The Second-Year Software Engineering Group Project Open Day at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) showcased the future of tech innovation. Held annually, this event allows students to solve real-world problems using cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary collaboration. This year’s projects did not disappoint, demonstrating creativity, technical excellence, and a strong focus on industry relevance.
Top awards were given to three standout teams, whose projects addressed pressing issues in healthcare, agriculture, and digital infrastructure.
This year’s event was judged by an impressive panel of industry experts and academic professionals from leading organisations, including Experian Global, DHL IT Services, Alibaba Cloud, Paynet and MYEG to name a few. Their participation brought real-world perspectives to the judging process, further validating the relevance and impact of student innovations at UNM.
Best Presentation Team
Group 19: Cell Recognition in Pap Smear Whole Slide Images – A Deep Learning Approach
Supervisor: Mr Chew Sze-Ker
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Early detection via Pap smear tests is key—but the manual analysis of samples by pathologists remains labour-intensive and prone to human error.
Group 19 set out to change that. Their project introduced an AI-powered system capable of analysing whole-slide Pap smear images to classify normal and abnormal cells with greater speed and precision. By converting microscopic images into analysable formats and applying deep learning models, this system supports faster diagnoses while minimising diagnostic errors. It’s a leap forward for cytology, bringing efficiency and accuracy to cervical cancer screening and paving the way for smarter healthcare solutions.
Best School Project
Group 8: Scalable and Resource-Efficient Video Storage Toolkit for Enhancing Video Analytics Systems
Supervisor: Dr Simon Lau
With the rise of video surveillance across public and private sectors, the need for efficient video storage and playback systems has never been greater. Group 8 developed a robust video management toolkit designed for real-world performance, even on low-end devices.
Built using Python and the GStreamer framework, the system allows for live multi-camera feeds, seamless video recording, and accessible playback through a lightweight, file-based database. Highly scalable and compatible with advanced video analytics platforms, this toolkit provides a cost-effective, long-term solution for businesses and security providers alike.
Best Industry Project
Group 13: Black Bunch Detection Mobile Application
Supervisor: Dr Kweh Yeah Lun
In Malaysia’s thriving palm oil industry, accurately identifying ripe palm fruits - or "black bunches" - is critical to harvesting success. Group 13’s solution? A mobile application that empowers workers to make faster, data-driven decisions using the power of AI.
By integrating machine learning into smartphone cameras, the app detects ripe palm fruit in real-time, making it a game-changer for smallholder farmers and plantation managers. It enhances operational efficiency, reduces manual error, and helps maximise oil yield - all from the palm of your hand.
Why It Matters
Events like the Software Engineering Group Project Open Day highlight UNM’s commitment to real-world learning, preparing students not just for exams but for the evolving demands of the tech industry. With industry collaboration, practical experience, and hands-on innovation, our students are building the future, one solution at a time.
Interested in joining the next wave of changemakers? Learn more about our Computer Science programmes at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Posted on 3rd June 2025