The Civil Engineering department of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment, and Information Technology (FoEBEIT) at SEGi University has once again proven its mettle by achieving remarkable success at the highly anticipated UTAR Structural Earthquake Stability Competition 8.0 (SES-VIII) held on 8 July 2023. This year’s event showcased the exceptional skills of two teams, led by renowned experts in the field, Ir. Dr. Tee Horng Hean and Dr. Nurul Izzatul Lydia, comprising both seasoned 4th-year students and ambitious 1st-year students, respectively.
Amidst fierce competition from 19 teams representing renowned public and private universities, including prestigious institutions like Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaya (UM), and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), the teams from SEGi University emerged victorious, leaving their mark in the field of civil engineering. One of the teams even secured the highly coveted consolation prize, earning well-deserved recognition for their outstanding performance and walking away with a cash prize of RM400.
SES, an annual event organized by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), has steadily gained prominence since its establishment in 2015. This year, the competition garnered further significance as it collaborated with esteemed professional institutions such as The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Malaysia. The collaboration not only elevated the competition’s status but also provided an unparalleled platform for participants to showcase their engineering prowess.
The theme of SES-VIII centered around the innovative concept of Sky Bridge, pushing contestants to design and construct seismic buildings that adhere to stringent regulations while incorporating a bridge feature between two structures. The competition highlighted the importance of engineering structures that are not only safe but also promote innovation and sustainability—a true testament to the evolving demands of the field.
Under intense pressure, each participating team was granted a challenging 3.5-hour window to design and construct a building model, utilizing materials provided by the organizers. The models were subsequently subjected to rigorous testing on a shaking table, simulating earthquake intensities of varying degrees. It was during this crucial phase that one of SEGi’s teams truly shone, enduring all seven levels of earthquake intensities with unparalleled skill and finesse. Their remarkable performance left the judges awestruck, securing their place among the top participants.
The resounding success achieved by SEGi’s teams in SES-VIII serves as a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to providing a dynamic and competitive environment for students to excel in their chosen field. By participating in such prestigious competitions, SEGi University not only equips its students with practical skills but also nurtures a culture of excellence within the civil engineering community.
As SEGi continues to nurture talented individuals and drive advancements in the field of civil engineering, it undoubtedly contributes significantly to the nation’s overall development, laying the foundation for a brighter future for all. The triumph at SES-VIII serves as a resounding endorsement of SEGi’s dedication to producing exceptional engineers who will shape the future of the industry and bring innovative solutions to the challenges that lie ahead.
