Engineering students unite to rescue the planet Gondwana

Monash University Malaysia has achieved a landmark victory, outshining teams from Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand to win the 2024 Warman Design and Build Competition. Held on October 26-27, the event saw Monash University Malaysia make history as the first team from their campus to capture the title. 

Acting Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Bernadette Foley said the contest allows university students to take engineering out of the classroom and into practice, as they are challenged to design innovative engineering solutions to save the fictional planet of Gondwana. 

“As we accelerate our efforts on climate action and a sustainable economy, the importance of this competition grows. Engineers are leading the way in addressing these critical issues, and as these talented students show, it's about more than just stronger infrastructure or smarter cities, it's about redefining engineering’s role in a rapidly changing world,” said Ms Foley.

Nearly 90 mechanical and mechatronic engineering students from 16 universities competed over two days. The teams, representing institutions across Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand, presented innovative solutions to save the fictional planet of Gondwana, progressing through rigorous university-level heats to earn a spot in the finals. 

2024 Warman Design and Build Competition Winners 

• First prize: Monash University, Malaysia  

• Second prize: University of Adelaide, South Australia  

• Third prize: Flinders University, South Australia  

• Weir Judges Award: University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales  

• NCED “Best Design” Award: University of Canterbury, New Zealand  

Competing universities: University of Canterbury, UNSW Canberra, University of Newcastle, University of Southern Queensland - Toowoomba Campus, University of Technology Sydney, Deakin University, University of Southern Queensland - Springfield Campus, Edith Cowan University, University of Western Australia, University of Adelaide, University of Queensland (St Lucia), Flinders University, Griffith University (Nathan campus), Monash University Malaysia, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, RMIT University.   

About the Warman design and build competition  

The Warman competition has been proudly sponsored by Weir Minerals and coordinated by the National Committee on Engineering Design (NCED) of Engineers Australia, affiliated with the Mechanical College for 37 years. Thank you to Weir Minerals for their ongoing support and contribution and ALTAIR as bronze sponsor.

For more information, please contact warmancomp@engineersaustralia.org.au.  

Engineers Australia:  As Australia’s national engineering body, we champion our 127,000 plus members, providing resources, connections and growth for high-value work in our communities. 

Team images are available for download here