Students to propose green engineering solutions for Malaysia

Schneider Electric’s University Challenge encourages engineering students to develop creative proposals to address current energy management issues.

Malaysia, September 27, 2011 – Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management announced the launch of their third annual University Challenge in Malaysia on October 1st, 2011. Themed ‘Go Green in Malaysia’, the competition will see engineering students from government and privately funded universities develop creative and innovative proposals to solve practical energy usage problems and encourage implementation of energy efficient solutions amongst Malaysia’s commercial , industrial and residential sectors.

“Schneider Electric is an environmentally and socially responsible corporate citizen and we are committed to the society and community that we live and work in. Our commitment is to ensure that future thought leaders and young engineers are prepared to face the challenges of creating a more sustainable world for tomorrow,” says Peter Cave, Malaysia Country President of Schneider Electric.(L-R) The Eco- University Team from University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Stuart Thorogood, Senior Vice President of Schneider Electric South East Asia, the UM Team from University Malaya, Peter Cave, Schneider Electric’s Malaysia Country President and Green-Tech Team from University of Malaya posing with their trophies and cheques.

Proposals would go through a judging panel and 6 teams would be chosen to progress to the final round. Teams will then present and demonstrate their solutions on 9th Feb 2012. The top three winners will take home bursaries valued at RM15 000, RM10 000 and RM5 000 respectively, inclusive of trophies and Certificates of Honour.

“Our previous challenges saw great potential and ideas from students and we believe this year will produce even more innovative ideas that can help establish the benefits and importance of energy efficient solutions in Malaysia’s businesses and homes.” adds Cave.

Winners from last year’s University Challenge were from University Malaya and they proposed an "Intelligent Lighting and Centralised Air Conditioning System in My Campus", where they used a combination of 28 Schneider products to create a lighting system and an air conditioning system that could save up to 56.8 per cent and 42 per cent of energy consumption, respectively.

The challenge is open to all full time third or fourth year undergraduate engineering university students. Students are first required to submit proposals based on a scenario provided by Schneider Electric. Short listed teams will attend a one-day workshop and receive training on Schneider Electric’s energy efficient products and solutions. Thereafter, teams will be allocated a budget to purchase necessary items from Schneider Electric to produce a small scale prototype or demo unit. To participate, interested students need to form a team of 3 members and register online at www.schneider-electric.com.my by October 28th 2011. Teams would need to submit a complete proposal within 15 days after a roadshow at their campus. No expenses are required for the students or the universities but just their desire to work collaboratively to submit ideas on achieving energy efficiency.