JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 1 – Roaring back with innovation and creativity, the Chem-E-Car Competition 2025 captivated attention as one of the signature highlights of ChemE Day FKT 2025. Organized by Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), UTM Student Chapter (UTM-SC) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the program was led by Julia Sari Dewi Mohmad under the guidance of Dr. Mohamad Sukri Mohamad Yusof.
The competition featured 15 teams from UTM, each bringing their chemical-powered cars to life while striving to combine innovative design with precise execution. The event showcased the students’ ability to turn theoretical knowledge into practical, fully functioning solutions.
Chem-E-Car Competition 2025 was made possible with generous support from Department of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni) (JTNCHEPA) as well as IChemE UTM-SC and sponsorship from various entities. These contributions played a key role in ensuring the smooth execution of the event, enabling students to showcase their creativity and engineering skills.
A total of 12 UTM lecturers served as supervisors for the competition, guiding and supporting the participating teams. The evaluation was conducted by a distinguished jury panel consisting of seven lecturers from UTM and four industry representatives from Petronas Carigali Sdn. Bhd. and Nusa Consult and Service, who assessed the entries based on creativity, technical performance, and adherence to safety and sustainability standards.
In the Chem-E-Car Competition 2025, UTM emerged victorious with Fourari, supervised by Ir. Dr. Jamarosliza Jamaluddin taking first place, Norchalant Bois under the supervision of Dr. Muhamed Yusuf Shahul Hamid taking second place, and Scuderia Chemica led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norzita Ngadi securing third place.
The prize ceremony was accomplished by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Nor Hasrul Akhmal Ngadiman, Director of Student Activity Development (BAPP), Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), who served as the Closing Ceremony Officiator for ChemE Day FKT 2025. He was accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Muhammad Arif Ab Aziz, the Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), UTM.
“The ChemE Car Competition is more than a test of engineering. It’s a platform where creativity, sustainability and teamwork shine. This year’s event highlighted how chemical engineering principles can drive innovative, renewable and safe energy solutions,” said Julia Sari Dewi Mohmad, Program Director.
“I’m proud of all teams for their dedication and spirit of innovation. Every design and experiment reflects true engineering excellence. Beyond technical skills, this competition builds leadership, communication and collaboration key traits of future engineers. Congratulations to all participants! Win or not, you’ve already succeeded by learning, innovating and inspiring others,” she added.
Participants expressed that the event provided a valuable hands-on platform to merge theoretical learning with real-world problem-solving.
“It is not as simple as theory, the journey was full of challenges, but we never gave up. We kept trying, innovating and supporting each other. The moment our car’s tires moved was truly unforgettable. Thank you to all amazing teammates, Ng Jing Yee (Janiece), Ong Yong Quan, Yong Fung Yee and Cheong Wei Xin for making this achievement possible. Together, we proved that perseverance turns dreams into reality.” said Ng Jing Yee, the leader of team Fourari, the champion of Chem-E-Car 2025.
Chem-E-Car UTM 2025 successfully achieved its goal of cultivating innovative and sustainable thinking among aspiring chemical engineers. By challenging students to design and operate small-scale, self-powered cars driven by chemical reactions, the competition enhanced their technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and teamwork, essential qualities of competent engineers. Through this program, participants not only gained valuable hands-on experience but also developed a stronger appreciation for how sustainable engineering can create positive impacts on society and the environment.
By Eina Mysarah Hairudin and Nur Adlyna Syamimi Salleh and Dr. Mohammad Sukri Mohamad Yusof
