APU hosts Tech-Day event, inspiring young minds

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) hosted a notable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event, “Tech-Day @ APU,” on 29 June 2024.

In collaboration with the Asia Pacific Centre for Analytics (APCA) and APU research centres, this event combined education, technology, and social responsibility, providing an enriching experience for underprivileged students.

APU inspiring future innovators

The event, held in partnership with the Nicol David Organisation (NDO), aimed to foster tech-based awareness and engagement among Malaysian students aged nine to twelve from underprivileged backgrounds.

APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer, Professor Ir EurIng Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, emphasised the strategic planning and execution of the event.

“This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5, focusing on leveraging technology education for children,” he said.

Hema Latha Krishna Nair, a senior lecturer at APU’s School of Computing, highlighted the event’s goal of empowering young minds through technological discussions and activities.

“It is humbling to give back to the community by enriching computing activities that bridge the digital gap and enhance socio-economic mobility,” she said.

This event underscores APU’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Hands-on learning and technological exploration

Led by Dr Julia Juremi and Ir EurIng Ts Dr Lau Chee Yong from APU’s School of Technology and School of Engineering, respectively, the students were immersed in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

They explored machine vision and recognition fundamentals and engaged in hands-on activities, such as using Google Teachable Machine to prepare and test training data.

This segment provided students with a comprehensive understanding and practical experience in AI.

Another segment, guided by lecturers Krishna Ravinchandra, Ts Suresh Gobee, and Ts Vickneswari Durairajah, introduced students to robotics and coding.

They learned about robotics principles and applications, followed by hands-on coding sessions using Arduino. Students explored LED control programming, developed code for robot movement, and integrated sensors.

Additionally, they were introduced to DJI Tello drones, learning about features, basic controls, and safety. They refined their piloting skills through programming tasks and mBot assembly.

Under the guidance of Ts Dr Siti Azreena Mubin from APU’s School of Computing, students delved into the world of extended reality (XR).

They experienced virtual reality (VR) with Meta Quest and mixed reality (MR) with Hololens 2.

Hands-on experiences with VR environments and creating simple Metaverse spaces through “Spatial.io” provided valuable insights into XR technologies.

“Tech-Day @ APU” left a profound impact on the students, providing an inspiring and educational experience.

Mariana de Reyes, Founder and CEO of NDO, highlighted the event’s positive influence.

“The students discovered new skills and knowledge, fostering a deep-seated interest in technological innovation,” she said.

The hands-on sessions, expert-led demonstrations, and interactive activities instilled confidence and excitement about their potential in the tech field.

The event not only provided practical insights but also motivated students to explore technology creatively, shaping their aspirations and guiding their future paths.

Through this initiative, APU and its partners successfully combined education, technology, and social responsibility, making a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners.