USM ENGINEERING CAMPUS CONTINUES TO LEAD AS NIARC 2025 HOST, STRENGTHENING STEM EDUCATION

NIBONG TEBAL, 6 December 2025 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Engineering Campus reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education by successfully hosting the NI Autonomous Robotics Competition (NIARC) 2025 for the eighth consecutive year.

The prestigious competition serves as a premier platform for local university students to sharpen their innovation and technological skills in line with real-world industry needs and Industry 4.0 technologies.

The closing ceremony was officiated by USM Engineering Campus Director, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor. In her speech, she expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between USM and NI, which has spanned eight years since NIARC was first held at the campus.

“USM and NI share a vision to strengthen students’ capabilities in STEM fields. NIARC provides the best platform for students to explore innovative learning experiences aligned with real industry requirements and Industry 4.0 technologies,” she said.

She added that initiatives like NIARC play a vital role in producing graduates who are competent, creative, and ready to meet global workforce demands through direct exposure to industry experts.

“Students also gain opportunities to understand best practices and develop practical skills essential for enhancing the nation’s competitiveness,” she noted.

This year, NIARC attracted 16 teams comprising 85 students and project supervisors from various universities including USM, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTEM), and Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC).

Over six months, participants worked on designing autonomous robots based on the theme “Robots in Modern Agriculture: Urban Agro Arena”, focusing on future robotic solutions for urban farming and sustainable agriculture.

NI Malaysia’s APAC Manufacturing Vice President and Managing Director, Selvam Chinappan, described this year’s participation as exceptional, noting the passion and talent of young engineers as a constant source of inspiration for the company.

“The innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills demonstrated by participants are truly commendable,” he said.

“Experiences like these, from designing, coding, and testing to troubleshooting under pressure while offering invaluable lessons beyond textbooks,” he added, while acknowledging the continued support from all participating universities.

NI STEM Program Lead, Jia Sheen Tan, also praised the teams’ commitment after witnessing significant progress in robot performance throughout the day.

“The ability to stabilize systems, resolve connectivity issues, repair mechanical structures, and adapt strategies on the spot reflects true engineering spirit,” she emphasized.

“The creativity, discipline, and forward-thinking displayed by participants highlight the immense potential of the next generation of engineers.”

After an intensive six-month training program using real industrial hardware and software provided by NI, only two teams advanced to the Championship Round.

UTM Emerges Champion

Following a challenging final round, Team AIROST 1 from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) clinched the NIARC 2025 title, taking home RM5,000, while AIROST 2 secured second place with RM3,000.

Third place went to Roboteam from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), which received RM1,000. AIROST 1 also earned the NI Creativity and Innovation Award.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim / Photo: Muhammad Sarif Mhd. Rapiai