Shane Lim Ruiyuan and Ahmad Rifaaie Bin Mohamed Ali from SIT-UofG’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering programmes excelled in the annual national competition organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, with Shane clinching second place.

Shane Lim (4th from right) and Ahmad Rifaaie Bin Mohamed Ali (3rd from right) with the judges in the Speak Out for Engineering (SOfE) Competition. (Photo: Republic Polytechnic IMechE Student Chapter)

In a thrilling display of innovative thinking, Ahmad Rifaaie Bin Mohamed Ali, a year 2 Aerospace Engineering (AEE) student and Shane Lim Ruiyuan, a year 2 Mechanical Engineering (MEC) student, delivered noteworthy presentations at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Speak Out for Engineering (SOfE) competition. The AEE and MEC degree programmes are jointly offered by SIT and University of Glasgow (UofG).

Held on 14 September at Republic Polytechnic, the event brought together the brightest minds in engineering. SIT-UofG's talented duo were among the six finalists who competed in the challenge, showcasing their skills and knowledge across diverse engineering backgrounds. The IMechE SOfE competition aims to develop participants' communication skills by encouraging them to present their ideas and perspectives on engineering-related topics. Shane and Rifaaie, members of the SIT-UofG IMechE Student Chapter, were nominated for their knowledge and engineering talent in their respective degree programmes.

Shane presented an overhaul of the air travel experiences using technologies. (Photo: SIT-UofG IMechE Student Chapter)

For his presentation, Shane proposed a revolutionary overhaul of the air travel experience, introducing practical solutions using existing technologies He suggested shifting to a more direct, point-to-point travel model using modern long-range aircraft designed for nonstop flights over great distances. He also recommended adopting AI-driven facial recognition for seamless ticketing and an integrated booking system to streamline airport-to-city transfers. Additionally, he introduced using toroidal windmills, a type of circular wind turbine designed to safely generate energy at airports without causing the disruptive air currents typically associated with traditional turbines. Shane’s innovative ideas impressed the judges, securing him second place and £200 cash prize.

Shane (right) received his certificate from one of the judges, Mr Steve O'Connor from IMechE, at the SOfE Competition. (Photo: Republic Polytechnic IMechE Student Chapter)

Rifaaie presented to the judges about eVTOL technologies. (Photo: SIT-UofG IMechE Student Chapter)

Rifaaie delivered a compelling presentation on the significance of electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) technology in shaping future cities and societies. He emphasised its potential to transform urban transportation, reduce congestion, and enhance sustainability. He earned a Certificate of Achievement for his efforts.

Rifaaie (left) received his certificate from one of the judges, Mr Chee Leong Chong from Technocorp Pte Ltd, at the SOfE Competition. (Photo: Republic Polytechnic IMechE Student Chapter)

Shane's achievement marks the fifth occasion that SIT-UofG students have achieved the top two finishes in national and regional IMechE SOfE competitions since the inception of the SIT-UofG IMechE Student Chapter in 2018. The Student Chapter regularly organises various events and competitions, which greatly enhances students’ learning experience.