TECHIES 19

Official Bulletin 19th Edition - KDN: PQ1780/J/187 Behind Project ADaPT: /what’s inside Lessons to be Replicated Teknologi Alat By A.R. Othman, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, Perak Resistograph: From years of exposure in research and technology development carried out in universities, under the capacities of researcher and administrator, I have Ke arah observed how research inventions fail to grow into successful commercial applications. Many good fundamental research projects have successfully Pengurusan been completed, but sadly, they usually do not survive the ‘valley of death’ of the commercialisation process. With so much invested by governments and Hutan Lebih 04 universities alike, hardly any research outcome has generated the commercial impact hoped for. Mampan I have spent years reflecting and analysing the mechanics of successful and An Interview: less successful research projects at universities, of which, for 15 years, I was leading some projects of my own. I have discovered that, regardless of the Ts. Ahmad nature, scope and discipline of the project, there are several key factors that determine its commercialisation success. Indeed, it is a major challenge to Zawawi align research outcomes at universities to fulfil industrial needs. Some authors state that there is a conceptual approach to mitigating the valley of Chairman of death through design. It is about “….. finding a balance between (technical) feasibility, (user) desirability, and (business) viability”. the Sarawak Let us connect this concept with an actual successful case so as to learn Association of from the experience. >> continued on page 0 2 Professional Technicians and Technologists 06 (APTT) Smart Toilet: Cleaner and More Comfortable 09 //eeditorrial EEddiittoorriial Addvviissoorr::PPrroof.f.TTss. .DDr.rM. MohoahmamedeIdbrIabhraimhiAmbdAubldMuul tMaluibtaFlAibSFcA, FSIcC,hFeImCEh,ePm.TEe,cPh.,TCe.cEhn,gC. .(EHnegad. (oHfePaudbolifcaPtuiobnlicCaotmiomn iCttoeme)mittee) ccoommmmitteeee PPuubblliiccation Coommmmiittteeee::DDaatitninTsT.sD. rD. rZ.uZruairdaaidhaMhoMhdo.hZda.inZa(Cinhi(eCfhEiedfitEodr)itaonrd) aTns.dDDr.r.KMhooohBamooaKdeAasnm(Eidiztaomr) Ahamat (Editor) CCoolluummnists: NAo.Rrh.aOztlhi AmbaunH, Tas.saJna,cTqsu.eJlaincekyJCohseeopnhga, Tnsd. TSsh.aAhamruadr dLionkHmaamnid Bin Mustapha, Ts. Shasikumar Nandakumaran SSeeccrreettaarriiaatt:: DDrr..MMddFFaauuzzi iMMddIsImsmaial,iNl, aNbailbailTauTlousloasndanSdhaShhrualhHrualirHaaziirKahzui dKzhauridzari www.mbot.org.my Malaysia Board of Technologists mbot.my Malaysia Board of Technologists 03-8800 6268

TECHIES-19 /chief editor’s note >> continued from page 0 1 Greetings! Project ADaPT algorithms. It performs analytics for the interpretation of induced In this edition of TECHIES, we are happy to From the projects that I have been waveform signals from field bring to the fore three interesting write-ups directly involved in, a few stand out. environments. The correlation that represent the diversity in the world of One of them is ADaPT (Advanced between AE signal characteristics technology. We first take a look at a Diagnostic and Prognostic and crack initiation and growth, successfully executed local project – in the Technology) - a project that started in coupled with Polynomial Chaos hope that the (positive) lessons learned can 2018/2019 involving PETRONAS Expansion (PCE) probabilistic be put to good use in future initiatives. We GTS, PC MTBE and UTP. The goal algorithm, provide a digital twin next look at what can be done to improve was to develop a continuous methodology for damage prediction forest management. Last (but not least!) we monitoring and failure prediction at site. The probability of equipment indulge a little on smart toilets and the system to be deployed in oil and gas failure based on machine learning of potential they bring to give better comfort to processing plants. The technology thermal stress and creep damage users. developed under project ADaPT has patterns enables the detection of reached Technology Readiness Level early signs of mechanical damage, Advanced Diagnostic and Prognostic (TRL) 7 – the highest TRL in hence predicting an asset’s remaining Technology (ADaPT) is a continuous PETRONAS. life expectancy, which in turn will monitoring and failure prediction system avoid unplanned plant shutdowns. dedicated for use in oil and gas plants. The ADaPT offers real time monitoring The rest of this article looks at success of ADaPT was mainly due to the and prediction of mechanical ADaPT’s execution, viewed through innovative changes carried out in the working damage, combining AE sensors with the lens of project framework to culture of the team behind ADaPT, as well as bespoke data acquisition systems better understand, and if possible, to the approach strategies used. The balance and integrated data filtering learn from its successful journey. between technical feasibility, user desirability, and business viability was well maintained. Collaboration framework with partners As a result, the ‘Valley of Death’ between research and commercial application was • Owner/ • Technology successfully avoided. From ADaPT, five Driver Developer/ lessons can be replicated to increase the Licensor chances for success in other technology PC development projects. MTBE UTP Forests are the Earth’s lungs. Sustainable ADaPT: RM 110M utilisation and management of forest Loss Elimination resources are partially enabled by the resistograph, a mechanical resistance GTS ADSI measurement device. The resistograph is NRSB used in the inspection of the health of a tree • Governance VISI • Industry or its readiness for cutting. However, the high & TRL cost to acquire the device limits its usage. At Expert the moment, it is a challenge for local experts • Sensor to develop a resistograph at a lower price. Technology The smart toilet concept has the potential to improve cleanliness and the comfort of toilet users. Smart toilets are equipped with sensors that continuously monitor the number of users and their movement in the toilet premises. The data is then streamed to an automated monitoring system, whereby, an intelligent prediction system will appropriately construct an efficient cleaning schedule. Happy reading! Da n Ts. Dr. Zuraidah Mohd. Zain 02

TECHIES-19 Instrumentation for AE sensors, cabling, DAQ controller and data storage Lesson 1: Collaborative deployment and site installation were replication of the technology at 30 O&G framework - team relationship aptly integrated. facilities around the world. The and trust success of ADaPT prolongs the life Lesson 3: Challenging the expectancy of critical assets and avoid ADaPT used a technical collaboration status-quo unplanned plant shutdowns due to the framework with partners comprising mechanical damages. UTP (technology developer), the plant ADaPT is unique in that it defies the Nonetheless, it must be stated that the owner and user, GTS (governance typical project management work technology will not last long. Its typical authority), and several industry experts process. To start with, a substantial lifespan is only between 3-5 years, in different disciplines. amount of money was allocated to hence, the team must be ready to fund the project. To add, team re-innovate or to look for other The facilities and resources of the members (who had been freed from improvement opportunities. project were willingly shared between their regular job responsibilities) from each partner. Expertise and specific all partner organisations worked Lesson 5: Client penetration roles were consolidated under the harmoniously with one another, and visibility brand name of ADaPT. The most minimising bureaucracy and talented individuals from their administrative paperwork. There was If the solution provided to clients can respective participating organisations mutual support from academic and solve their problems and help in their were selected - engineers, researchers, technical counterparts around the work, then, confidence in the value of project managers, and programmers. globe, including from UK, Australia, the technology will increase. If the The focal points of all team members USA, and of course Malaysia. This had solution offered can accommodate were appropriately aligned so that, as a essentially redefined conventional complexities while maintaining result, there was only one common mechanisms and work processes, operational simplicity, clients will trust target to work for. which ensured the project to be the solution provider and will ask for completed within a short period of more in the future. It is important to Lesson 2: Alignment with time. note that regardless of the troubles business demands and that may be experienced along the way, research competencies Lesson 4: Readiness vs. the trust that has been built should opportunities never be misjudged or taken for In the O&G industry, critical equipment granted in order to ensure the operates at high temperature and The resultant ADaPT technology was sustainability of work collaboration pressure, resulting in the formation of officially launched in February 2020, between all vested parties. cracks. Hence, continuous monitoring which was less than 20 months from of equipment performance is very start to completion, including a ADaPT has shown that step changes much needed to eliminate successful pilot deployment. To-date, in working cultures and approach unnecessary plant shutdowns. As the technology has successfully strategies can be redefined in order to such, research in AE sensors, signal provided value to a number of achieve success at various levels. processing and statistical analysis of operation plants, with more than Through step changes, challenges can crack initiation and propagation, RM250m in cost avoidance of be anticipated, and failures eliminated. including wave propagation study, maintenance and operation, We hope that our experience in ADaPT creep material testing and fatigue opportunity and production gain, as will assist in the replication of other tests, were executed. Subsequently, AE well as safeguarding plant turnaround technologies at universities and signal processing, statistical algorithm, duration. research institutions, and this will instrumentation, and FE-FFS It is estimated that more than USD eventually help to successfully bridge computational routines for system 200m can be generated through the through the ‘valley of death’. 03

TECHIES-19 By Ts. Jacqueline Joseph, Fakulti Perladangan dan Agroteknologi - Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Sabah Teknologi Alat mendapatkan nilai kepadatan kayu Resistograph: yang lebih tepat. Kaedah konvensional biasanya melibatkan penebangan Ke arah Pengurusan dirian pokok (destructive felling). Ini Hutan Lebih Mampan sudah tentu menimbulkan isu kontroversi terhadap pemulihaaran Alat resistograph digunakan untuk inventori penilaian dan penentuan ekologi hutan, walaupun tujuan utama mengukur dan menilai kepadatan kayu kepadatan kayu pada dirian pokok, adalah untuk penyelidikan. Oleh itu, pada dirian pokok. Pada mulanya, ia terutamanya pokok-pokok di hutan. tidak hairanlah semakin ramai ahli bertujuan memeriksa kecacatan atau Kebanyakan kaedah lain yang arborist menggunakan alat kerosakan dalaman pokok. Data yang digunakan untuk menilai kepadatan resistograph kerana data kepadatan dihasilkan alat resistograph membantu kayu agak membebankan kerana kayu boleh diperolehi tanpa menentukan rawatan silvikultur yang melibatkan tenaga buruh yang ramai, merosakkan dirian pokok. sesuai ke atas dirian pokok terlibat. mengambil masa yang panjang dan Sesetengah serangan kulat berpotensi kos yang tinggi. Apatah lagi jika sampel Sebelum memulakan penggerudian, mengakibatkan pokok tumbang atau kayu perlu diambil untuk tujuan diameter dirian pokok perlu diukur mati. Ini menyebabkan kerugian dari pemprosesan di makmal yang menggunakan pita pengukur diameter. aspek sumber hutan yang boleh menggunakan kaedah isi padu bagi Langkah ini bertujuan menentukan digunakan manusia. Alat resistograph kedalaman penggerudian (drilling juga boleh membantu pemilihan dirian Rajah 1: Lubang kecil (diameter = 3 mm) pada depth) yang diperlukan. pokok yang sesuai untuk dituai dan pokok selepas digerudi menggunakan alat diproses menjadi produk kayu. resistograph. Alat resistograph menggunakan mata Sebahagian produk kayu adalah kayu gerudi berdiameter 3 mm (Rajah 1). gergajian, venir, dan produk panel Saiz mata gerudi ini adalah terlalu kecil (papan lapis, papan partikel, papan untuk mengakibatkan kerosakan serpai dan papan gentian). terhadap pokok. Lapisan kulit kayu Penebangan pokok secara terpilih yang baharu akan terbentuk dalam menyumbang kepada pengurusan masa yang singkat untuk menutupi sumber hutan secara lebih mampan. lubang yang disebabkan oleh mata Pokok hanya dituai selepas mencapai gerudi. tahap kematangan dan kepadatan kayu yang diperlukan. Alat resistograph mengukur rintangan penggerudian (drilling resistance) untuk Penggunaan alat resistograph adalah menentukan kekuatan dan kepadatan kaedah praktikal yang memudahkan kayu. Nilai bacaan rintangan penggerudian yang tinggi menunjukkan pokok tersebut memiliki kayu yang padat dan boleh dikategorikan sebagai pokok kayu keras. Nilai bacaan yang tinggi juga boleh terhasil jika berlaku ralat dalam pengukuran yang 04

TECHIES-19 disebabkan daya geseran yang alat resistograph untuk mengelakkan Rajah 3: Contoh melampau di antara mata gerudi dan pergerakan yang boleh mengakibatkan data untuk pokok struktur pokok. Ralat ini lebih mudah mata gerudi patah. Ketepatan data juga Shorea spp. yang terhasil jika pengukuran melibatkan mungkin dipengaruhi pergerakan yang dihasilkan alat pokok yang berdiameter besar. tidak disengajakan oleh drilling resistograph Sebaliknya, nilai bacaan yang rendah operator. Setiap kali selesai operasi menunjukkan menunjukkan dirian pokok tersebut menggerudi, mata gerudi perlu rintangan mempunyai kepadatan kayu yang agak diperiksa dan dibersihkan serta merta dipengaruhi oleh rendah dan dikategorikan sebagai agar tiada cebisan kayu yang melekat. kedalaman pokok kayu lembut. Ketepatan ukuran kepadatan kayu juga penggerudian. turut dipengaruhi oleh kewujudan resin, Satu unit bateri alat resistograph yang bahan-bahan ekstraktif dan lembapan Interpretasi maklumat daripada data dicas penuh boleh membekalkan di dalam pokok. penggerudian perlu dilakukan oleh tenaga elektrik untuk menggerudi individu yang mempunyai ilmu tentang sebanyak 100-200 lubang pada pokok. Data operasi penggerudian boleh anatomi pokok atau dendrologi. Jumlah lubang bergantung kepada disimpan di dalam telefon pintar atau kepadatan kayu pada dirian pokok. di dalam alat resistograph. Saiz storan Bateri dan mata gerudi alat dalaman data di dalam alat adalah resistograph memerlukan penjagaan Mata gerudi perlu diganti setiap kali terhad, dan dari itu migrasi data ke yang teliti. Bateri perlu dicas setiap selesai operasi penggerudian lubang storan luaran adalah perlu. Perisian bulan walaupun tidak digunakan. Stok yang ke-100. Ini penting untuk khas resistograph seperti DECOM mata gerudi yang baharu pula mengelakkan mata gerudi menjadi Scientific Data biasanya digunakan mempunyai risiko untuk berkarat tumpul. Kualiti dan resolusi bacaan alat untuk pemprosesan dan analisis. Rajah walaupun disimpan di dalam bekas resistograph akan menurun jika mata 3 menunjukkan rintangan meningkat yang kedap udara. Bahan pengering gerudi telah tumpul. Ketepatan tafsiran mengikut kedalaman penggerudian. Ini seperti gel silika perlu diletakkan di data juga akan berkurangan. boleh ditafsirkan seperti berikut: dalam bekas yang mengandungi stok kepadatan dirian pokok adalah lebih mata gerudi untuk menyerap Drilling operator bertanggungjawab tinggi di bahagian teras berbanding lembapan dan mengelakkan mata menggerudi pokok (Rajah 2). Beliau bahagian berhampiran kulit. Paksi gerudi daripada berkarat. perlu mengekalkan kestabilan posisi kedalaman berwarna coklat menunjukkan kepadatan bahagian kulit Kesimpulannya, penggunaan alat Rajah 2: Penggerudian pada dirian pokok kayu yang mempunyai ketebalan resistograph perlu diberikan perhatian menggunakan alat resistograph. sekitar 20 mm adalah lebih rendah dan dipertimbangkan untuk berbanding bahagian dalam pokok. diintegrasikan sepenuhnya di dalam Paksi kedalaman berwarna hijau pula operasi pengurusan hutan. Kepakaran mewakili bahagian dalam pokok. Data dalam menggunakan alat resistograph ini memberi petunjuk bahawa tiada dan kemahiran mentafsir data untuk pereputan atau kerosakan anatomi menentukan keadaan anatomi pokok wujud di dalam batang pokok ini. juga perlu ditekankan bagi Maksudnya, pokok tersebut berada menghasilkan diagnosis yang tepat. dalam keadaan baik dan stabil. Keupayaan teknikal seperti penghasilan alat resistograph yang mempunyai mata gerudi yang lebih panjang juga perlu diusahakan. Jika alat resistograph boleh dihasilkan oleh syarikat tempatan, harga alat ini mungkin boleh diturunkan. Harga yang lebih rendah akan menggalakkan pengunaan alat resistograph, seterusnya menyumbang kepada pengurusan sumber hutan secara lebih mampan. 05

TECHIES-19 An Interview: Ts. Ahmad Zawawi Chairman of the Sarawak Association of Professional Technicians and Technologists (APTT) Interviewer: Thank you for joining us in effort will open up endless mainly focus on providing Internet this interview. Can you briefly opportunities and will ultimately connectivity to all parts of the state to introduce yourself? improve the quality of life of the make sure that both urban and rural Sarawak people. citizens are not denied proper Internet Ts. Ahmad Zawawi: My name is connectivity. We intend to get more Ahmad Zawawi bin Kasmin. I am The Sarawak government has also than 1000 connectivity towers all over currently the chairperson of the been proactively promoting technology the state. Sarawak Association of Professional development and innovation. Several Technicians and Technologists (APTT) policies, programmes and incentives Interviewer: As we know, APTT is an based in Kuching. The objective of the have been implemented to attract active association that recognises association is to acknowledge investors in the technology sector to industry professionals in Sarawak. technologists and technicians in support research and development With that being said, what is your Sarawak. We aim to become a activities. Currently, the government opinion on talent development? one-stop centre for members shows interest in the education sector registered under MBOT within Sarawak through the development of skill Ts. Ahmad Zawawi: Talent (or are Sarawakians) regarding centres such as CENTEXS (Centre of development is a fundamental aspect concerns and advice on career Technical Excellence), focusing on skill to achieve progress in any region. advancement as technologists or development using the latest APTT contributes significantly in technicians. We fully support MBOT technology for students, specifically several ways. For example, APTT and are committed to provide our best those who are not able to pursue recognises professionals in the in related activities in Sarawak. We higher learning. CENTEXS is a platform technology and engineering sectors. It currently have 160 members who are for individuals to further their also boosts the confidence of mostly registered as official members. education to be Professional professionals by encouraging them to Technicians. Undoubtedly, UNIMAS continue to grow in their respective Interviewer: Sarawak has been making and i-CATS University College also fields. We encourage technologists strides in technology development provide this skill learning. i-CATS is one and technicians to register with MBOT over the years. How do you view of the oldest skill centres in Sarawak to as it is important to be recognised as technology development in Sarawak? endorse technical skill learning. In my professionals. Most importantly, being opinion, in terms of technology registered with MBOT helps individuals Ts. Ahmad Zawawi: As we know, development, Sarawak has improved within this field to get the Sarawak is the largest state in on its essential infrastructure, which acknowledgement and recognition Malaysia, hence, significant progress in includes high-speed internet they deserve. To add, APTT works technology development has been connectivity. The Sarawak Multimedia together with state government established over the years. This proves Authority (SMA) has been set up to agencies to promote methods to that the state government recognises look into policies and the planning of upskill and reskill the people of the importance of technology and infrastructure for telecommunication. Sarawak – from undergraduates who innovation to drive economic growth. To add, there is the Sarawak Digital are not yet employed to working adults The Sarawak government has been Economy Corporation Berhad that who need to improve their careers. looking into embarking on the digital looks into matters relating to the latest Providing funding from the state economy sector. In my opinion, this technology. These establishments government is a way to upskill or reskill 06

TECHIES-19 since this is a very important part of based on their expertise and necessarily in the particular field, hence our talent development. experience. This shows that MBOT giving opportunity to individuals from takes into account all experiences and other fields to gain knowledge in the Interviewer: What do you think are the expertise obtained in the past 3 years many fields available. Most unique characteristics that make to decide if the individual qualifies to be importantly, the training is free and MBOT different from other a professional in the field. For example, conducted by MBOT directly, which professional bodies? individuals with a certificate in makes every ringgit spent as a member electrical engineering can be certified to be well worth it. Ts. Ahmad Zawawi: MBOT sees the professionals in IT. Those with IT potential of technology and recognises specialty can be recognised in green Interviewer: Can you share the latest the people within it. MBOT also technology based on their experience. on infrastructure development and the recognises those having qualifications This makes MBOT different from the energy industry? from other fields. However, it uses the others. MBOT is very committed to individual’s original degree field to improve the development of its Ts. Ahmad Zawawi: Looking into differentiate between becoming a Ts. members. It provides numerous infrastructure development, Sarawak or a Tc. To add, it recognises training programmes through webinars currently has actively invested in road individuals without a bachelor degree at least once a month, with weekly infrastructure. In the years leading to through the diploma or certificate training sessions too. Webinar 2018, the government started the Pan obtained by the individual. Along with sessions are open to the public, of Borneo Highway - a significant that, MBOT acknowledges individuals which those attending are not infrastructure project that became the starting point of many huge development programmes in Sarawak. The original single-carriageway is now doubled in width, with the length of 753 kilometres from Telok Melano to Miri. This is the new backbone of Sarawak. The economy is predicted to perform well – thanks to the Pan Borneo Highway that connects many areas, providing easy and comfortable means of transportation. The highway opens a path of support towards economic activities from which many businesses benefit. We can see numerous development of houses and shop lots even before the full completion of the project. 07

TECHIES-19 “Along the same lines, we Sarawak Energy hydro project, which is designed to provide surplus energy Besides that, for the past twelve years, have our Sarawak Energy supply. We export the surplus I have been involved in Projek Bekalan hydro project, which is electricity to Indonesia, especially Elektrik Luar Bandar, that supplies designed to provide Kalimantan, since it is our neighbour. electricity to rural areas. To-date, surplus energy supply. We also export to Sabah. There are almost all rural areas have electricity We export the surplus many other interesting developments supply. However, due to natural factors electricity to Indonesia, happening in Sarawak as we speak. such as being separated by rivers in especially Kalimantan, the deep jungle, some areas are still since it is our neighbour. Interviewer: What are your without electricity. This is where our We also export to Sabah. expectations of MBOT? service comes in handy. As we are There are many other technologists, we need to think of interesting developments Ts. Ahmad Zawawi: I have high alternatives to overcome the issue. happening in Sarawak as expectations of MBOT, especially for Supplying electricity to no-electricity we speak.” those registered as technologists and rural areas can be done through solar technicians under MBOT. We hope hybrid systems or micro hydro. I am prototype of ART will be in Kuching for MBOT can maintain, sustain and personally involved in the project, the Proof of Concept (POC). advance its professional standards which supplies electricity free of and quality to be recognised globally, charge. Although it may not be a In terms of talent, we are still at the and to faithfully abide by its code of full-blown power supply, it provides beginning of the journey. Similar to ethics. I would like to suggest that, enough electricity to power up lamps, MRT or LRT, we will surely need experts apart from technology-related televisions and radios. from out of Sarawak. However, the webinars that are frequently organised beauty of this is to be able to provide a by MBOT, why not have a series of The latest infrastructure change means of transportation and have an webinars on professional ethics and Sarawak is going through is a newly exchange of knowledge between code of conduct once or twice a year improved public transport system in locals and experts from outside. so as to consistently remind our urban areas through the Sarawak members of the importance of ethical Metro. The government aims to Along the same lines, we have our conduct. In doing so, responsibility and modernise and decarbonise Sarawak’s professionalism can be upheld. We public transportation. The backbone of somehow need to get in touch with the the project is to introduce fundamentals of being responsible in hydrogen-powered autonomous rapid every aspect. We are governed by our transit (ART) vehicles supported by ethics and professionalism, therefore, hydrogen power feeder buses. every part of our work must always be Inshallah, by August 2023, the safe to the public. Furthermore, we hope MBOT maintains a robust accreditation process to recognise qualified technologists. MBOT might want to improve the requirements to become a professional from time to time to make sure that the recipients of the title are truly qualified. We also expect MBOT to offer continuous professional development programmes, as it always has. MBOT is expected to advocate these interests while representing concerns relevant to the authorities. This may involve collaboration with government agencies, the industry, and stakeholders in order to shape policies and initiatives that support the growth of the technology and engineering sector in Malaysia. Interviewer: We have come to the end of the interview. Thank you very much for your thoughtful insights. 08

TECHIES-19 By Ts. Amar Lokman, MRANTI Corporation Sdn Bhd Smart Toilet: Cleaner and More Comfortable Smart toilets have the potential to solve toilet cleanliness issues. Cleanliness of a toilet is closely related to the number of users. The development of the smart toilet utilises advanced technology, especially the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart homes, smart cities and healthcare services use IoT to optimise many aspects of life, such as energy consumption. For the smart toilet, energy consumption is not its paramount purpose. Rather, comfort of users is the main concern. A local newspaper once reported that tourists like to visit Malaysia, but they wish our public toilets were cleaner. Thus, retrofitting existing toilets to become smart ones should be explored. In this article, the design of smart toilets, conducted at the Multimedia University’s Faculty of Computing, Informatics and Vaccination Centre, is described. Figure 1 shows the system design of a smart to the position of the sensor is required to toilet, which mainly consists of data ensure proper detection of the toilet user’s acquisition and analytical modules. movement. In certain cases, the sensor is Humidity, temperature, and infrared sensors installed at an angle. Choosing an are located at specific locations. Data from appropriate position of the sensor is one of the sensors are transmitted to clouds and the challenges of a good smart toilet design. local databases using MQTT and HTTP network protocols. Members of the The toilet’s cleaning schedule can be maintenance team can access and monitor optimised based on the number of users at the condition of the smart toilet from their specific hours. Different floors in a building smart phones or personal computers. may have different frequency distribution of Intervention actions can be executed based users, as shown in Figure 3. More frequent on the real-time conditions of the toilet. cleaning should be scheduled during peak hours - the logic being, the more users of the The position of the sensor is subjected to the toilet, the dirtier and less comfortable the type and location of the toilet bowl. Figure 2 toilet would be. shows the coverage of a sensor. Adjustment An intelligent prediction system can be developed based on the frequency of toilet use. Depending on the prediction approach, the number of toilet users can be forecasted FIGURE 1. Data acquisition and communication system FIGURE 2. Several locations of the sensor in a toilet 09

TECHIES-19 FIGURE 3. Number of The toilet’s cleaning users schedule can be optimised according to based on the number of users time for toilets at specific hours. Di erent at different floors in a building may have locations. di erent frequency distribution of users..’ FIGURE 4. Actual and with reasonable accuracy. Figure 4 shows forecasted the comparison between actual data and number of a predicted data of the number of toilet users. toilet users. From the analysis of this data, a good cleaning schedule and preventive maintenance plan can be constructed. Subsequently, the cleanliness of the toilet can be improved. In summary, the use of smart toilets has many advantages that must be explored appropriately. The technology to overcome common issues related to public toilets is in existence and hence must be taken advantage of to the fullest.

TECHIES-19 A1 A2 A3 Formal and Congress/ Fellowships/ Informal Conference/ Attachment/ Education Study Tour Seminar/ (including practical Symposium and skills courses) (Local / International) Types of A4 MBOT CPD Committee or ACTIVITIES Project Member A5 A6 A7 Technology and Technical Paper Publication Of Technical Presentation at Articles in O cial Function/ Related Meetings Seminar/ Meetings Journal/ Chapters in Book / (Presenter/ Speakers) Technical Reports A8 B1 B2 Appointed as MBOT’s Contribution for Online Platform Assessors Technology and Related to Technical Aspects • Professional Development Technical and Assessor Panel Technology • Accreditation Assessor Panel • Accreditation visits B3 D1 Mentoring/ Hands-On/ Special Coaching/ Project & R&D Judges/ Consultation Activities Related Related to in Technical & Profession Technology D2 D3 CSR Program Soft-Skills Related to and Relevant Leadership and Management, Voluntary Interpersonal Skills and Work Professional Conduct 11

/mbot news Telecommunication & Broadcasting Professional Technologist Conference 2023 The Telecommunication & Broadcasting Professional Approximately a hundred MBOT professional Technologist Conference took place on 15th July 2023. It technologists and telecommunication practitioners from was a highly collaborative event involving several various sectors and organisations attended the event. The prominent organisations in the field of conference served as an excellent platform for Telecommunications and Broadcasting Technology, MBOT knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration in the Technology & Technical Working Group (TTWG), Medialab rapidly evolving field of telecommunication and Alliance Sdn Bhd, and UniKL British Malaysia Institute. broadcasting technology. YBhg. Datuk Ts. Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Tapsir, the President of MBOT, was present at the conference to deliver a welcoming speech and officiate the programme. The conference featured a distinguished keynote speaker, YBrs. Ir. Ts. Azizi A Hadi, who serves as the Chief Information Technology Officer of Telekom Malaysia. With his expertise and experience in the telecommunications industry, he delivered a keynote address that provided valuable insights and perspectives. The conference theme was ‘Empowering the Technologist Profession & Digital Technology’, highlighting the focus on empowering professionals in the technology sector and leveraging digital advancements to drive progress and innovation. /mbot 43,279 8,797 20,022 2,480 74,578 registration Graduate Qualified Professional Certified Total MBOT Technologists Technicians Technologists Technicians Registrants is published by Publication Committee of Malaysia Board of Technologists. (As of July 2023) www.mbot.org.my Malaysia Board of Technologists mbot.my Malaysia Board of Technologists 03-8800 6268