Monash Pitch 2024!
Participants of Monash Pitch 2024.
The Monash Phd Interdisciplinary Team Challenge (PITCH) 2024 was a resounding success! Hosted on our multicultural campus, the hackathon ran from 23 to 27 September, bringing together some of the brightest PhD minds from Monash University’s campuses in Suzhou, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia and IITB-Monash. The hackathon kicked off with an official welcoming speech by Professor Joe Nicolazzo, Associate Dean of Graduate Research at Monash University, to get students settled down for a week of brainstorming.
The opening ceremony was followed by an inspiring speech from Professor Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia. Welcoming participants to the Monash Pitch challenge, she set the tone for the week ahead, saying, “We're only separated by geography, but this PITCH program will show what’s truly special about pursuing a PhD at Monash. Not only do you get to work with the best supervisors, you get the chance to achieve incredible things.” Professor Adeeba went on to recognise the hard work behind the scenes, making this event an unforgettable experience. She expressed her hopes that participants would walk away with more than just academic insights but with new friendships and lasting memories.
Building on this message, Professor Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training) of Monash University, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in solving global problems. The morning continued with a keynote speech from Associate Professor Yeoh Seng-Guan, from the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Monash University Malaysia, taking the audience on a fascinating journey through "Understanding Malaysia from an Anthropologist’s Perspective." From exploring the Austronesian roots of the Malay language to unpacking the legacy of British colonialism, Professor Yeoh provided rich insights into Malaysia’s unique historical and cultural tapestry.
Seven teams, made up of students from across the five Monash campuses, took on real-world challenges faced in Malaysia, all with the potential to spark groundbreaking solutions that could shape the country’s future. The winning team tackled the challenge titled "Consider an intervention or opportunity that can support data centres to become environmental stewards." The team approached the challenge with the potential to ignite innovative solutions that could shape the country's future. They did so with an innovative solution that impressed everyone—underwater data centres. This group—composed of Allan Ribeiro Pimenta, Fahmida Islam, Mihirika Pincha Baduge, Sumiyyah Hameed and Sara Hutchinson Tovar from Monash University, along with Fatin Nadiah bt. Mahmud from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Thiviya Gill from Monash University Malaysia, took on the issue of Malaysia’s growing energy consumption by data centres, which are notorious for their massive power and water requirements. These centres also compete for land, often infringing on agricultural areas or urban spaces.
The winners of Monash Pitch 2024.
The team’s breakthrough idea involved submerging data centres underwater, using the natural cooling properties of the ocean to cut energy consumption by up to 40 per cent. This innovative concept not only improves cooling efficiency but also integrates renewable energy sources like tidal waves and wind power. Their underwater facilities would also offer greater security, scalability, and resilience against natural disasters. However, the team was well aware of their challenges, acknowledging the pivotal need for rigorous environmental monitoring and addressing the technological risks involved.
The team's visualisation of an underwater data centre was nothing short of impressive. Built with titanium for ultimate durability and optimal heat transfer, the data centre would be positioned 12 metres below the ocean’s surface, controlling power from offshore solar panels and tidal waves, a smart fusion of renewable energy sources. But they didn't stop there—the team proposed surrounding the centre with an artificial reef, which would not only protect the infrastructure from vibrations but also promote marine biodiversity.
Their plan was well structured, with four clear phases: planning, technical design, installation, and operations, all set to roll out over a 10-year timeline.
The final and perhaps most crucial step in bringing their bold idea to life is securing funding and engaging with key stakeholders. The team proposed a clear strategy to connect with government agencies, private sector investors, and local communities to launch the project. Potential funding partners include established industries such as OpenAI, the United Nations Development Program, the World Bank, and local players such as Sunway Group.
The project’s benefits were clear—reduced water and land usage, boosted energy efficiency, and economic growth through job creation and the development of digital infrastructure. Most importantly, the team emphasised the importance of preserving natural resources for the long term, avoiding short-sighted compromises.
Students participating in engaging talks.
To help students understand the local context, Monash University Malaysia invited expert speakers to share their expertise and equip participants with valuable insights for the hackathon. Guest speaker Qarrem Kassim, Analyst at ISIS Malaysia, explored the country's economic journey in his talk, "Negotiating the Malaysian Landscape," detailing Malaysia's transition from agriculture to a key player in the global supply chain.
The event also featured an engaging session on "How to Overcome Obstacles in Bringing About Change in Malaysia: Lessons From the Field." This discussion brought together a panel of leaders, including Dr Eddie Puah Boon Keat, Chief Technology Officer at PixeVision, Dr Eunice Yeo Huan, Senior Director at the Public Private Partnership Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department, Srii Gunaseelan, Business Development Manager for Education (Malaysia & Brunei) at Austrade, and Calvin Cheng, Fellow at ISIS Malaysia. The panel, moderated by Professor Meera Sivasothy from Monash University Malaysia’s School of Arts and Social Sciences, provided invaluable insight into overcoming the barriers Malaysia faces in its development.
Local exploration to Batu Caves.
To wrap up Monash Pitch 2024 on a high note, students were treated to a day of sightseeing, visiting cultural hotspots like Batu Caves, the National Museum, and the Islamic Arts Museum. But it wasn’t just the cultural heritage that left an impression—Malaysia's renowned culinary delights were a highlight of the day as well. Monash Pitch 2024 may have come to a close, but the ideas it sparked are just the beginning. With many more challenges ahead, Monash’s PhD students continue to show that they are not only equipped to tackle the world’s problems but to reshape the future.