F1, Innovation Lab Sparks New Generation's Interest In STEM | CENTRE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE (CQA)

F1, Innovation Lab Sparks New Generation's Interest In STEM | CENTRE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE (CQA) cqa

» ARTICLE » F1, Innovation Lab Sparks New Generation's Interest In STEM

List of Articles

F1, Innovation Lab Sparks New Generation's Interest In STEM


		Malaysia's selection as the host of the Formula One (F1) Bahrain Grand Prix (GP) not only brings the world-class race back to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), but also opens up an opportunity to show how motorsport is a real field of application of science and technology to the younger generation. Although the event was a one-off event due to the unforeseen circumstances affecting this season's race calendar, experts believe the opportunity should be used to bring the community, especially young people, closer to the world of technology and innovation that is the backbone of F1's development. Director of the University of Malaya (UM) STEM Centre Assoc Prof Dr Mas Sahidayana Mokhtar said F1 is not just a motorsport, but a technology ecosystem that shows how knowledge in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is translated into real-world solutions. Despite speeds of more than 300 kilometres per hour, each F1 machine is developed as a result of a combination of various disciplines of science and technology, from mechanical engineering and aerodynamics to data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI). F1 manifests STEM elements directly through mechanical engineering of machinery, physics of circuit structures, fuel chemistry, speed mathematics and driver biology. This aspect needs to be highlighted so that the younger generation sees F1 as a real STEM application field," he told Bernama.
		Mas Sahidayana said the younger generation needs to be exposed that F1 is not just a car race, but a mobile science laboratory that drives the technology of the future. According to him, exposure to F1 can also help students connect STEM learning in the classroom with real applications in the industry, thus changing the perception that the field is only theoretical in nature. He said the motorsports industry also offers various career opportunities apart from being a racer including in the fields of mechanical engineering, materials science, software programming, data analysis, racing strategy, sports physiotherapy as well as occupational safety and health. This view was shared by M's Racing Director and Race Engineer Shafiq Rosli who said the success of an F1 team depends on the expertise of various disciplines, not just the prowess of the drivers. Shafiq said this is because the development of the motorsports industry requires manpower from various fields including technical, strategy and team management aspects. He said the success of a racing team also depends on close collaboration between various roles including riders, race engineers, technical crews and strategists.		"All positions or roles have their own functions. Race engineers ensure that strategies are used accurately based on analysis and data, while technical crews ensure that cars are in top condition. The collaboration produces success for a team," he said. Shafiq said young people who are interested in building a career in the motorsports industry need to develop technical skills and knowledge related to automotive, with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathway being one of the platforms for talent development in the field. He said the development of talent in the industry needs to look at the entire ecosystem, not only producing racers, but also providing professionals in the technical and management fields. According to him, Malaysia has the potential to produce more local workers in the motorsport industry due to the high public interest in the automotive sector as well as career opportunities and international standard facilities such as SIC. For the record, two Malaysians serving as Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Fluid Engineers are Wan Mohd Saifullah Wan Saudi and Emil Johan Bernsten as well as Habibtullah Mohamad Fuad (Habib) and Akmal Johari in the World Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) championship.
				Article shared by: Norliyani Anor \| Programme Data Section Source from:

Date of Input: 05/08/2026 | Updated: 10/08/2026 | aidawati

MEDIA SHARING

SEE ALSO

Three Days in Office, Two Days Remote: Hybrid Work Starts 1st August for Civil Servants, No Long Weekends Allowed

F1, Innovation Lab Sparks New Generation's Interest In STEM

MQA recognizes UiTM as Micro-Credentials Quality Verification Centre

CENTRE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE (CQA)

Universiti Putra Malaysia
43400 UPM Serdang
Selangor Darul Ehsan

03-9769 1508

03-9769 1489

W, (07:33:33pm-07:38:33pm, 10 Aug 2026) [*LIVETIMESTAMP*]