The students, academicians and industry experts in a group photo. – Photo by UPMKB
BINTULU (Nov 7): The Agricultural Engineering Symposium 2024 (AES2024) today has brought together students, academics and industry experts to explore innovative solutions in agricultural engineering.
The programme was organised by the Faculty of Humanities, Management, and Sciences (FHMS)’s Department of Science and Technology (JSTek) at Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB).
It featured a diverse range of projects, with final-year Diploma in Agricultural Technology Engineering students presenting their groundbreaking research and innovations.
This year’s symposium focused on sustainable practices, emphasising the importance of reducing waste and increasing efficiency in agricultural systems.
Projects ranged from a mechanised rubber tapper machine to a paddy yield prediction model using machine learning, showcasing the students’ creativity and technical skills in addressing real-world agricultural challenges.
Among the standout projects was a project on the ‘compact on-site carboniser for biocoal production’, which aimed to convert agricultural waste into biocoal, earning itself the ‘Best Presenter’ award.
Another impressive initiative was a project on ‘low-cost oil palm loose fresh fruits collector’, which secured the ‘Best Poster’ award for its innovative and practical design.
“The level of innovation and critical thinking displayed by our students is truly remarkable. They are not only solving current agricultural problems, but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.
“These projects prove that with the right support and guidance, young minds can achieve extraordinary things,” said the programme’s director Dr Omar Faruqi Marzuki in a statement.
The symposium also provided a platform for students to interact with industry professionals, gaining valuable insights and building networks.
Additionally, panellists and judges from both academia and industry offered constructive feedback, helping students refine their projects further.
AES2024 concluded with an award ceremony, where a total of three gold, five silver, and seven bronze awards were presented to the best projects, highlighting the exceptional talent and hard work of the students.
The event accentuated UPMKB’s commitment to fostering innovation and bridging the gap between academic research and industry needs.
Through initiatives like AES2024, UPMKB continues to lead in agricultural innovation, preparing students to tackle global challenges and contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector.
The post UPM Bintulu students showcase projects at agricultural engineering symposium appeared first on Borneo Post Online.