IoT Penang Flood Alert System: Empowering Communities with Real-Time Flood Monitoring
Student projects like the IoT Penang Flood Alert System epitomise the immense value of practical learning experiences for students and the community. By tackling real-world issues, students like Chow Wey Shern, Lim Hao Zhi, and Ng Shi Hui are not only applying their theoretical knowledge but also developing critical skills in problem-solving, innovation, and technology application. These projects foster a sense of responsibility and engagement with community welfare, preparing students not just for their careers but to be future leaders and changemakers. Their potential is a source of hope and optimism for the future.
For the community, such initiatives translate into tangible benefits—this particular system offers a proactive approach to flood management, a critical need in flood-prone areas like Penang. By providing real-time data and essential emergency resources, the system enhances community resilience against natural disasters. Integrating a donation platform within the app also encourages community solidarity, ensuring support reaches those most in need during crises. Thus, these projects significantly contribute to societal advancement by bridging technology and community service.
Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President
Two Diploma in Information Technology students, Chow Wey Shern and Lim Hao Zhi, along with Diploma in Computer Science student Ng Shi Hui, have developed an innovative project titled the IoT Penang Flood Alert System. This final year project, showcased during the Penang Digital Creative Week (PDCW) organised by Digital Penang on July 20 and 21, 2024, leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology to revolutionise flood monitoring and community support in Penang.
At the heart of this innovative system is an ultrasonic sensor that detects water levels during floods. This sensor captures precise measurements of the water level, which are then transferred to a mobile application. The application displays the average water level status every five minutes on an easily interpretable chart, ensuring users are constantly informed about current flood conditions. This real-time data visualisation facilitates prompt and informed decision-making, crucial during flood emergencies.
The mobile application goes beyond mere data display by offering additional features that enhance its utility. Users can view the locations of evacuation centers in various areas of Penang, providing them with essential information on where to seek refuge during floods. An emergency contact table within the app lists crucial contact numbers for different emergency services, streamlining communication and response during crises.
One of the standout aspects of the IoT Penang Flood Alert System is its integrated donation platform. Recognizing the importance of community support during disasters, this platform allows users to contribute in two significant ways: by donating funds or essential items. This dual donation mechanism ensures that both immediate financial assistance and necessary supplies reach those in need, fostering a robust community response and resilience during flood events.
The IoT Penang Flood Alert System project not only highlights the technical acumen and innovative spirit of its creators but also underscores the practical applications of IoT technology in disaster management. Showcasing their project at the PDCW provided the students with invaluable exposure and opportunities to connect with industry professionals, further cementing their role as future leaders in technology-driven solutions for community challenges.
Ms Seethai Subramaniam , Head, School of Computing and Engineering
Hands-On Entrepreneurship Venture
On 8 and 9 June, the four of us, Leong Qi Hui, Tan Jou Xi, Kor Hui Hui, Ooi Wan Tian embarked on an exciting business venture named Sparkle & Sweet for our entrepreneurship course project at our Diploma in Business Studies programme. We set up shop at Sia Boey Archaeological Park, offering sparkling drinks and desserts, including puddings and traditional popsicles, to help visitors beat the sweltering heat in Penang. Encouraged by our success, we expanded to the Nibong Tebal Carnival from 14 to 17 June, where we faced intense competition. To stand out, we added oden to our menu, attracting a wider audience.
These events presented challenges that tested our teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Managing inventory, addressing customer feedback, and ensuring quality service required effective communication and support among team members. These experiences were invaluable in honing our cooperative skills and understanding the intricacies of running a small business.
Our participation taught us more than just selling products; it offered hands-on learning in entrepreneurship. We gained insights into market demand, customer preferences, and the importance of adaptability in a competitive environment. These lessons have boosted our confidence and equipped us with practical knowledge for our future entrepreneurial endeavors, laying a solid foundation for our growth as aspiring entrepreneurs.
Leong Qi Hui, Tan Jou Xi, Kor Hui Hui, Ooi Wan Tian, students of Diploma in Business Studies
Harnessing the Power of Natural Language Processing in Modern Data Analytics
Computers can nowadays be able to analyse, alter, and comprehend human language via a machine learning technique called natural language processing, or NLP. Massive quantities of text and speech data are now being collected by organisations through an extensive range of communication channels, including emails, text messages, social media newsfeeds, audio, video, and more. Their automatic data processing, sentiment analysis of messages, and real-time human communication responses are all accomplished using natural language processing (NLP) software.
Consider Gmail as an example. An NLP process known as keyword extraction allows emails to be automatically classified as Promotions, Social, Primary, or Spam. Emails are automatically classified by technology by “reading” terms in the subject line and matching them to predefined tags. Businesses or industries may automate laborious procedures, uncover insights from data analysis, and gain a competitive edge by utilising natural language processing techniques. Sentiment analysis, text classification, chatbots and virtual assistants, text extraction, machine translation, text summarisation, market intelligence, auto-correct, intent classification, urgency detection, and speech recognition are among some of the most intriguing applications that may make use of natural language processing in the business world. Thus, in recent years, the domain of data analytics has rapidly evolved, partly due to the development of computational technologies and tools like machine learning and natural language processing. Compared to earlier times, it is now feasible to acquire a far more thorough grasp of the data included in papers. Recently released open-source NLP processing packages are simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to powerful, generalisable language-based AI tools like SpaCy. This Python library has excellent documentation and operates rapidly. It offers a multitude of pre-trained NLP models to users and can manage huge datasets. SpaCy is designed for text preparation for deep learning or extraction. Adopt new language-based AI technologies aggressively; some will work successfully, others will not, but your companion will be more adaptable when you move on to the next one. Remember to use these technologies yourself as well; this is the greatest way to begin to grasp how they will be used in your company going forward.
By integrating cutting-edge technologies and practical applications, DISTED College prepares its graduates to excel in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
Ms Nurul Annisa binti Azhar, Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering
NUMed and DISTED Forge Pathways for Medical Studies
The recent visit from Prof. Vishna Devi, CEO and Provost, along with Prof. Dr. Harinarayan Radhakrishna, Dean of Clinical Affairs, from Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) to DISTED College marked a significant step towards strengthening the educational collaboration between the two institutions. The primary agenda of this meeting was to discuss the acknowledgment of DISTED’s Foundation in Science program as a legitimate entry qualification for NUMed’s Degree programs in Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
This potential partnership is designed to facilitate a smoother academic transition for students moving from foundation studies at DISTED to pursuing higher degrees at NUMed. By recognizing DISTED’s program, NUMed aims to attract well-prepared students who are ready to dive into more specialized medical and biomedical studies without the need for additional bridging courses. This integration of academic pathways is expected to boost enrollment and enhance the educational prospects for students, providing them with a clear and direct route to achieving their career goals in the healthcare sector.
Furthermore, the visit highlighted the mutual commitment of both DISTED and NUMed to educational excellence. It showcased their dedication to not only maintain high academic standards but also to create more accessible and streamlined opportunities for students. This collaboration is poised to enrich the academic environment and resource sharing between the institutions, fostering a nurturing ground for future healthcare professionals.
Ms Geong Chooi Peng , Head, School of Pre-University Studies
DISTED College Hosts Study UK Pre-Departure Briefing
On July 19, 2024, DISTED College partnered with the British Council to host the “Study UK Pre-Departure Briefing”. This event drew many students from DISTED and other institutions, eager to gather insights about pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom.
During the briefing, students had the opportunity to directly engage with a representative from UK Visa & Immigration to understand the application processes and timelines better. They also gained valuable information about the British Council’s IELTS test, crucial for non-native English speakers applying to UK universities.
The event was opened by Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President of DISTED College, who welcomed the attendees with encouraging words. He remarked, “Your presence here today signals a significant step in your educational journey, and I commend you for your interest in exploring opportunities abroad.” Prof. Dr. Nair highlighted the academic excellence of the UK, mentioning top institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London. He praised these universities’ high standards, innovative research, and commitment to fostering creativity and critical thinking.
The event was opened by Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, President of DISTED College, who welcomed the attendees with encouraging words. He remarked, “Your presence here today signals a significant step in your educational journey, and I commend you for your interest in exploring opportunities abroad.” Prof. Dr. Nair highlighted the academic excellence of the UK, mentioning top institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London. He praised these universities’ high standards, innovative research, and commitment to fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Prof. Dr. Nair also pointed out the robust support systems available for international students in the UK, including dedicated international offices and various student organisations that contribute to a supportive and welcoming environment for newcomers. Prof. Dr. Nair not only encouraged the students to ask questions and seek advice but also to fully utilise the resources available to them during the briefing. By urging students to follow their passions and dreams, he inspired them to take proactive steps towards their future academic goals.
This briefing, designed to be an essential guide for students preparing to study in the UK, also served as a powerful source of motivation. It inspired students to pursue their educational aspirations abroad, armed with the knowledge and insights gained from the event.
Prof. Dr. Nair also pointed out the robust support systems available for international students in the UK, including dedicated international offices and various student organisations that contribute to a supportive and welcoming environment for newcomers. Prof. Dr. Nair not only encouraged the students to ask questions and seek advice but also to fully utilise the resources available to them during the briefing. By urging students to follow their passions and dreams, he inspired them to take proactive steps towards their future academic goals.
This briefing, designed to be an essential guide for students preparing to study in the UK, also served as a powerful source of motivation. It inspired students to pursue their educational aspirations abroad, armed with the knowledge and insights gained from the event.
DISTED College X CRIT ACS Season 3 PUBG Mobile Competition
The ACS EDU Tour, is an esports IP owned, developed and operated by CRIT Esports. With a staggering grand prize pool of RM200,000, the tournament witnesses the participation of over 6,400 players from 100 universities across all 16 territories of Malaysia. This event aims to provide college and university students a platform to build their best teams, showcase their talents, compete at the highest level, and vie for the title of Malaysia’s best collegiate esports’ champions.
On 25th June 2024, CRIT Esports conducted their Season 3 of ACS Edu Tour (Penang region qualifiers) in the cafeteria area of DISTED College from 12.00pm to 6.00pm. A total of 8 teams from various college and universities signed up for the competition at DISTED college.
Team DISTED E-Sports Club participating as one of the 8 teams in the competition. The first stage of the 3rd season of PUBG MOBILE competition organised by CRIT Esports in collaboration with DISTED College was overall a success and went smoothly. All the participants displayed great potential and abilities to become an E-Sports player, showing positive characteristics besides being hardworking and focusing only on their studies. The winners were delighted as they received their prizes and progressed to the grand finals of the competition to be the best AMPRO PUBG Mobile team in Malaysia.
The champions of this PUBG Mobile competition: Ivan Ang Jun Shen, Muhammad Nuruddin Bin Dzulkiflee, Ahmad Danish Hakimi Aznan Bin Abdul Hakim, and Ahmad Muhaimin Bin Abdul Manan.
Team name: “MRE HUNTSMEN”
The 1st-runners up of this PUBG Mobile competition: Muhd Idzwan Fadzli Bin Mansor, Muhammad Arif Bin MD Mojibur Rahman, Abu Bakar Bin Munzar, 和 Zamarul Irfan Bin Ahmad Tarmizi.
Team name: “RH XPROJECT”
The 2nd-runners up of this PUBG Mobile competition: Muhammad Hani Zaim Bin Habib, Mohamad Aminudin Bin Samsuri, Muhammad Adli Erfan Bin Mohd Azmi, Ammar Hazmi Bin Mohd Rizal, and Muhammad Faris Danial Bin Mustaffa.c
Team name: “DxG Expert”
Ooi Jing Wen aka “SolemnBanana”, E-Sports Club Vice Secretary, Edited by: Yee Tianle aka “Comic”, E-Sports Club Advisor
