The IEEE Sarawak Subsection together with IEEE Sarawak SIGHT recently organised the second visit to the primary school, SK Kampung Bahagia Jaya in the sub-urban areas of SIBU, to complete the second phase of the ongoing humanitarian project. Thanks to the cooperation and assistance given by IEEE University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Club Advisor, Dr. Yong and her student volunteers, the installation of the solar powered wall and street lights were done in 3 days. Despite COVID-19 pandemic situation, only 6 IEEE volunteers were allowed to assist in lighting installation per day during weekend.
The concept of how the lightings worked which utilized the detection of motion within the sensor range were delivered to the primary school staffs after installation of lighting were completed. The helper group stayed until night time to check the condition of lighting and made sure that all the lightings were working properly to ensure all the school area are well-lit. The lighting system will help in security, walking path enhancement and convenience during night time which bring benefits to school children and school teachers for their night classes. “The lighting system is powered entirely by solar energy which provide sustainable lighting solution to help the primary school to save energy and improve quality of the study environment”, Dr Tay Fei Siang, one of the IEEE volunteer committees.
The school is bright during night which make it easier for the security guard and school teachers to carry out the night time activities such as patrolling and conducting classes. “We really appreciate the help given to us. Now the school is much brighter compared with last time which really convenient for us to conduct the school activities,” Cikgu Sarkawi said.
Dr. Then Yi Lung who is the IEEE Sarawak Humanitarian Chair has expressed gratitude to the group of passionate engineer volunteers (UTS lecturers and students) who have supported this meaningful project to enhance the quality of the study environment using solar technology. The team will discuss with local authorities to request for funding to conduct more humanitarian projects that will promote welfare of the Sarawak local communities in near future.
