KUCHING: Solarvest Borneo Sdn Bhd (Solarvest), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak) and the Centre of Excellence for Technology (CENTEXS) Sarawak, through their collaborative Team Green Gear-H, have achieved a remarkable fourth-place finish at the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia Pacific & Middle East (SEMA) 2024, marking a first for Malaysia.
SEMA 2024 held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia, from July 2 to 6, 2024. The competition aims to construct the most energy-efficient ultra-lightweight car, provides an invaluable platform for high school and university students to demonstrate their skills in design, technology, engineering, and project management.
Team Green Gear-H is the first Malaysian team to pass the rigorous technical inspections at SEMA. Competing against over 80 teams from 11 countries, including China, India, and Indonesia, they secured fourth place in the hydrogen fuel cell prototype category with a remarkable fuel efficiency of 185 km/m³. The team’s success is a testament to their exceptional engineering capabilities, demonstrated Malaysia’s potential in the field of sustainable transportation.
The innovative vehicle drew inspiration from the side profile of a bird in flight. Its lightweight design is key to its efficiency, and features the largest single piece of carbon fiber made in Sarawak. This is the only hydrogen powered vehicle fully designed and built in Sarawak, with its locally-produced carbon fiber bodywork crafted using advanced techniques like carbon fiber textile and resin layup, and its curing done by vacuum infusion.
Sponsored by Solarvest, the team comprised students from Swinburne Sarawak’s Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, and the Faculty of Business, Design and Arts. Each member brought their unique skills and dedication to the project, guided by Project Chief Advisor Ts. Dr. Muhammad Rafiq Mirza Julaihi and distinguished academics in mechanical and electrical engineering.
On behalf of the Team, Dr Muhammad Rafiq extends his gratitude to the sponsors: “We are immensely grateful for the support and contributions from all our sponsors. Their unwavering and continuous support of team Green Gear-H not only help the team apply the knowledge and skills acquired to real-world situations but have also garnered recognition from industry experts who serve as judges in the competition.”
Solarvest’s Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer, Leon Liew expressed that, “Having been born and raised in Sarawak, I am deeply grateful for the supportive community that has shaped my journey. Our investment in talent and technology aims to advance human capital and improve the environment for the next generations. At Solarvest, we are commited to nurture people, preserve planet and foster progress. We’ve taken account the ESG impact on the construction and development for every investment. The achievement of this green hydrogen car signifies the great potential for low-carbon transportation, which we believe will become a reality within the next few years, making a real difference in all our lives.”
Leading the Sarawak delegation at SEMA 2024, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, YB Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee emphasised the importance of collaboration between institutions and businesses. He stated that this competition serves as a platform to elevate Sarawakian expertise and skills on a global level.
SEMA 2024 brought together 80 teams from 11 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Qatar, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. The competition served as a platform for young minds to showcase their innovation and pave the way for a more sustainable future. Team Green Gear-H’s success is a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of Swinburne Sarawak, CENTEXS, and Solarvest.
