Nicol David Organisation (NDO) Empowering Young Minds With APU

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) hosted a remarkable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event, “Tech-Day @ APU,” in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Centre for Analytics (APCA) and APU research centres.

The event, organised in partnership with the Nicol David Organisation (NDO), successfully combined education, technology, and social responsibility, creating a memorable experience for all participants while fostering tech-based awareness and engagement among Malaysian students, specifically focusing on students aged nine to twelve years old from underprivileged backgrounds.

APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer, Professor Ir EurIng Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, highlighted that APU strategically planned and executed the event with a strong emphasis on leveraging technology education for children, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5 (SDG 4 and SDG 5).

“This initiative was accomplished through a collaborative partnership with NDO, along with the dedicated efforts of the heads of APU’s research and innovation centres, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful execution.”

A file photo shows Datuk Nicol Ann David, the founder of the Nicol David Organisation (NDO), assisting children in becoming acquainted with the educational resources available in the computer lab during the launch of Creative Computing Workshops at APU on May 10, 2024. 

CSR Event Objective

Ms Hema Latha Krishna Nair (Senior Lecturer, School of Computing at APU) highlighted that the event aimed to foster a vibrant exchange of expertise and knowledge, empowering young minds through insightful technological discussions and encouraging their growth in emerging fields.

“It is humbling to give back to the community, especially to those from underprivileged backgrounds, by enriching computing activities that help bridge the digital gap and enhance socio-economic mobility.

“Moreover, the event underscores APU’s commitment to social responsibility by encouraging active community engagement among its staff and students, thus instilling a sense of social consciousness,” she said.

Activity 1: Exploring AI and Cybersecurity

This segment, led by Dr Julia Juremi (Assistant Professor, School of Technology at APU) and Ir EurIng Ts Dr Lau Chee Yong (Assistant Professor, School of Engineering at APU), immersed students in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

The students delved into machine vision and recognition fundamentals, explored AI capabilities through a hands-on Google Teachable Machine demonstration, and engaged in practical sessions where they prepared and tested training data.

The segment concluded with insightful reflections on AI’s role in recognition technologies, providing students with a comprehensive understanding and practical experience in the field.

Activity 2 and 3: Exploring Robotics, Coding, and Drone Technology

Under the guidance of Mr Krishna Ravinchandra (Lecturer, School of Engineering at APU), Ts Suresh Gobee (Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering at APU), and Ts Vickneswari Durairajah (Lecturer, School of Engineering at APU), students in this segment delved into the fundamental aspects of robotics and coding.

They began with an overview of robotics principles and applications, progressing to engaging hands-on coding sessions using Arduino.

Throughout the segment, students explored LED control programming, developed code for robot movement and sensor integration, and concluded with demonstrations highlighting the practical applications of their robotic creations.

Simultaneously, students were introduced to DJI Tello drones, where they learned about the drones’ features and basic controls, followed by a comprehensive safety briefing.

Additionally, students refined their piloting skills through hands-on programming tasks, developing programmes for takeoff, hovering, landing, and navigating obstacle courses. They also delved into mBot assembly and programming.

Activity 4: Exploring APU’s XR Studio Innovations

Under the guidance of Ts Dr Siti Azreena Mubin (Assistant Professor, School of Computing at APU), students in this segment were fully immersed in the expansive world of extended reality (XR).

The segment commenced with demonstrations showcasing virtual reality (VR) capabilities with Meta Quest and mixed reality (MR) applications using Hololens 2.

Students actively engaged in hands-on experiences with the Quest headset, exploring VR environments firsthand.

Additionally, they gained practical skills by creating and configuring simple Metaverse spaces through “SpSpatial.io, and they gained valuable insights into the innovative landscape of XR technologies.

Reflections on the CSR Event

The CSR event, “Tech-Day @ APU,” profoundly impacted the students from the NDO community, providing them with an inspiring and educational experience.

Students were immersed in the world of technology and computing through engaging hands-on sessions, expert-led demonstrations, and interactive activities.

Ms Mariana de Reyes, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NDO, highlighted that the students discovered new skills and knowledge, fostering a deep-seated interest in technological innovation.

“Additionally, the event empowered them with practical insights, fostering a sense of confidence and excitement about their potential in the field, while the experience left the students with a renewed sense of purpose, motivating them to explore technology in creative ways, thereby shaping their aspirations and guiding their future paths.”