As Thailand has recently revved up its bid on hosting a Formula One race, an exciting yet challenging educational programme customised for young people to develop career paths in the fields related to the world's most prestigious motor competition is at play.
The recent meeting between F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin about turning Bangkok into a circuit for the Grand Prix race is putting F1 in Schools Thailand on the spotlight and driving home its objectives.
F1 in Schools Thailand provides a unique way to learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) involving the motor sport, thus contributing to the kingdom's human capital development and laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.
In the pursuit of hosting an F1 race, Thailand faces numerous challenges and opportunities.
Infrastructure, logistics, and financial considerations all come into play, requiring meticulous planning and strategic investments.
"However, with a contribution from parties involved including the F1 in Schools Thailand, the nation is capable of overcoming obstacles and emerge as a contender on the global motor sport stage," said Dr. Chakraphad "John" Pitakthararuay, CEO & President of 1 Action Education Co., Ltd., the official In-Country Delivery Partner of F1 in Schools.
Prime Minister Srettha has pitched Bangkok as a circuit for a street race that will would burnish the country's status as a major tourism hub.
"If Thailand landed the rights to host an F1 race in 2027, it could generate about four billion baht (US$108 million) in economic value and generate more than 1,000 jobs," Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, a deputy secretary general to the premier, said on X.
Tourism is one of Thailand's key industries, accounting for about 20% of total jobs and making up about 12% of the nation's $500 billion economy.
F1 in Schools as the Official Education Initiative of Formula 1 is a globally recognised STEM learning that inspires young minds, aged as little as five, to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology.
With its roots deeply embedded in Formula 1, the world's most prestigious motor racing series, the F1 in Schools Thailand offers students a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of high-speed racing while honing their STEM skills.
They learn the trade through workshops, mentorship programmes, and networking events to gain insights into the world of motor sport as well as forging connections that may shape their careers.
"Learners not only develop technical skills such as modelling (using CAD/CAM software), aerodynamics, and manufacturing but also cultivate essential soft skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership, " explained Robert "Bobby" Ortiz, the In-Country Coordinator of F1 in Schools Thailand.
F1 in Schools is a not-for-profit organisation established with committed partners to provide an educational experience through the magnetic appeal of Formula 1.
Founded in England 24 years ago, F1 in Schools has a presence in 60 nations around the world, spanning from Australia to China, Singapore, Kuwait, South Africa, the US, and Mexico.
The F1 in Schools is not merely an after-school education, but incorporating global multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air powered cars made from F1 model block.
"The competition also serves as an integral part of the education process and a platform that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork among students,"Mr Ortiz noted.
As the enrolment for students at F1 in Schools Thailand, established in 2017, is on the rise while interests in F1 fuelled by the Thai government's fresh attempt to host an F1 race, the FI in Schools Thailand is gearing up the preparations for its students for upcoming contests.
F1 in Schools Thailand National Finals
For the first time, F1 in Schools Thailand is staging the National Finals to field top local teams for the F1 in Schools World Finals, the global event of its kind held annually.
This country-level competition will take place at the Grand Hall, True Digital Park (TDG), Southeast Asia's largest tech and startup hub, located in the eastern side of Bangkok, right off the Punnawithi BTS Station, from September 27 to September 29, 2024 (3 days in total).
The first National STEM Challenge in Thailand will be opened for students aged 5 to 19, with finalists earning a spot in the World Finals in 2025.
Dr Chakraphad expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming national challenge in Bangkok and expect Thai teams to earn an accolade from the global finals.
He stated: "F1 in Schools Thailand is more than just a competition; it's a journey of discovery, learning, and growth."
"We are committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers, empowering them to realise their potential and make a meaningful impact on the world."
Mr Ortiz anticipates about 20 teams would be vying at the forthcoming Bangkok challenge, and six groups would participate in the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals 2024 which will be hosted for the first time in Saudi Arabia at the Dhahran Expo in Dammam between 21 - 26 November 2024. The Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix will be staged in Doha, Qatar between 27 November -1 December, 2024. Up to now, 22 countries from around the world host Formula One races.
A total of 16 teams from Thailand has since 2017 participated in the world finals with eight major achievements.
In 2023, 367 students from 33 nations competed in the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals in Singapore, the biggest event of its kind ever held, and this record-breaking number reflect the ever-increasing global reach of the competition.
There are many success stories of F1 in Schools alumni who have gone on to achieve significant outcomes in their lives including positions in Formula 1 teams like Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team, Mercedes AMG HPP and McLaren Formula 1 Team.
Meanwhile, Mr Ortiz added that the F1 in Schools Thailand serves as a bridge between academia and industry, fostering collaboration between educational institutions, corporate partners, and government agencies.
Through strategic partnerships and sponsorships, the programme leverages resources and expertise to propel students to greater heights of achievement.
"By sponsoring the National Finals, companies can support the development of future engineers while enhancing its brand visibility and demonstrating the commitment to education and innovation," he pointed out.
"And last but not least, in order to accommodate the expanding number of students enrolling in our classes compounded by the growing interest in F1 in Schools and its huge potential social impact in Thailand, we are adding at least two more F1 in Schools Thailand learning centres to our existing 3 centres (KX Tower in Sathorn, Zeer Rangsit and Ladkrabang 54 Villa) before the end of the year."
In conclusion, F1 in Schools Thailand plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of motorsport in the country and beyond, by epitomising the convergence of education, innovation, and motorsport excellence.