Emma Reese Hoff emerged as the champion of the Speak Out for Engineering (SOfE) Competition 2025, while Shiddarrtana Soorace and Jocelyn Gresia secured second and third places, respectively, with projects on robot-assisted surgery and theme park ride design. The finalists will advance to the next stage of the competition at the University of Malaya (UM), with the opportunity to represent APU on the international stage in the United Kingdom.

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The Speak Out for Engineering (SOfE) Competition 2025, organised by the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) in collaboration with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), offered a distinguished platform for aspiring engineers to showcase their technical expertise, professional communication skills, and innovative thinking.

Designed to enhance students’ ability to explain complex engineering concepts with clarity and confidence, the competition bridges the gap between technical precision and audience engagement, empowering participants to communicate their ideas effectively to both specialists and non-specialists.

Spearheaded for years by Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Honorary Chair of IMechE Malaysia, guidance by Associate Professor Ir Dr Siva Kumar Sivanesan, Head School of Engineering (SoE), and facilitated by Assistant Professor Ts Dr Arun Seeralan Balakrishnan, Academic Liaison Officer; the event continues to cultivate engineers who combine innovative thinking with effective communication a skill set increasingly valued in academia and industry.  

“The ability to communicate complex engineering ideas with clarity and confidence is what truly distinguishes great engineers,” said Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam. 

“SOfE empowers our students to turn knowledge into inspiration, bridging innovation with real-world impact.”

Associate Professor Ir Dr Siva Kumar Sivanesan added, “SOfE 2025 reflects APU’s dedication to shaping well-rounded engineers, not only technically proficient but also articulate, confident, and ready to lead.” 

This year’s event saw participants deliver compelling presentations on research projects, technological innovations, and emerging engineering solutions, reflecting a strong grasp of both theoretical principles and real-world applications.

Judging the competition were Ms Sharen Kaur, Senior Manager of the Asia Pacific Language Centre (APLC), and Ms Raziah Sultan Kabeer, EPT and Training Coordinator, APLC. 

Their expertise ensured that participants not only demonstrated technical accuracy but also mastered the art of presenting their ideas with professionalism and impact.

“Engineering brilliance means little if it cannot be communicated. The participants impressed us by presenting complex ideas with both clarity and confidence. That is true professional growth,” said Ms Sharen Kaur.

Turning ideas into impact

From a highly competitive line-up, Emma Reese Hoff claimed first prize for her outstanding presentation on advancements in nanotechnology for materials engineering, showcasing how nanoscale innovations can enhance material strength, durability, and performance.

“Taking part in SOfE pushed me to see engineering beyond equations and designs. It is about communicating ideas that can change the world and that is an incredible experience,” said Emma Reese Hoff.

The second prize was awarded to Shiddarrtana Soorace for her insightful analysis of robot-assisted surgical systems, exploring the mechanical design, kinematics, and precision actuation of robotic tools that improve surgical accuracy and reduce patient trauma.

Meanwhile, third prize went to Jocelyn Gresia, who impressed the judges with her creative application of mechanical engineering principles in theme park ride design, focusing on structural dynamics, load analysis, and motion simulation to enhance both realism and safety.

The finalists will advance to the next stage of the competition at the University of Malaya (UM), with the opportunity to represent APU on the international stage in the United Kingdom, reflecting the university’s commitment to cultivating engineers who are technically proficient, globally competitive, and confident communicators.

SOfE 2025 underscored the importance of public speaking, technical communication, and professional excellence within engineering education. 

It stood as a landmark celebration of talent, creativity, and innovation, reaffirming that APU engineers are ready to lead, inspire, and make their mark on national and global platforms.

The success of the event was made possible through the dedication of the APU IMechE Student Chapter Organising Committee, comprising Amogha Seelan B.A, Sanjay Kumar, Ahmed Adam, Isameldin Ahmed Hussein Ahmed, Raveen Sangaran, Praveen Vikkram Arul Rajan, Shiddarrtana Soorace, and Emma Reese Hoff. 

Their teamwork, coordination, and professionalism ensured a seamless and engaging experience for all participants and guests, making the event truly memorable.