Robots, cosplay and food trucks. What more can you ask for?
This year’s Penang Mini-Maker Faire kicked off in style in Penang, Malaysia held over the second weekend of October.
The non-profit Mini-Maker Faire, licensed from Maker Faire, returned for its second year in Penang. The event attracted a diverse and regional crowd, from tech enthusiasts to families, and exhibitors from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. With the main focus on Internet of Things (IoT), the tech exhibitions and workshops organised were aligned to fit its theme.
The intention behind the Mini-Maker Faire is to support and help the community in Penang and build a complete cycle of ecosystem for tech startups and entrepreneurs, explained Curry Khoo, the founder of TE4P, and organiser of the event.
There was a sizeable turnout, with participants being fully engaged with the variety of technology offerings being showcased. Exhibitors, comprising of single business owners and engineers, displayed tech products ranging from robots and drones, to smart recycling bins, and 3D food printers.
Two exhibitors showcasing their latest robot offering
Curry explained to e27 about the declining interest in the fields of science and engineering and how the Mini-Maker Faire aims to combat that decline. “Building a community takes time and hopefully, the Mini-Maker Faire will encourage children and adults to be more engaged towards the maker movement,” he explained.
Exhibitors like Lim Nam Aik demonstrated that the Maker community continues to welcome new makers with no prior experience – though drive to learn fast is key.
While the exhibitions were engaging and charmed participants, workshops were also taking place, from the ‘Arduino for Beginners’ workshop, to ‘Scratch Programming on Raspberry Pi’. There were also 2 workshops held by Intel Makers in conjunction with the IoT theme.
Second Startup’s Mai Basuh was present and in action
Aside from tech, there were booths selling kraftangan (handicraft) and a cosplay performance. Second Startup’s very own Mai Basuh was also present at the event to service any cars in need of a quick cleanup.
Food trucks were stationed at the venue for visitors to grab a quick bite
With more tech events popping up in Penang and Echelon Malaysia happening early next year, Curry is optimistic about Penang’s future and its role in being an inclusive and thriving tech startup community.
The post Crafting the next generation of makers: A Mini-Maker Faire in Penang appeared first on e27.