Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) Shell Eco-marathon Organisation (SEMO) is once again taking on the challenge of the Shell Eco-marathon Asia Pacific and Middle East 2025, set to be held in Doha, Qatar from 8th February to 12th February 2025.
The team, Belia Tabah, comprises of 10 highly motivated engineering, science, and business students, determined to push the boundaries of energy-efficient vehicle design. The students are Mohammad Hifdzur Azmi Haji Mohd Zain, Ahmad Muzakker Haji Khalid, Iman Abdul Walid, Muhammad Aqil Nuruddin Janeil, Muhammad Ikhwan Syazwan Mohamad Azrin, Raihani Mohammad Rafie, Amal Nabillah Haji Abd Aziz, Helena Shea Harun, Nur Amni Imanina Haji Narudin and Fatin Amanina Awang Haji Abd Azis. This group of students is led by Dr Muhammad Abid and Pengiran Haji Baharuddin Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin on-site and Dr Quentin Cheok locally.
A send-off event was held at the Brunei International Airport, where Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, along with Assistant Vice-Chancellors, UBD staff, sponsors, and media representatives, came together to recognise the team’s efforts and wish them success. The prayers were led by Haji Muhammad Dzulhilmi Haji Moharefandi, Religious Officer UBD.
Dr Hazri Haji Kifle praised the students for their continued dedication, stating, “We are thrilled to see our students participating in this competition once more. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability is commendable, and we believe they will showcase Brunei Darussalam’s talent and ingenuity on the global stage.”
Months of rigorous preparation have gone into refining the vehicle’s aerodynamics, energy efficiency, and overall design. The team’s determination to improve upon previous achievements is a testament to UBD’s emphasis on research, sustainability, and innovation.
Crucial financial and technical support for the UBD SEMO has come from key sponsors, including Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd (BSP), Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM), Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN), Shell E&P Brunei (SEPB) and more. Their contributions have enabled the team to enhance their vehicle and gain valuable insights for the competition.
Reflecting on their journey, the team manager, Mohammad Hifdzur Azmi Haji Mohd Zain remarked, “Returning to the Shell Eco-marathon is an exciting opportunity for us to build upon our previous experience. This competition continues to challenge us, and with the support of UBD, our sponsors, families, and the community, we are ready to give our best performance.”
One of the team’s drivers, Ahmad Muzakker Haji Khalid, shared his anticipation for the challenge ahead, “Driving for Belia Tabah in the Shell Eco-marathon is both an honor and a responsibility. Our goal is to push the limits of energy efficiency while maintaining safety and performance. I am excited and prepared to give my best effort on the track.”
The Shell Eco-marathon is a globally recognised competition that tests student teams’ ability to design, build, and drive vehicles with the highest energy efficiency. It fosters teamwork, creativity, and the pursuit of sustainable transportation solutions.
As the Belia Tabah team embarks on this journey, Brunei Darussalam stands behind them with pride, hoping for another strong performance following their success in the previous Shell Eco-marathon last year held in Lombok, Indonesia. Their participation underscores UBD’s commitment to engineering excellence and sustainable innovation on the international stage.
About Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is Brunei Darussalam’s leading university, dedicated to providing top-tier education and research opportunities. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, UBD prepares students to become leaders and professionals who contribute to national and global development.
About Shell Eco-marathon
The Shell Eco-marathon is an esteemed global competition that challenges students to develop the most energy-efficient vehicles possible. Encouraging technological advancements, sustainability, and collaboration, the event pushes the limits of what can be achieved in energy-efficient mobility.