Over 100 teams across 17 Asian countries submit their projects annually for Microsoft’s Imagine Cup competition where students get a shot in making their invention recognised and awarded. This year Malaysians can be proud as Team Sufecs from University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia not only manage to reach the finals in Sydney Australia but win themselves the People Choice Award trophy for their project.

Team SUFECS, presented their project, Smart Urban Farming- Automated Environment Control System that is an automated environment control system specifically designed for hydroponic farming.

“We combined our expertise between two faculties, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology and Faculty of Electric and Electronic to complete this project. The reason behind the idea is to have young people who live in cities to not forget traditional farming which we feel is losing its heritage. Besides, with the Malaysia government introducing Industrial Revolution 4.0 into farming, and we believe there will be a slot for us to merge the current technology with agriculture” as spoken by Seah Choon Sen, the team lead of SUFECS.

The system combines multiple technologies such as IOT, machine learning, web application and several sensors, & actuator to cultivate nature environment into a man-made environment. Farmer can now monitor and control the farm, anywhere, anytime, just with internet connection.

Microsoft Imagine Cup mission is to empower student developers to achieve more and create the next great technology solutions for the chance to win cash, prizes, mentoring, and travel. Winners of the Asia Regional Finalists will have a chance to vie the Imagine Cup World Final which will be held in Seattle, US in May.