By: Husnina Zahra Hadri
Photos by: Mohammad Izrul Abdul Jabar

SERDANG, 26 June – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has unveiled PUTRA2, a Formula SAE race car designed and built by students from the Faculty of Engineering through the Putra Motorsport Team (PMT), in preparation for their participation in the 24th Student Formula Japan 2026 competition in Aichi, Japan.

UPM Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah FASc, said the development of PUTRA2 reflects the university’s commitment to cultivating graduates who excel not only academically but also in engineering innovation with global competitiveness.

“At UPM, success is measured not only by academic achievement but also by students’ ability to develop practical solutions that create value for industry and society.

“PUTRA2 demonstrates that our students are not merely learning engineering—they are building advanced technology and showcasing Malaysia’s capabilities on the international stage,” he said.

He added that projects such as PUTRA2 offer students invaluable opportunities to drive innovation, manage large-scale engineering projects and develop competencies that are increasingly sought after in future industries.

Meanwhile, PMT Advisor, Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Khairol Anuar Mohd Ariffin, said the project underscores the capacity of Malaysian engineering students to deliver world-class innovation through the integration of technical knowledge, creativity and teamwork.

“PUTRA2 is more than a race car—it is a high-impact learning platform that enables students to transform engineering theory into practical solutions.

“The experience equips students with technical expertise, leadership, communication skills and sound decision-making abilities that are essential for the future industrial landscape,” he said.

PMT Team Captain, Aliman Zafran Yuslaimi, said competing in Formula SAE Japan goes far beyond building a race car, as teams are evaluated on engineering design, cost analysis, business presentation and overall vehicle performance.

“Throughout the development of PUTRA2, securing sponsorship was one of our biggest challenges. However, the strong support from the university and our industry partners enabled us to complete the project and prepare a race car that will represent Malaysia on the international stage,” he said.

The RM118,787.12 project was realised through strategic collaboration between UPM and industry partners, including Embun Karisma Resources (M) Sdn. Bhd., Ranhill Berhad and CFMOTO (Sunlight Power Sdn. Bhd.), signalling strong industry confidence in the capabilities of UPM’s engineering talent.

PUTRA2 will represent Malaysia at the 24th Student Formula Japan 2026, where university teams from around the world compete in one of Asia’s premier Formula SAE engineering competitions, rigorously testing not only vehicle performance but also innovation, design excellence and commercial viability.

Date of Input: 26/06/2026 | Updated: 13/07/2026 | zarithsofea