Projects
Autonomous Tracing Vehical
Internship
OPTIK Summer Project
Reflection 1: Principles of Sustainability to Create Viable Systems
my internship, I was tasked with designing a log device that could efficiently monitor and record system activities. The primary objective was to create a sustainable and reliable system that could be used long-term with minimal maintenance. This required a careful selection of materials, energy sources, and software to ensure efficiency. I worked on incorporating power-saving techniques, using low-energy components, and ensuring the system could be easily updated to extend its lifespan. The project challenged me to balance sustainability with performance, making it a valuable learning experience.
Initially, I was both excited and uncertain about the sustainability aspect of the project. While I understood the importance of creating an efficient system, I found it difficult to identify and implement the best sustainability practices within a technical framework. There were moments of frustration when components did not function as expected, leading to inefficiencies. However, the sense of accomplishment when I managed to optimise power consumption and enhance the durability of the system was rewarding. Seeing the project come together functionally and sustainably reinforced my enthusiasm for designing efficient and long-lasting technologies.
Through this experience, I realised that sustainability is not just about using eco-friendly materials but also about designing systems that can endure and adapt to future changes. I believe that engineers have a responsibility to integrate sustainability principles into their work, ensuring that technological advancements do not come at the cost of excessive resource depletion. This project strengthened my belief in the importance of designing for longevity and efficiency, rather than just focusing on immediate functionality.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing sustainability with cost-effectiveness. Some of the more sustainable components were expensive, making it difficult to justify their inclusion within budget constraints. Additionally, integrating energy-efficient processes required a deeper understanding of power management, something I had limited experience with. Troubleshooting power issues and ensuring system stability took more time than anticipated, but it ultimately helped me develop problem-solving skills and a more critical approach to design.
The concept of sustainability in technology is widely discussed in academic and industrial research. Many modern companies and engineers emphasise the importance of green computing, energy efficiency, and product life cycle management. I found that some of my challenges had already been addressed in the literature, particularly regarding power management in embedded systems. Understanding these broader perspectives helped me appreciate the real-world impact of sustainable design and encouraged me to consider the social and environmental implications of engineering decisions.
This experience taught me that sustainability should be a core consideration from the beginning of any design process, rather than an afterthought. Moving forward, I plan to incorporate sustainability principles into all my projects, ensuring that they are energy-efficient, adaptable, and built for longevity. Additionally, I aim to stay updated with advancements in sustainable technology to continuously improve my approach to engineering.
Plasma Antenna
Reflection 2: Professional Practice within Intercultural and Global Contexts
During my internship at Optik in UTS, I worked in a multicultural team consisting of one Indian, one Indonesian, a local Australian, and myself, a Chinese intern. Our task was to develop a prototype for a gangway system, requiring close collaboration and effective communication. Each team member had different technical expertise and working styles, which initially posed some challenges.
At first, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was eager to learn from my teammates, but I was also unsure how cultural differences might affect our collaboration. There were moments of miscommunication, especially regarding expectations for task completion and decision-making processes. However, as we spent more time together, I began to appreciate the diversity in perspectives. It was rewarding to see how different cultural approaches could complement each other and enhance our work.
This experience reinforced my belief that diversity in a professional setting is a strength rather than a challenge. Different cultural backgrounds bring unique perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and creativity. I now believe that the key to successful intercultural collaboration is open-mindedness and adaptability. Instead of viewing differences as barriers, I have learned to see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
One of the primary challenges we faced was differing communication styles. For example, my Malaysian and Indonesian teammates preferred a more indirect and polite approach, while my Australian teammate were more direct in expressing opinions. This occasionally led to misunderstandings about feedback and decision-making. Additionally, time management styles varied; some members preferred a structured schedule, while others were more flexible. Learning to navigate these differences required patience and a willingness to adjust my communication approach.
Research on intercultural teamwork suggests that understanding cultural dimensions, such as those outlined by Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, can improve collaboration. In our team, I noticed how different attitudes toward hierarchy, uncertainty avoidance, and collectivism influenced our interactions. By considering these theories, I was able to better understand my teammates' perspectives and adjust my approach accordingly. Additionally, intercultural communication frameworks emphasied the importance of active listening and empathy, both of which helped foster a positive working environment.
This experience taught me valuable lessons about teamwork in a globalised professional setting. I have learned the importance of cultural awareness, adaptability, and clear communication in ensuring effective collaboration. In the future, I intend to continue developing my intercultural competency by engaging in more diverse professional environments and actively seeking to understand different perspectives. Additionally, I plan to refine my communication skills to bridge cultural gaps more effectively, ensuring that I can contribute positively to any international team I work with.
