Who would have thought that a group of school friends who used to play sumo robots and soccer robots as a hobby would now emerge as one of the drivers of technological entrepreneurship, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in Malaysia and the Asian region?
This is the story of DatoBulat Tech Lab, a startup that is now increasingly known as a leader in developing robotics modules, especially for primary and secondary school students. Officially founded in 2023, the company is led by Mohamad Hazmi Mohamad Hafizi, an Electrical Engineering graduate from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and Muhammad Alif Danish Yusrinor, a third-year Automotive Engineering student, also from UTM.
Together with two other founding friends from Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Universiti Tenaga Nasional UNITEN, they combined their passion, technical skills and experience since their school days to found DatoBulat Tech Lab, which now operates from a small office in Bandar Damansara, Kuantan, Pahang.
From Hobby to Big Mission
They started out quite modestly, just wanting to rekindle students’ interest in STEM which was seen to be fading after the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM). During the Movement Control Order (MCO), they took the initiative to run online programs such as building games through Scratch, which indirectly attracted students’ interest in the world of technology.
Seeing the good response, they started building hands-on modules that covered various aspects such as basic robotics design, 3D printing, basic wiring, programming as well as increasing self-confidence to participate in competitions. Each module was not just technical, but also injected elements of teamwork and real-world experience that were useful in the world of work.
UTM Fosters Entrepreneurial Spirit
Support from the Centre for Student Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship (UTM XCITE) has been a catalyst for the growth of this company. Starting as students who only knew how to build robots, they now have a business structure and a strong understanding of marketing, idea pitching and company development strategies.
“Initially, we only built robots based on our interests. However, with the guidance of UTM XCITE, we began to understand the real approach to bringing products to market – including aspects such as pitching, market validation, and the opportunity to connect with more individuals in the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Hazmi gratefully.
Starting with initial funding from UTM XCITE and Sunway iLabs worth almost RM28,000, they purchased a 3D printer, built a robotics kit and began receiving orders from schools and organisations around Malaysia. Their company is now registered under the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) as an enterprise entity and plans to transition to a Private Limited Company in the near future.
Penetrating the International Market
In the first year of establishment, they successfully penetrated the market into Thailand and Indonesia. In the second year, they were invited to Iran to give talks and guide students to participate in the world robotics competition. This year, they guided students in the Felda Area from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bukit Goh, Pahang, to successfully compete in the World Robot Games competition in Beijing, China.
They also brought Grade 3 students to represent Malaysia in an international competition in Singapore, and managed to secure second place, an extraordinary achievement that proves how much potential students can be honed with the right guidance.
Challenges and Determination
As a full-time student when the business was being developed, the need to divide time between studies and running the business was not an easy task. Hazmi, as the founder and main technical operator, had to complete his final year project (FYP), attend classes and at the same time build robots for clients and competitions.
“The biggest challenge was time. Electrical Engineering is not an easy subject. But I tried to balance it with the help of mentors at UTM such as Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad ‘Athif Mohd Faudzi. Half as a student, the other half as an entrepreneur,” he said.
Adding to the challenge, the other founding partners were from different universities, causing technical work to be carried out remotely before meeting together. Now, with a small office in Kuantan, their operations are more structured.
Modules, vision and impact
The DatoBulat Tech Lab modules are targeted at pre-university students and schools, especially rural schools. Their kits cost around RM500 to RM2,500, depending on the specifications. The kit can be used in groups, fitting the two-person robotics competition format.
They have run learning sessions for nearly 50 students at a time, including at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom, and are now in the process of introducing their modules into international school curricula.
Their main mission is now clear, to make DatoBulat a Southeast Asian innovation hub in robotics-based STEM education. Every year, they update their designs, modules, and systems based on competition feedback and field implementation.
Advice to Students and Young Entrepreneurs
“Don’t wait until everything is perfect to start. If you have an idea, work on it. Opportunities are always open, and we can provide solutions. The best time to try is when you are a student. If you have a project that you feel can make an impact, don’t hesitate to get guidance and support, just as we got both from UTM XCITE,” Hazmi said enthusiastically.
Today, DatoBulat Tech Lab is not just a unique name. It is a symbol of transformation; from hobby to opportunity, from student to entrepreneur, and from Kuantan to the world stage.
