Sada-e-Watan
Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
(Great Achievement by a young Pakistani boy)
Pakistani Youngster Munaum Muhammad Making
his Mark on the World
(Coverage to Sada-e-Watan by
Mr. Mukhtar Qazi)
At the ripe age of 16,
Munaum Muhammad of Epping Boys’ High School Sydney. Mr & Mrs Javed Muhammad’s son and
talented singer Mehreen Javed's younger brother has already started to wow the
Pakistani community with his achievements. Blessed with a talented and bright
mind, he had at young age started to take bold steps into his bright future.
Currently studying in Year 11, he has already accomplished many achievements
under his belt, including an entry into the advanced programming course at UNSW
– which thousands of kids across NSW applied for, but only 20 kids were offered
a position. Following this achievement includes his contribution and work for
Macquarie University’s robotic project which he had worked diligently for
through his entire school holidays.
During late 2009 and up till now, Munaum had registered his name to the FIRST
(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics project
offered by Macquarie University, being the first team in Australian history to
participate in this prestigious event. FIRST is an American organisation that
hosts an internationally recognised robotics competition for high school
students from different countries. This year, FIRST announced that teams are to
design, build and produce a robot from scratch, weighing up to 120 pounds and
would be able to play soccer.
Munaum underwent an intense process, working long hours with his robotics team
named “The Thunder Down Under” over a rough period of three to four months. He
actively took part in the “build season”, working hands on with the robotics
department and his team. During build season, he constructed the robots’ kicker
which had taken him weeks to accomplish. His project coordinator Michael
Heimlich, team members, school and friends have highly acclaimed him for his
efforts in the project, highlighting how difficult it is to produce a kicker
through a majority solo effort.
Before the team left for New Hampshire, Munaum was given the honour to be the
robot driver for the competition, but he had declined the offer since he had
chosen not to go to the regional competition. Also, before the team’s departure
Munaum was nominated as a finalist (along with Sarah Heimlich – Michael
Heimlich’s daughter) for the highly honourable “Dean’s List Award” for his
efforts and his high degree of professionalism.
Upon the team’s arrival back from New Hampshire the robot had received
exceptional honours, winning “The Rookie All-Star Award” and “Industrial Safety
Award” along with a spot in the “FIRST Championship” in Atlanta, USA. Munaum had
then been chosen as a highly essential addition to the travel team for the
championship finals, being the first Pakistani youngster to represent Australia
on an international level. Munaum and his team were also honoured by the High
Consulate of America, as they were asked to spend an evening in their honorable
achievements before their departure again.
Munaum was engaged to prepare to the parts required to modify the Robert before
to go Atlanta to a attend the champion ship “FIRST Championship” in Atlanta, USA
which was held April 15th – April 17th.
It is encouraging to see our Pakistani youngsters making their mark on the
world, and we all wish Munaum the best of luck with their robot as he and his
team becomes the first Australian represents to take on the world.
