Top universities of the country would send 27 teams of young engineers to participate in the Shell Eco-Marathon, which is an educational platform that encourages students across Asia to design, build and test fuel-efficient vehicles.
Of immense interest to every Pakistani is the fact that 27 student teams have registered for the event - the highest number in the competition. These teams come from top universities across Pakistan and will pit their eco-vehicles against 120 teams from Asia.
Started in 1939 as a wager to see who can travel furthest on a single litre of fuel, the competition to be held from July 8-10, 2010 in Malaysia has grown into a global competition to develop solutions to society's most pressing dilemma - the energy challenge.
The event will be held at the Sepang International racetrack, a Formula One track in Kuala Lumpur. This is only the second time that Pakistan has taken part in the competition. Last year four teams of young engineers from the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Science and Technology (GIKI), and the Pakistan Navy University of Science and Technology (NUST) participated.
In a send-off ceremony held in Islamabad on Wednesday, teams displayed their shining new vehicles in the presence of the chief guest, Syed Naveed Qamar, the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources. Qamar lauded the team's efforts, stating "today we are extending the boundaries of our innovation and technology. The students who are taking part in this competition are amongst the best technical talent in our country. I congratulate them for their hard work and dedication to their projects and for presenting a positive image of Pakistan in the world."
He said this competition is an essential tool to develop better technologies and policy for energy conservation. Zaiviji Ismail, Country Chairman Shell Pakistan, in his address stated tremendous capability and talent exist in Pakistan, and by facilitating the participation of these teams in 2010 it is hoped to innovative solutions would be found out for energy challenge.
"This is the best form of education - helping students gain practical experience for the future," he said. The futuristic vehicles constructed by the student teams were displayed inside the event as a testimony to the hard work and immense potential of these young teams.
Besides, the prestige of winning the title of the most fuel-efficient vehicle in their respective categories and the chance to win attractive cash prizes for their schools, these teams have the unique opportunity of representing their country on a global forum, and to stand as the pioneers in fuel conservation from Pakistan.