Links between Malaysia’s engineering and infrastructure progress, and his own career aspirations in smart city development made it the ideal destination for 2020 NCP Scholar Connor Boughton.
The University of Technology Sydney, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) student has always had a strong interest in programming, electronics and mechanics. This naturally drew Connor towards studying Mechatronics, which he explains as, “an amalgamation of software, mechanical and electronic engineering, which is ideal for interconnected systems such as robotics and automation.”
Connor is passionate about smart infrastructure and related technologies, such as Internet of Things(IoT)connected systems and Machine Learning. “I believe smart infrastructure will improve the lives of thousands of people living and working in Australian cities and allow for technologies such as smart power grids to more efficiently utilise renewable energies.
“I chose Malaysia as my NCP host location because of its incredible initiatives in designing and building smart cities, and I am hoping to get involved in the adoption of Internet of Things technology within Malaysia's smart grid infrastructure projects,” says Connor.
Connor planned his NCP program to include a semester of study at the Universiti Sains Malaysia and an internship placement within Malaysia’s energy industry. “I’ll use the opportunity to learn more about Malaysia’s smart city initiatives, such as Iskandar and the newly-built smart and green Forest City,” says Connor. “By incorporating new technologies such as Internet of Things, Big Data, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, these cities have become cutting-edge economic hubs.”
Connor had just commenced his NCP program in Malaysia at the start of 2020 before having to return due to the global pandemic. “I had never been to Malaysia and had limited international travel experience. Fortunately though, I found it relatively easy to adapt to living in Penang.
“Although my program was cut short by COVID-19, I made several connections with local and other international students studying at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, many of who I am still in contact with now,” Connor says.
Connor was drawn to apply for his NCP Scholarship for the opportunity to immerse himself in another culture and experience life living overseas. “I highly recommend applying for the NCP program, it is an amazing opportunity to broaden your international experience whilst studying.”
With borders beginning to reopen, Connor is planning to resume his NCP program and fully explore Malaysia’s smart infrastructure initiatives.