A team of eight members from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) left to compete in the Shell Eco-Marathon in Lombok, Indonesia yesterday.
The competition which begins tomorrow, serves as a platform for young innovators, engineers and scientists from around the world to showcase their designs and cutting edge technologies aimed at revolutionising energy efficiency in automotive industry.
The Perkasa Darussalam team comprises Muhammad Ahmad Hasyer bin Sulong, Amal Bazilah binti Karim, Amal Basirah binti Karim, Ahmad Danial bin Rosli, Muhammad Dzahiruddin@ Muhammad Hanafi bin Haji Kifle, Iman bin Abdul Walid and Pengiran Aderus bin Pengiran Haji Tengah.
The team led by Faculty of Integrated Technologies student Muhammad Ahmad Hasyer, has been working to create a ground-breaking vehicle capable of pursuing the boundaries of energy efficiency.
“We are thrilled to be able to return to the Shell Eco-Marathon after a prolonged hiatus due to the global pandemic. Our team has poured out their hearts and minds into developing an innovative and sustainable vehicle that we believe has the potential to make a significant impact on the future of transportation,” said Muhammad Ahmad Hasyer.
The UBD’s team vehicle is called Mantuka Aswad – which embodies the team’s commitment to sustainability, deploying state of the art technology and design to maximise battery efficiency.
The vehicle showcases groundbreaking features including renewed micro controller designed in house by Chong Kim Onn of School of Digital Sciences. By joining the Shell Eco-Marathon, the UBD team aims to contribute to a cleaner and greener future by inspiring others to embrace eco-friendly solutions.
“I feel excited and also a bit nervous because this is the first time that I will be competing in the Shell Eco-Marathon. We are looking forward to compete and hope that we can win it for the country,” said Amal Basirah.
She has been training for two months after the car’s completion. Driving inside an Eco vehicle, she recalled, “It’s not easy. It’s not like driving a normal car. The maneuvring and changing gears is a challenge but with proper training, I was able to get used to it.”
UBD Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean with UBD Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Pengiran Dr Mohammad Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra were present to see off the team and bid them good luck.
UBD Vice chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle expressed his pride and excitement at the team’s participation to the competition. “The resumption of our participation in the Shell Eco-Marathon demonstrates UBD’s dedication to fostering innovation, sustainability and excellence among our students. We are confident that our team will shine on the global stage and continue to inspire others to adopt sustainable practices,” he said. – James Kon
