HANDS-ON: UCSI University’s Engineering students using the glue gun to piece their prototype together during the James Dyson workshop.

EUREKA! UCSI University’s Petroleum Engineering student Gan Kin Leong conducting a demonstration on his prototype during the James Dyson workshop.

KUALA LUMPUR: UCSI University’s (UCSI) Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment (FETBE) recently organised an exclusive half-day lecture cum workshop for approximately 65 Engineering students. 

Conducted by James Dyson Foundation ambassador Ms Hadijah Bte Ahmad and James Dyson graduate design engineer Mr Tay Yee Wye, the event aimed to provide a platform for the students to engage with industry practitioners and to allow them to gain more industry exposure. 

During the lecture, the speakers shared their experience and the James Dyson philosophy with students; an approach that FETBE’s Head (Civil Engineering department) Ir Ahmad bin Tamby Kadir thought was unique. 

“(The approach necessitates one to first) identify a problem, brainstorm possible solutions and then put the idea into sketches,” he explained. 

“Only then would a prototype be created and improvised on. It’s very interesting.” 

Moving on to the workshop, students were segregated into teams and were required to design and build a prototype from the materials – such as glue guns, cardboard, rulers and plastic – that were provided. 

Teams were given ‘themed cards’ – imprinted with words like education, cooking, health and public spaces, among others – and needed to identify a problem in their ‘theme’ before designing a solution. 

The air crackled with tension as students hurried to brainstorm for ideas – having only 45 minutes to do so – and then create their prototype within an hour. 

There was also much excitement in competing with each other, as the winning team would be rewarded with mini gifts. 

Almost two hours passed and ideas slowly came to life; from barely-there constructions to solid prototypes. 

And it was a sight to behold. 

The students had created impressive prototypes: A safety belt that prevents its wearer from falling if one slips; a personal device that recycles plastic bottles; and the smallest smart car, to name a few. 

However, the one that took the cake was a working prototype that measured the degree of muscle swelling on the back of a patient. 

Leading the team to win the hearts of the judges was Petroleum Engineering student Gan Kin Leong. 

Assisted by his teammates, he conducted a detailed demonstration on his team’s prototype. 

In essence, the idea stemmed from his experience in healthcare; namely, three years in Physiotherapy and half a year as an intern in India treating patients. 

Enthusiastic about the workshop, Gan said: “(From the workshop), I learned that creativity, critical thinking, innovation and inspiration are all very important and that they all come together to play a very important role.” 

The judges were also quick to heap praise on the students’ designs and Tay expressed his delight at the inventions he had seen. 

“Personally, I found the participants creative and (was impressed that they) were able to come up with great ideas and new concepts within such a short time,” said Tay. 

“They gave specific details (about their prototype) and that shows their great depth (in the field); in short, how much they actually understand about Engineering and how much they want to solve a problem.” 

To date, UCSI’s Engineering students have netted more than 20 awards in the James Dyson Award competitions, both at the national and international level.