On 21st August 2024, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) hosted an exciting and educational workshop on Web Design and the Internet of Things (IoT) for 80 enthusiastic students from standards 4 to 6, alongside 11 dedicated teachers from Sekolah Kebangsaan Subang Jaya (SKSJ).

The workshop, led by experienced lecturers from APU’s School of Computing (SoC) and School of Technology (SoT), aimed to ignite a passion for technology in young learners. The facilitators included Ms Tulasi Applasamy, Dr Ngai Lai Kuan, Dr Kamalanathan Shanmugam, and Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Eshan Rana, whose expertise provided valuable insights for the participants.

The session kicked off with an interactive introduction to web design, where students explored HTML and CSS—the essential scripting languages for web development—and learned the importance of creating user-friendly interfaces. Hands-on activities gave students the chance to design their simple web pages, encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills.

The IoT segment then introduced the students to interconnected devices and how they communicate. Real-world demonstrations, such as smart home systems and wearable technology, showcased how IoT is shaping everyday life.

The workshop emphasised teamwork, as teachers and students collaborated in small groups with guidance from APU’s facilitators. The event also benefited from the assistance of lecturers Mr Sevakumar Jeyaretnam, Mr Daniel Mago Vistro, Associate Professor Dr Shahrinaz Ismail, Ms Nur Khairunnisha Zainal, and student helpers, who ensured that the content was engaging and accessible for all.

Throughout the day, students and teachers were encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions with APU’s experts. This interactive approach sparked curiosity and deepened their understanding of the concepts covered.

As the workshop concluded, participants expressed their excitement over the skills they had gained. Associate Professor Dr Tan Chin Ike, Head of SoC, reflected on the success of the event, stating, “The Web Design and IoT Workshop at APU was a resounding success, where both students and their teachers enjoyed a day filled with learning, creativity, and inspiration. APU is looking forward to organising more such workshops in the future to continue nurturing young talent and fostering a love for technology.”