The F1 in Schools Thailand first National Finals 2024 kicked off in spectacular fashion, making a significant milestone in the country's educational and motorsport landscape at True Digital Park recently. Mr. Phoothorn Chanthahong Poonyacharatthamrong, Ph.D, (4th from left), Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission's Assistant, Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), Ministry of Education, presided at the opening ceremony. Host of the event was Dr. John Chakraphad Pitakthararuay (5th from left), CEO & President of 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. and Kaew Chakraphad Foundation and the Official In-Country Delivery Partner of F1 in Schools. The two-day National Finals Competition was participated by over 30 teams of young students (age 7-18) from schools across Thailand as well as 4 teams from Hong Kong and Macau who showcased their talents in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Group picture (from left): Mr. Robert Ortiz, In-Country Coordinator of F1 in Schools Thailand; Ms. Rommuk Piachan, Trueplookpanya; Mr. Praparnpong Maknuan, Head of Trueplookpanya; Mr. Phoothorn Chanthahong Poonyacharartthamrong, Ph.D; Dr. John Chakraphad Pitakthararuay; Mr. Chusak Janthayanond, President of Autistic Thai Foundation; Mr. William McKeown, Head of Scrutineering, F1 in Schools; and Miss Chutikarn Lertchai, Co-promotion & Loyalty Program Manager, B-Quick.
Mr. Phoonthorn Chanthahong Poonyacharartthamron said during his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, "I am pleased to share with you that the objective laid behind the F1 in Schools' programme goes well with the OBEC's drive to advance the promotion of basic education from primary to secondary schools, as well as driving home the active learning concept in a holistic way that the Ministry of Education is actively pursuing."
"I trust the F1 in Schools Thailand's learning programme and the National Finals will serve as a catalyst to expand STEM education in Thailand and inspire more youngsters to seriously engage in subjects which are really crucial for the present and the future," he added.
Said Dr. John Chakraphad Pitakthararuay. "Today is not just a celebration of competition, but a showcase of engineering excellence, teamwork, and ingenuity, all of which are at the heart of this incredible event. I am proud to announce that this year's event is an eco-friendly celebration of innovation. All the materials used in this competition, including the racing cars and the trophies, are 3D printed using biodegradable PLA materials. This shift not only highlights the technological advancement at our disposal but also underscores the importance of sustainability in modern engineering and manufacturing."
The highlight of the opening ceremony was a spectacular dance performance by students from Amnuay Silpa School. This same school had previously represented Thailand at the F1 in Schools World Finals.
Amongst the 45 trophies presented, 'Starpoint Racing' team from Bangkok Patana School won the 'Overall Champion' (Development Level) award; and 'Sugarraze' team comprising two of the youngest members won 'Overall Champion' (Entry Level) award amongst others.
Also joining on the second day to present awards to several winning teams was Mr. Pasin Lathouras, famous Thai car racer who clinched the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific Championship in 2013 and SPA 24hrs Champion in 2015 who is also Deputy CEO of the world-renowned family-owned NaRaYa.
There are currently three F1 in Schools Thailand learning centres (KX Tower in Sathorn, Zeer Rangsit and Ladkrabang 54 Villa). For further information, please contact F1 in Schools Thailand at tel. 0632583580 LINE ID: @625izzcx or email: info@f1inschools.co. Follow us on Facebook: F1inSchoolsThailand Page and Instagram: f1inschoolsthailand.