KUALA LUMPUR, Sep 12 – Persatuan Mahasiswa Hindu (PMH) Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur continued the Puthiya Manitha Phase 2 programme with students of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJK(T)) Fletcher, Kuala Lumpur, through a series of hands-on activities in Programming, Engineering and Robotics.

Held at Bilik Ilmuan 1, Azman Hashim Building, and Dewan Banquet, Menara Razak, the programme aimed to foster Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) awareness and digital literacy among young learners by connecting classroom learning with practical technology. The programme was organised by PMH UTM Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Subsection Kuala Lumpur and IEEE UTM Kuala Lumpur Student Branch, with support from Vision Waste Sdn. Bhd. and Malaysian Telugu Foundation.

The programme began with a Programming session, where students were introduced to the concept of using instructions to control electronic components through Tinkercad. They explored how inputs, instructions and outputs interact, while developing logical thinking and problem-solving skills through an interactive digital environment.

The Engineering session then introduced students to basic engineering principles through the construction of an LED blinking system. With guidance from facilitators, students connected the required components and learned how programming and engineering concepts can work together to produce a desired output.

The final technical session introduced students to Robotics through an obstacle detection robot. Students explored how sensors detect objects and how programmed instructions enable a robot to respond to its environment. The progression from programming to engineering and robotics allowed students to understand how different STEM concepts can be integrated into a working technological system.

Following the technical sessions, students took part in a Kahoot assessment to revisit concepts from Programming, Engineering and Robotics in an interactive setting.

The programme also featured sharing sessions involving representatives from IEEE, UTM and SJK(T) Fletcher Kuala Lumpur. IEEE representative Ts. Dr. Haslina Md. Sarkan introduced students to IEEE initiatives and opportunities for young people, while Programme Advisor Dr. Pritheega Magalingam highlighted UTM initiatives and encouraged students to explore education, technology and STEM opportunities. School representative Rinadevi Nakapan thanked PMH and UTM for bringing the programme to the students and shared her connection with UTM as an alumna.

The closing ceremony recognised the contributions of Ts. Dr. Haslina Md. Sarkan and Dr. Pritheega Magalingam, while appreciation was also extended to SJK(T) Fletcher Kuala Lumpur for its support. PMH UTM Kuala Lumpur Advisor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan was also acknowledged for supporting and encouraging the programme.

Through the collaboration, Puthiya Manitha Phase 2 continues to provide young learners with opportunities to explore, build and understand technology through practical STEM experiences.

Prepared by Dr. Pritheega Magalingam, Program Advisor and Niveeshana Balachandran, President of PMH