By: Dr. Mohd Faisal Abdul Hamid

KUANTAN – The Aerospace Engineering Department of the Engineering Faculty, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), recently organized a career technology and engineering programme to inspire students from SMK Seri Mahkota Kuantan, Pahang, in rocket science.

Deputy Director of UPM Corporate Strategy and Communication, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Abd. Rahim Abu Talib said the programme was part of PUTRA Bakti education initiatives where UPM experts shared their experiences and knowledge to the community.

“UPM Aerospace Engineering Department, once again, teamed up with global defence, security and aerospace companies, BAE Systems and MiGHT-Meteor Advanced Manufacturing (MMAM), to encourage students from the school to discover more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics-based careers,” he said.

BAE Systems Asean Vice-President, Nick Glover said BAE Systems and its local partners employed thousands of young people in exciting fields of science and technology across the world and in Malaysia to support such school outreach programme.

“We aim to motivate and encourage young Malaysians to develop an interest in science and engineering, hopefully, driving the students’ interest to pursue and build a career in these exciting fields,” he said.

The school outreach programme was officiated by Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Kuantan Air Force Base Commander, Brigadier-General Dato’ Yazid Arshad.

First launched in Bintulu in 2012 before it was continued at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in 2013 and 2015, the fourth outreach programme helped students understand the career options available to them by bringing science and technology to life through fun hands-on activities. This year’s activity involved water-propelled rockets. 

Form four student from SMK Seri Mahkota, Chen De Shen said she was excited about opportunities in aerospace after taking part in the programme.

“I’ve always been fascinated with flight. Today’s water rocket challenge exposed me to the science behind it and I’m interested in a career in engineering,” she said.

The event was successfully carried out with the help of senior lecturers from UPM’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering - Dr. Mohd. Yazdi Harmin, Dr. Ahmad Salahuddin Ahmad Harithuddin, Dr. Fairuz Izzuddin Romli and Dr Mohd Faisal Abdul Hamid. – UPM

Date of Input: | Updated: | amir_peli