On Saturday, 30th August, the University of Auckland hosted Manawa Mai – Open Day. As part of this vibrant event, the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) New Zealand Chapter partnered with the Faculty of Engineering to inspire the next generation of engineers.
Engineering is often described as an “invisible profession”, its impact is most noticeable when something goes wrong. In an effort to highlight the vital role of engineers and spark curiosity among young minds, the IESL NZ Chapter hosted a special Open Day Tour and Engineering Design Challenge, running alongside the main programme. The initiative aimed to help school students gain a clearer understanding of engineering pathways and make more informed career choices.
The event attracted over 50 registered participants, ranging in age from 10 to 19. Encouragingly, a large proportion of the attendees were girls, challenging the perception of engineering as a male-dominated field. The day began with a guided tour of the Faculty of Engineering’s interactive exhibits, showcasing the wide variety of disciplines offered at the University of Auckland.
Students then took part in a group design challenge, specially crafted by Little Engineers for the occasion. Tasked with creating an electronic circuit using conducting materials, LEDs, and batteries, each team worked to illuminate an elephant inspired by the Kandy Esala Perahera. This creative cultural element added extra meaning to the technical task. Participants also produced a short two-minute video explaining their project and its significance.
Entries were judged by the chief guest, Professor Partha Roop, Head of the Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering. Awards were presented across three categories – Most Aesthetic Circuit, Most Resourceful Design, and Best Video Presentation. Winners received certificates and gifts, while every participant took home an electricity kit from Little Engineers to continue exploring their interest.
Following a shared lunch, Professor Roop delivered an inspiring keynote address. An expert in digital health, safety-critical applications of AI and machine learning, and real-time systems, he spoke about the future of engineering and its far-reaching impact on society. Students and parents also had the opportunity to engage with University of Auckland faculty members and IESL NZ engineers in open conversations, conducted in the languages participants felt most comfortable using. It is noteworthy that the event was completely free for the students and parents to attend.
The event was led by Dr. Dulsha Kularatna-Abeywardana, Senior Lecturer in Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering, supported by a dedicated team whose efforts made the day a resounding success.
Ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, the University of Auckland offers New Zealand’s leading engineering education. The IESL NZ Chapter is proud to maintain strong ties with the university and remains committed to serving the Sri Lankan community while inspiring the engineers of tomorrow.
Reflecting on the day’s success, Eng. Chanaka Dilshan, President of the IESL NZ Chapter and Senior Software Engineer at Air New Zealand said:
“We are proud to inspire the next generation of engineers and support them in discovering the pathways available in New Zealand. Events like this help young people see the true impact of engineering on society and encourage them to dream big, build bold, and make a difference.”
