KUALA Lumpur, Nov 8 — A blend of innovation and empathy took centre stage at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) when students from the Biomedical Networking and Innovation Club (BIONIC) completed their Handing-A-Hand Visit 24/25 project — crafting and delivering 3D-printed prosthetic arms to three young children born with limb differences, including one from Kuala Lumpur and two from Penang.
The closing ceremony, held at the Dewan Banquet, Dewan Tan Sri Ainuddin Wahid, UTM Kuala Lumpur, marked the symbolic handover of the customised prosthetic devices and celebrated a year-long effort that brought together engineering skill, human-centred design and community impact.
More than 20 students were involved in the initiative from February to November 2025, covering every stage from CAD modelling and fabrication to prototyping and on-site fitting. Each prosthetic arm was refined through repeated adjustments to ensure comfort, safety and daily usability for the young recipients.
To support functional adaptation, occupational therapist Chu Ai Reen conducted a series of hands-on training and assessment sessions. She guided the children through structured techniques to improve grip, arm motion and confidence in using the devices for everyday tasks.
A highlight of the programme was a mini “confidence challenge” series of games, where the children used their new prosthetic hands to complete simple but fun activities — such as picking up objects, stacking items and carrying small toys. The friendly challenges not only encouraged the children to practice functional movements, but also boosted their confidence and sense of achievement as they mastered new abilities.
The project received strong backing from industry partners including Unbox Resources Sdn. Bhd., FOZ One, School of Professional and Continuing Education (UTM SPACE), VTC Solution, Vertex Printing, Printcious and Shantini, whose contributions enabled refinement of the designs and smooth execution of the programme.
The ceremony was attended by Sohailah Safie, Head of the Centre for Community and Industry Network (CCIN), UTM Kuala Lumpur; and Dr. Mohd Najeb Jamaludin, BIONIC advisor and programme supervisor. Representatives from supporting organisations, including Patrick Tan Lean Kow of FOZ One and Ts Norhaslinda Harun, General Manager of UTM SPACE, were also present to witness the touching moment the prosthetics were handed to the children and their families.
“This project reminded us that engineering is not just about innovation — it’s about humanity,” said programme director Jovina Shalom James Saravanan. Vice secretary Rodina Osama Said Abdelmobdy added, “Seeing the children smile while using the prosthetics was the greatest reward for all our hard work.”
With the success of this year’s initiative, the BIONIC team shared their excitement for the future. They are already looking forward to organising next year’s Prosthetic Hand Challenge & Games, an expanded programme aimed at motivating more children with limb differences to build functional skills and confidence through playful activities.
The Handing-A-Hand Visit 24/25 stands as a testament to UTM’s commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only innovative but deeply compassionate — reminding us that when technology and empathy meet, lives are transformed.
