THIS month, Malaysia will be represented by a team of girls in the F1 In Schools World Finals in Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi.
The interdisciplinary challenge event involves the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The competitors have to design and manufacture a miniature Formula One car, powered by a carbon dioxide canister as the engine, and built in compliance with numerous regulations.
Each team must also find sponsorship to fund its project, by way of proper marketing strategies, a pit display, a portfolio and a verbal presentation.
Irma Rahayu Ibrahim, the team’s teacher-adviser, explained the educational impact on the participants.
“From science, various physics principles and concepts are learned in enhancing the car’s performance,” she said.
“In terms of technology, the team had the chance to explore various technologically-advanced machines while manufacturing the car body parts.
“Engineering, another focus of the competition, comes in when the team uses various software to implement the physics principles researched beforehand.
“Finally, the mathematical aspect involves calculations necessary to ensure the car’s performance during the race.”
The team, named Proton Elitus, comprises five members who are SMK USJ 13 students.
From Nov 14-20, they will be pitted against teams from more than 30 countries.
At stake are awards for Best Engineered Car and Best Innovative Thinking.
“We are excited in being able to show what we can do, and hope to make Malaysia proud by being the World Champion at this year’s F1 In Schools,” said team manager Pearl Tan, 16.
Proton Elitus resource manager Nur Amira Azmi, 16, said the team’s name incorporated the Proton brand as a form of return on investment for the national car-maker.
“Proton taught us to design an aerodynamic car from scratch as well as in the aspects of manufacturing, marketing and corporate identity,” she said.
“We also collaborated with Sirim in the areas of the front and rear wings.”
While Proton is the main sponsor, the team has also received support from the Education Ministry, F1 in Schools Malaysia, Sirim, Sime Darby, Integrated Petroleum Services, UiTM, Digital Ark as well as SMK USJ 13.
Proton Elitus manufacturing engineer Suzanne Chan Yu Li, 16, said: “We want to inspire Malaysian women to strive for their dreams as well, because it’s definitely worthwhile.”
Proton Elitus graphic designer Haswinder Kaur Satnam Singh, 16, said she has been inspired by Malaysian squash queen Nicol David and is motivated by her example.
“She excels in her game, and is consistent in delivering results,” said Haswinder, who intends to become a petroleum engineer.
“This is the kind of role model I would like to emulate.”
Nur Amira, who is keen to become an architect, cited the actress Emma Watson as her inspiration.
“Although she is young, she is a wonderful influence as she has shown herself to be able to work hard, study well and also be involved in social causes all at the same time,” she said.
Besides building the race car, the team has also come up with a canister keychain that recycles used carbon dioxide canisters. This will be entered for the Best Innovative Thinking Award.
Adila Abdul Halim, the team’s design engineer and the only member who is 18 years old, is an SMK USJ 13 alumnus and now studying to be an engineer in Taylor’s University’s American Degree Programme.
She hopes that the Malaysian public backs them in their journey to be the next F1 In Schools World Champion.
For details or to show your support online, visit the team’s website www.elitusf1.com, Instagram page at facebook.com/
PROTONELITUS, Facebook page @protonelitus and Twitter account @elitusf1.