Sunway Diploma Studies Students Shine at ESTE’25: Pioneering Innovations and National Recognition

Sunway Diploma Studies (SDS) programme has once again proven its commitment to fostering technological excellence and nurturing future innovators. SDS students recently secured top honours at the Engineering, Science & Technology Exhibition (ESTE'25 Series 1), a national-level event that showcased cutting-edge research, design, and innovation from various educational institutions across Malaysia. This achievement highlights the institution's dedication to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving fields of engineering and technology.

Hosted by MAHSA University, ESTE'25 brought together participants from public (IPTA) and private (IPTS) universities, including esteemed institutions such as UIA, UPM, UTM, UNITEN, UTP, City University Malaysia, and various polytechnics. Themed "Harmony in Diversity: Engineering Solutions for a United Future," the exhibition provided a platform for students to present their ground-breaking projects, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The event also included networking opportunities, industry talks, and academic discussions, encouraging young innovators to push the boundaries of technology. Our students competed against over 60 project entries and emerged with prestigious accolades, demonstrating their technical prowess and problem-solving abilities. Here are the highlights of their award-winning projects:

1. Gold Award (Diploma Category): Real-Time Hand Gesture Detection using ESP32-CAM & Arduino IDE

This gold award-winning project aims to develop a real-time hand gesture detection system using machine learning techniques combined with motion detection. The system employs Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Mediapipe, and OpenCV to ensure efficient and accurate vision-based hand gesture detection. Designed to enhance human-computer interaction, this project proves particularly beneficial for sign language interpretation and emotion-based gesture recognition as it integrates real-time video streaming and wireless communication via ESP32-CAM, allowing for multi-language selection and recognition of alphabets, digits, and other gestures.

2. Most Innovative & Creative Award: Drone Surveillance System with Object Detection using Raspberry Pi 5 & Camera Module V3

Using a Raspberry Pi 5, Camera Module V3, and a handmade Cessna constructed from XPS foam, this project showcases an autonomous surveillance drone. Utilising YOLOv8, an advanced deep-learning model trained on the COCO dataset, the system can detect and classify 88 different object categories. The primary objective is to enhance wide-area surveillance capabilities through real-time AI-powered image processing. The system integrates real-time video streaming and object detection algorithms, making it applicable in security monitoring, disaster response, and environmental tracking.

3. Best Demonstration Award: Property Management Household Service System (PropXpert)

PropXpert is an AI-powered property management system designed to address challenges in property management, visitor tracking, and facility bookings. The system features a mobile application for residents and a web-based platform for property managers, ensuring seamless administration and improved resident convenience. It integrates OpenCV for automated car plate recognition, leveraging Arduino Uno and ESP32 for real-time monitoring. The platform supports real-time facility booking, service requests, and billing via the mobile app, with secure data storage and synchronisation through Firebase. The team's outstanding live demonstration of PropXpert's capabilities earned them the Best Demonstration Award.

In a nutshell, Sunway Diploma Studies' remarkable success at ESTE'25 underscores its commitment to nurturing talent and fostering technological excellence among students. By translating theoretical knowledge into practical applications, SDS students demonstrated their capability to make meaningful contributions to the engineering, science, and technology sectors. As the institution continues to cultivate the next generation of tech leaders, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, ensuring they continue to excel in national and global arenas of science and technology. The successes at ESTE'25 serve as a testament to the dedication and innovation of both the SDS students and their mentors.

By: Mr. Ahmad Mujahid, Ms Shangeetha Raj Mohan