Arabic Culture Day 2022
Participating in the UTM Arabic Culture Day (ACD) 2022 was an enriching experience that began months before the actual event. As a member of the logistics committee, I was tasked with ensuring smooth operations during the event. The journey commenced with registering for the committee several months prior to the event, demonstrating my commitment to contributing to the success of the ACD.
Towards the end of November 2022, a crucial meeting took place where I had the opportunity to meet the heads of the committee along with my fellow members, Esam and Osama. This initial gathering not only allowed us to familiarize ourselves with one another but also served as a platform for organizing our responsibilities. We were grouped by committee and subsequently connected through a WhatsApp community, facilitating further communication and coordination.
In the subsequent online meeting exclusive to my committee members, I was entrusted with the task of overseeing the installation of booths in the designated hall. This responsibility required meticulous planning and execution to ensure that each booth accurately represented the customs and traditions of the respective countries.
As the event date approached, preparations intensified. Setting up commenced on the 15th of December, with a rehearsal scheduled for the following day. During this period, I diligently worked on installing booths while also assisting other committees with tasks such as organizing chairs and distributing walkie-talkies to committee heads.
On the day of the event, the vibrant atmosphere of the ACD permeated the venue. The day portion commenced with each country's booth adorned with decorations reflecting their unique culture. Additionally, tantalizing aromas wafted through the air as attendees indulged in various culinary delights, ranging from Egyptian Koshary to Yemeni tea and sweets.
Transitioning to the night portion, the venue underwent a transformation as booths were dismantled to make way for tables and chairs. Each country's International Student Society (ISS) took center stage, presenting captivating performances that showcased the diversity and richness of Arabic culture. Following the performances, attendees were treated to a sumptuous dinner buffet featuring an array of delectable dishes.
Post-event, the cleanup process ensued, underscoring the collective effort invested in ensuring the smooth execution of the ACD. As we bid farewell to yet another successful edition of the event, I couldn't help but reflect on the invaluable experiences gained and the bonds forged throughout the journey. The UTM Arabic Culture Day 2022 served as a testament to the power of cultural exchange in fostering understanding and appreciation across diverse communities.
Malacca City Trip
PROGRAM AUTOCAR MENTOR- MENTEE 2022/2023
Participating in the Autocar Mentor/Mentee Program was an exciting yet challenging endeavor that offered a glimpse into the world of robotics and engineering. Designed as a 30-day introductory course and challenge, the program aimed to cultivate participants' skills in electrical, mechanical, and programming domains, culminating in the creation of a line-following robot car. Completion of the program also opened doors to joining UTM's esteemed Robocon team, setting the stage for potential competition against other teams in Malaysia and beyond.
The journey began with the acquisition of a comprehensive kit containing all the necessary components, setting the stage for a month of intensive learning and experimentation. Guided by experienced mentors, participants embarked on the task of designing a circuit, laying the groundwork for the subsequent phases of the project. Under the tutelage of my mentor, I navigated through the intricacies of circuit design, albeit facing initial challenges that demanded persistence and dedication.
With the circuit design finalized, the focus shifted to the hands-on aspect of the project: soldering legs onto the main microcontroller. Drawing upon past experiences of soldering alongside my father, I swiftly tackled this task, laying a solid foundation for the project's progression.
The heart of the project lay in programming the microcontroller to execute various tasks crucial to the robot car's functionality. Armed with determination and a willingness to learn, I delved into the complexities of the microcontroller's IDE and language, gradually mastering the fundamentals. However, as the challenges grew more intricate, particularly in programming the servo motor, I encountered a hurdle that tested my limits. Lacking the requisite electrical knowledge, I found myself grappling with the intricacies of servo motor programming, despite persistent efforts to overcome the obstacle.
As the program unfolded, the demands of university tests loomed ever closer, imposing constraints on my time and energy. Despite my fervent desire to persevere, I ultimately made the difficult decision to withdraw from the program, prioritizing academic commitments.
Although my journey with the Autocar Mentor/Mentee Program concluded prematurely, I found solace in celebrating the accomplishments of my peers who successfully navigated the challenges and brought their robot cars to life. Witnessing their achievements served as a source of inspiration and motivation, underscoring the transformative power of hands-on learning experiences.
While I may have taken a step back from the program, the invaluable lessons learned and the camaraderie forged with fellow participants remain indelibly etched in my memory. As I bid farewell to the Autocar Mentor/Mentee Program, I remain grateful for the opportunity to explore the realms of robotics and engineering, eager to apply the knowledge gained in future endeavors.