As SLIIT gears to host the anticipated ‘Young Engineers Expo 2023’ (YEE ’23), organised by the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Saman Thilakasiri, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Senior Professor, SLIIT, explains how the event together with SLIIT is empowering aspiring engineers, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in their chosen fields.

Q: Can you provide an over view of the upcoming Young Engineers Expo 2023?

Our students are talented, and over the years, SLIIT has regularly conducted exhibitions and events to showcase them. When they begin their education at SLIIT, from the first year, we encourage them towards innovation and out-of-the-box thinking. Thereby, they devise a practical solution to a real-life problem and implement it. These innovations are demonstrated and displayed at our Young Engineering Expo.

Q: Can you elaborate on how YEE is the stepping-stone in guiding budding engineers towards future pathways?

Our university offers a different approach where we believe in giving students the freedom to choose their desired field of study, be it civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or material engineering. In the first year, all students follow a common programme to build a solid foundation of knowledge. In the second year, they have the opportunity to specialise in their preferred field. There are no rigid GPA requirements or performance-based limitations in the field selection. We allow them to pursue their desired field, enhancing their learning experience and future career prospects.

Q : Does YEE collaborate and engage industry partners?

The exhibition serves as an invitation for industry partners to witness the innovative projects and talents showcased by engineering graduates. It provides a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to identify promising individuals and potentially recruit them upon graduation. By recognizing and nurturing these talents, industry partners can play an integral role in the growth and advancement of these individuals, ultimately benefiting both the industry and the talented graduates.

Q: How does YEE engage students?

Young Engineering Expo invites students to view the innovations and experience innovation and new ideas. It is an opportunity for students to expand their horizons, ignite their passion for engineering, and pave the way for a promising future. YEE’23 will also conduct educational workshops to provide school children with valuable insights into soft skill development, such as communication and problem-solving, and technical skills in robotics. By attending these workshops, they can gain valuable knowledge that will assist them in effectively planning their future endeavours.

Q : What are the other similar events/initiatives organised by SLIIT for young engineers?

We host ‘Bridgefest’ to showcase the talents and creativity of our young future Civil Engineers. Our annual ‘SLIIT Robofest’, the annual robotics competition for aspiring young engineers, is another looked forward to the event. We conduct ‘RoboFest competition under two categories, i.e., schools and universities, especially as a platform for young engineers to showcase their passion for science and technology, to expand their creative vision and develop solutions that could one day become real-world applications. As the competition is for school students our RoboFest team visit schools sharing knowledge on making robots, etc. These competitions inculcate critical thinking in students, and we support them to develop their abilities and make a positive impact.

Q : How does the SLIIT Engineering Degree programme specifically support and empower young engineers?

Through our faculty, we provide a wide range of our own degree programmes, including Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Quantity Surveying in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University, UK. During the first year, they devise a solution to a problem. In the second year and third years, we enhance their knowledge and provide opportunities for them to gain practical experience in the industry. In the fourth year, our students do a capstone design project encompassing their knowledge gathered in the design. Upon completion of the degree, our students are equipped with valuable knowledge and practical experience and well-prepared to embark on successful careers in their chosen professional fields.

Q : Can you elaborate on the SLIIT Innovation Center?

SLIIT innovate has the mandate of taking the innovations to the industry for commercialization. Similarly, students have the opportunity to gain access to a dedicated start up space where they can further develop their competencies. This facility has been utilised by renowned companies, creating a platform for students to match their skills with real-world industry demands. Fostering award winning start up firms, SLIIT Innovate has proved the immense potential of university industry collaborations.

Our incubation cell is a place dedicated to promoting innovation and allowing graduates to refine their skills even after graduation. They have the freedom to develop their innovations in collaboration with industry professionals. Our engineering graduates are recruited by local and foreign firms due to their skills and knowledge acquired during the degree programme.