DRIVING a vehicle can be a stressful experience, especially when unexpected problems arise.
Aware of the support needed, students from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) teamed up with industry partner Bantu2U Holdings Sdn Bhd to provide assistance through the Bantu Pandu app.
A one-stop automobile assistance platform, it provides users with support, including emergency and roadside assistance, repair and maintenance assistance, progress tracking, and other automobile-related services.
Besides creating a more pleasant and stress-free experience for users, the app leverages artificial intelligence technology to provide intuitive search and chatbot features that can contribute to road safety awareness and preparedness by providing information such as on-the-road advice, safe driving tips, and emergency contact numbers with just a simple search.
The app, which is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store, was unveiled at a soft launch ceremony held at TAR UMT’s Kuala Lumpur campus on Sept 10.
According to the university in a press release, the app grew out of an industry-academic collaboration initiative between TAR UMT and Bantu2U that began in January 2025 and was solidified following the signing of a memorandum of agreement in June that year.
Led by principal lecturer Lim Mei Shyan and programme leader Peh Guan Soon, both from the varsity’s Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (FOCS), a team of nine students worked closely with Bantu2U, taking the idea and turning it into a working concept.
In her speech at the ceremony, TAR UMT vice president Prof Dr Loke Chui Fung said the soft launch was a celebration of success that happens when industry experience, university knowledge and student talent come together for a common purpose.
“Much of the app’s development was carried out by our students, guided by our lecturers from FOCS, and supported by the Bantu2U team.
“This is a testament to the strength and talent of our students who not only learn what is taught in books and develop projects in class, but also take opportunities to understand industry needs, solve real problems and see their work being applied in the real world. This is the Beyond Education that TAR UMT champions,” she said.
Bantu2U Holdings managing director Anthony Chin thanked TAR UMT for the team’s support from the early stages of the software development phase.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the team of students and lecturers who helped us turn our vision of using technology to make a safer, simpler and connected driving experience for all road users into a reality through the successful launch of the app,” he said.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1. Think of a problem that affects your school or community. What causes the problem? How does it affect people? In pairs, discuss ways to reduce or solve the problem, with or without technology.
2. Imagine you could create any app you wanted. What would it do? In groups, discuss its features, who would use it and why it would be useful. Give your app a name and present your idea to the class.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
