Ipoh-based Polytechnic Ungku Omar is capable of producing skilled workers needed for the country’s expanding automotive industry. This is being reflected by the college’s success in winning the annual Perodua Eco Challenge three times in a row. The competition is being sponsored and organised by Perushaan Otomatif Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) and has been around since 2009.
Omar Mohammad Fakrul Razi, a faculty lecturer at the polytechnic, believes that with the right kind of approach and support, the college is able to realise this noble aim. Activities currently implemented under the Polytechnic Ungku Omar Transformational Plan are geared towards producing skilled staff for the automotive industry.
“Industrial players should be mindful of this development, as it’ll benefit them in many ways,” he told Ipoh Echo during a media conference held at the Perodua Lahat Road office recently. “The students are not only qualified but are very motivated and this is proven by their eagerness to remain competitive,” he added.
Omar Mohammad was among students and polytechnic staff present at the launching of Perodua Eco Challenge 2013, which was officiated by Major (Honorary) Dato’ Md Nor Yusof, the director of Polytechnic Ungku Omar. Dato’ Md Nor was representing Dato’ Mohamad Zubir Abdul Khalid, the Executive Councillor for Industry, Investment and Corridor Development who was away on an official assignment.
The upcoming challenge will be held at the Shah Alam Go-kart Circuit in mid-December. The competition this year revolves around the modification of Perodua’s Myvi model. The students have incorporated the FACE (Fashionable, Aerodynamic, Creative and Engineering) concept into their creation and are gunning for the top spot once more.
“I am convinced they’re capable of achieving this, as they have put their hearts and souls into the project. The 25-strong team has been hard at work for the last three months,” said Dato’ Md Nor.
Nine other technical and engineering colleges will partake in the challenge and that includes Universiti Teknologi Petronas.
Perodua Sdn Bhd has increased the cash incentives for winners from RM103,000 to RM127,000 for this year’s competition, as part of the company’s 20th anniversary celebration.
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