Bahru. The program aimed to develop students’ understanding of emerging digital technologies such as IoT, robotics, and microcontroller programming, while fostering cross-cultural collaboration and creative problem-solving.

The session, conducted by Prof. Ir. Dr. Sharifah Hafizah Syed Ariffin and Ts. Dr. Nor Aishah Muhammad from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE), UTM, introduced participants to real-world applications of IoT through a series of community-based engineering projects carried out by UTM researchers and students.

During the session, students were given an overview of how IoT technologies are used to solve daily problems—from smart home solutions to environmental monitoring systems. They learned how sensors, microcontrollers, and cloud connectivity play vital roles in building responsive, data-driven systems that enhance quality of life. The facilitators also demonstrated simple IoT prototypes and encouraged students to ask questions and share ideas.

Prof. Ir. Dr. Sharifah Hafizah Syed Ariffin presenting community-based IoT projects developed by her research team at UTM, highlighting real-world applications of digital technology during the AMEC 2025 session at the UTM CEE.

A lively question-and-answer segment led by Antonius Malem Barus, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KRYA Global, further deepened students’ understanding. The interactive discussion demonstrated the participants’ maturity, curiosity, and enthusiasm in exploring engineering as a tool for community impact.

Beyond the IoT session, AMEC 2025 featured a rich program that included project sharing and feedback from experts, skill-building activities, and cultural exchanges among participants. Students also visited LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort and explored UTM’s landmarks such as Masjid Sultan Ismail, enriching their educational and cultural experience.

Participants of AMEC 2025 attentively listening during the “Internet of Things in Engineering” session at UTM CEE.

In a recent discussion, Dr. Nurzal Effiyana Ghazali, Director of UTM CEE, and Antonius reaffirmed their shared vision to nurture young innovators through collaborative, regional STEM efforts. “Our collaboration with KRYA reflects a commitment to inspire students not only to understand technology but to use it for positive impact,” said Dr. Nurzal Effiyana.

The success of the IoT in Engineering session highlights UTM CEE’s role in delivering research-driven, experiential education that sparks curiosity and builds capacity among the next generation of STEM leaders.

Participants and team members of AMEC 2025, including students, organizers, facilitators, and accompanying school principals, posing in front of one of UTM’s iconic landmarks, Masjid Sultan Ismail.

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