SIBU: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Sarawak Subsection and IEEE Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT) Sarawak, Swinburne University of Technology and University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) collaborated in organizing humanitarian project for communities in Sarawak.
The alternative lighting project, successfully reached out to a secondary school, SK Kampung Bahagia Jaya in the sub-urban areas of SIBU, Sarawak. The activity was initiated and involved more than 10 IEEE students and members who volunteered in this project despite all difficulties encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project was divided into two phases. Under phase 1, the team conducted study on the needs of the primary school as well as surveyed different areas in the school. For phase 2, which is expected to be completed next month, there will be a site installation of alternative lighting system for the school. The alternative lighting system will help in security, walking path enhancement and convenience during night time walking. The system is powered entirely by solar energy and is the most cost-effective way to provide sustainable lighting solution to the school. The solar system will benefit young school children by improving their study environment and school children can observe how the solar technology function everyday.
“This project assemble a group of passionate engineer volunteers working together to enhance study place for our school children using solar technology which is sustainable and energy saving. We hope to setup a good example to inspire more people to carry out humanitarian activities that will benefit the local communities in Sarawak.” Dr Tay Fei Siang, who is the Vice Chair for the group said to the media.
This project serves as a platform for humanitarian efforts that provides a rewarding experience for the IEEE student volunteers from different engineering backgrounds. Besides, the upcoming IEEE SIGHT’s IoT Home Farming workshop 2nd edition was shared with the local community and it is aimed to have around 20 students teams for the workshop in 26 February 2022. Please feel free to contact Dr. Tay, fstay@swinburne.edu.my for more information.
