SIFE UNITEN - Champion in SHELL Better World Competition 2009

24/07/2009

We did it…the elusive SHELL Champion Cup is with SIFE UNITEN this year. When the competition was first held in 2007, we won second place. Last year (2008), we came third, thus this year with hard work, sheer dedication we made it beating UiTM, UTP, USIM, UniKL, USM and UMT. Three other universities (MMU, UMS and UUM) pulled out at the last minute. One of our SIFE UNITEN members, Khairul Faizi Mohamed invented an eco-friendly device for aqua application called ECO-AF. This device is used for fish feeding in ponds, fish cages in lakes and rivers and fish aquariums. The project has the following objectives: to introduce ECO-AF in fish culture, to increase the income of fish breeders using ECO-AF, to preserve the environment by using renewable energy and to market the ECO-AF to the local and global market thus fulfilling the criteria needed in the competition. ECO-AF is very easy to operate and the cost is also minimal. The cost and time saved can be generated for other businesses. This product increases the cost-efficiency of the operation because it requires minimal monitoring and maintenance. This would lead to reduction in labour, material and operation costs thus helping fish farmers to increase their income. Since this is a very simple setup, it can be applied to fish ponds, fish tanks and aquariums. Small, medium and large scale fish farmers in Malaysia will be able to benefit from this. As a marketing strategy, the product was introduced and won several awards in Malaysian Technology and Research and Invention competitions, thus helping in promoting and attracting potential buyers and investors. ECO-AF is waiting to be patented, by then it is hoped that the product can be marketed locally and in overseas markets. This project is an ongoing effort to promote an environmental-friendly and cost-effective product to fish farm entrepreneurs. ECO-AF can be operated without causing detrimental effects to the environment thus protecting and conserving the environment for future generations. This product does not require electricity to function. The timer is purely established through mechanical components using the readily available flow of water and can be used in areas that do not have electrical supply. Our ECO-AF is in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol*; as it does not need electricity to operate. SIFE UNITEN is working towards cooperation with various agencies involved in fish farming, namely the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry (MOA), MARDI, LKIM, fish farmers association, aquarium owners and fish enthusiasts. The ECO-AF will also be promoted through the mass media. *Kyoto Protocol - The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This amounts to an average of five per cent against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-2012.