STUDENTS from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the De La Salle University will represent the country in the Shell Eco-marathon Asia.

The annual event provides students of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math an avenue “to design, build, and operate automotive vehicles to achieve the highest possible fuel efficiency.”

PUP’s Hygears and DLSU’s Eco Car Team will compete against 49 teams from eight other countries in the SEM’s Asian leg at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia from October 11 to 15.

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. Vice President of Corporate Relations Serge Bernal urged students “to take the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and make friends not just with members of the Philippine teams, but also with those from other countries’ teams even as he reminded them that SEM is a competition.”

“Make your family, friends, school, and the Philippines proud,” Bernal added.

SEM alumni Meg Celine Cruz, Jericho Paolo Rivera and Joven Talape shared practical advice to the teams.

Cruz is a Process Data Engineer for Technical Asset Operations under Shell Business Operations, while Sta. Cruz and Talape are Senior Process Engineer and Process Data Engineer, respectively.

“SEM is a great venue to meet people and expand your connections. This is a culmination of your sleepless nights and all your hard work,” Cruz said.

The participants were tasked to design an energy-efficient battery-powered vehicle that can outlast others on a track.