Sinar Daily
USM students representing M'sia in US rocket contest seek financial aid
By KOUSALYA SELVAM | 23 May 2023

USM students were selected to participate in the competition in 2022, where they designed, built, and launched Hebat, Malaysia's first student-made sounding rocket.

SHAH ALAM - A group of students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) who are representing the country in a rocket competition in the United States are seeking sponsorship to cover the cost of participation.

The team, known as WAU Rocketry USM had performed exceptionally well in the competition last year and are eager to compete again in the upcoming Spaceport America Cup.

Team project director Vanmitha Athimoolam, 23, said financial challenges have been a significant hurdle for them and are currently in need of sponsorship to cover the participation costs for the upcoming competition in June.

"Apart from the technical guide, financial assistance is a big issue for us. Bringing the team to the competition requires a lot of money," she said.

Vanmitha said the team are currently raising funds and seeking sponsorship to cover participation costs for the competition.

"So far the team has raised RM80,000 out of their goal of RM371,000.

"We are hoping industry players in the country, especially those linked to aerospace, would help the team, she said.

In 2021, WAU Rocketry USM was founded and it has successfully represented Malaysia on the global stage in the field of rocketry.

The group of 12 engineering students were selected to participate in the competition in 2022, where they designed, built, and launched Hebat, Malaysia's first student-made sounding rocket.

In their debut participation, the team achieved an impressive seventh place out of 46 teams in the 10,000ft (3,048m) category and secured the 12th position out of 99 teams globally.

This year, the team has expanded into a club with over 30 dedicated members who are passionate about driving innovation in rocketry and inspiring young generations to pursue careers in the space sector.

Public could support the students in achieving their dreams by making donations to their account at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bank Islam Malaysia. The payment mode for donations is Interbank Giro.

The account number is 08022010065458.