EFFORTS to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continue to gain momentum as the UCTATI Racing Team leverages the automotive racing arena as a high-impact, real-world learning platform for its students.
The team, representing a higher education institution based in Kemaman, Terengganu, is set to test its capabilities at the Formula Student Malaysia championship, scheduled to take place at Litar Dato Sagor beginning April 21. The participation marks a return to the prestigious competition for the institution.
Team manager Mohd Saifuldin Mohd Mokhtar said the opportunity presented by the competition goes far beyond podium finishes, emphasizing its value as a comprehensive educational experience.
“The process begins as early as the design and construction of the race car, involving multiple disciplines such as mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as team and organisational management. These elements significantly enhance students’ competencies as they transition into the workforce,” said Mohd Saifuldin, who is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering Technology.
He added that while achieving podium success remains a goal, the broader objective is to provide students with holistic exposure. “They are directly involved in vehicle development, performance analysis and team operations — all of which reflect real industry demands and prepare them for future careers,” he said.
According to him, participation in a competitive environment also cultivates essential soft skills among students, including communication, leadership and problem-solving.
The UCTATI Racing Team will field two student-built, single-seater Formula-style race cars developed entirely in-house under the guidance of academic staff, in line with the institution’s aspiration to produce highly skilled, TVET-driven talent.
For driver Che Hanif Haikal Che Mat, the opportunity to handle the “Redshark” car represents a significant milestone in his career journey.
“There is certainly a sense of nervousness as this is my first experience competing on an actual race circuit. It truly tests our ability as students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world conditions,” he said.
His teammate Eizzedin Afkar Azil Hizaq, who will be driving the “Blueshark,” expressed optimism that the team can remain competitive despite facing more experienced opponents.
“Our focus is to record our best possible lap times and make full use of every opportunity on the track. The experience itself is already invaluable to us,” he said.
Formula Student Malaysia is an engineering-based competition that brings together students from higher learning institutions to design, build and race their own vehicles.
The programme is organised under the umbrella of SAE International, which plays a key role in advancing industry standards and promoting STEM education globally.
The participation of the UCTATI Racing Team is seen as a strategic step in reinforcing the role of TVET as a catalyst for developing the nation’s technical talent, particularly in the high-performance automotive sector.
