Innovation is the key to progress, solving the world’s most pressing challenges — the only direction it has is forward, problem after problem, issue after issue, there is always a solution. But where do you stand in the changes that these solutions make? Do you fear them? Does it excite you? Or do you want to be part of it all?
On the 31st of March, the budding Scientists, Engineers and Developers of Pakuranga College attended Workshop Zero of the Auckland-wide competition; BizTech Labs – a competition for students who want to make a difference as young innovators in the community. The workshop provided an awesome opportunity for students to explore the vast branches of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and learn through the experiences of special speakers from STEAM-related industries.
Engineering, in particular, plays a critical role in STEAM, as it requires both technical expertise and creative thinking to develop solutions that are effective, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. Whether it’s designing a bridge, developing a new medical device, or creating a sustainable energy system, engineering is the key driver of innovation. To explore this area of STEAM, BizTech Labs invited Romney, a Design Engineer from Babcock International, an alumni of Pakuranga College to speak about his experiences in the field. Romney did not only offer his expertise in engineering, but also emphasised the importance of hard work and collaboration through anecdotes and stories, as well as a team building activity where each table group was given a bag that contained random materials (newspapers, straws, and tape) to create a bridge that should withstand the weight of a can of cat food. The activity harnessed each and everyone’s creative problem solving skills in a collaborative environment, highlighting that working in a team produces the best solution, especially in the world of engineering.
To further highlight that collaboration is an absolute part of working in the STEAM industry, a workshop solely focused on Leadership was led by Andy and Jay from the NZ Defense Force. Leadership and teamwork go hand in hand, and as important as it is to be able to work together in a group, it is also imperative to enrich the skill of being able to command one. Andy spoke about purpose and one’s ability to ensure that the objective of a task is known and clear; Mission, team needs, individual needs. He emphasised the need of all three to succeed. Jay spoke about identity and reputation and the balance that is found between the similarities and differences. Leadership starts with your own self awareness and accountability. Together, they shared with us experiences from over 20 years in service. Their contribution to our workshop was invaluable and all of us who listened took home some real life lessons.
Biztech Labs recognises that aestheticism holds a significant role in innovation. Therefore, to expand knowledge in this area and bring awareness to this fact, Pakuranga College’s very own teacher, Miss Zhao, took us down the road of design. As a graduate of communication design from AUT, Miss Zhao was able to talk about UX and UI design. She says all innovation: “starts with a simple ‘How might we?’”. Problem solving starts with acknowledging the problem and understanding it. In table groups, we worked to formulate a storyboard that follows how an individual might encounter and deal with a real life problem, allowing us to better immerse ourselves into the experience which could direct us to a solution. Each of us contributed to a well thought out solution that maybe someday, would be executed.
The last speaker focused on the Technology aspect of STEAM. Technology is an essential part of the STEAM ecosystem, and by harnessing its power, it inspires students to become creators, innovators, and problem-solvers in our increasingly complex and interconnected digital world. Ronel, from Kai Educations, producer of the first Hybrid Robots, spoke about her experiences and her life of no regrets, leading up to her success in the STEAM industry with KaiRobot. Regardless of all the failures and the losses along the way, Ronel described her life as free and unapologetic, she shows that you could do anything as long as you put your mind to it and anything can be achieved with hard work and resilience. She gives back to the community by providing services through Kai’s education, targeted towards students, especially in the younger demographics to start them early and in a way that is enjoyable and interactive. As Ronel says, “cverything has code”, and therefore in our life, everything has a solution, an answer.
To finish off the day, we were able to implement the skills we learnt in a practical activity. Within a set amount of time, each table group was tasked to think of an issue that was related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The ideas were vast and unique, some working closely with communal issues while some worked with wider world problems. From International Student Guidance Apps that aim to support international students in an unfamiliar environment to UV Sun Patches that have the ability to remind its users to apply sunscreen! Each idea proved that everyone has it in them to make a change.
As a participating student of Biztech Labs, I witnessed great potential in everyone in that room, some overwhelmed with a passion for innovation. It was a great turn out, a room full of enthusiastic students that hold the future of our world. Cheers to the change-makers of tomorrow.
Pollen Marcuelo – Year 12
BizTech Labs Student Leader
