Published on December 23, 2024

The Mandalika Pertamina Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia, came alive once more with the hum of electric engines and the eager energy of student innovators as the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia Pacific and Middle East made its final appearance at the picturesque location. 

 

Figure 1. UBD's Belia Tabah team proudly hoists the Bruneian flag to represent the nation. 

In July 2024, 78 teams from 12 countries took part in the renowned competition, and Brunei Darussalam was proudly represented in the Prototype Battery-Electric category by three talented teams from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), and Politeknik Brunei School of Science and Engineering. 

The Shell Eco-Marathon challenges students to design, build, and test ultra energy-efficient vehicles, pushing the boundaries of sustainable transportation. For Brunei’s teams, the months of hard work paid off with remarkable results. 

Before hitting the racetrack, the teams underwent a series of 11 rigorous technical inspections to ensure their vehicles met stringent safety regulations and technical standards. Impressively, all three Bruneian teams successfully passed these inspections. 

 “The Technical Inspection this year was quite tough and strict. It was a challenging experience, but we learnt from our mistakes to become a better team. Alhamdullilah, we were the third team out of 78 to pass,” commented Mohammad Hifdzur Azmi, team leader of UBD’s Beliah Tabah team. 

 

Figure 2. UBD's Belia Tabah team receives the Carbon Footprint Reduction Award. 

That determination paid off as UBD’s Beliah Tabah, went on to make history for Brunei with their vehicle Mekar, achieving an impressive 285.5 km/kWh and placing among the top 10 teams. They also earned the prestigious Carbon Footprint Reduction award for reducing carbon fiber usage by 75% and cutting material waste by 50%, resulting in a reduction of 2,013 kg in CO2-equivalent emissions. 

 

Figure 3. UTB's Eco-Drive and their vehicle, Pahlawan VIII, during the rigorous Technical Inspections. 

UTB’s Eco-Drive Team entered the competition with the eighth iteration of their vehicle, Pahlawan VIII, prioritising safety and operational excellence. The team was highly commended for their meticulous paddock housekeeping and strict adherence to safety protocols, setting a benchmark for other teams to follow in the competition. 

Politeknik Brunei’s vehicle, Yakin IV R, upheld Brunei’s strong presence in the competition, securing a spot in the top 20 with speeds of 134.6 kilometres per kilowatt-hour. 

 

Figure 4. Politeknik Brunei’s team poses with their prototype vehicle, Yakin IV R, upon passing the Technical Inspection. 

For Brunei’s student engineers, the Shell Eco-Marathon is more than just a competition – it’s an opportunity to showcase innovation, gain real-world engineering experience, and promote sustainability. Set in an international arena, with peers coming from different sides of the world, the event also opens opportunities for cross-border knowledge sharing and networking.  

Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) is proud to have supported Brunei’s participation in the Shell Eco-Marathon since 2011, providing students with hands-on experience in energy-efficient design and fostering responsible innovation aligned with the global push for cleaner energy solutions, while supporting the nation’s Wawasan 2035 ambition of honing highly skilled and educated population.