Stem Racing Japan held its first national finals last month, with the top teams earning places at the global event later this year. Stem Racing, formerly known as F1 in Schools, is a worldwide program supported by Formula One that promotes education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by challenging students to design, manufacture and race miniature cars while developing their teamwork, project management, marketing and business skills.
Japanese event highlights Saudi Aramco support
The Japanese event highlighted Saudi Aramco's ongoing support for education and innovation in the East Asian nation. Mizuno Junko, in-country coordinator of Stem Racing Japan, said that she first encountered the program at an international competition and believed it could help inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.
“Japan has long been recognized for its strength in technology and manufacturing,” she told Arab News Japan. “I felt Stem Racing could encourage young people to take on new challenges and help revitalize Japan’s manufacturing culture.”
Top teams to represent Japan at World Finals
The top two teams in the professional class at the national event will now represent Japan at the World Finals in Singapore, which start on Dec. 1. Aramco Asia Japan is a key partner of Stem Racing Japan through its donation program, which aims to enable about 60 teams and 300 students to take part in the program by the end of next year.
Although Stem Racing is not widely known in Japan, Mizuno said that she hoped the national competition would encourage more young people to get involved. Saudi Arabia’s Stem Racing program had grown significantly, she said, and expressed hope that Japan could learn from the Kingdom’s experience.
Saudi Arabia's commitment to STEM under Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia is one of the leading supporters of Stem Racing, which reflects its broader commitment to science, technology, innovation and youth development under Saudi Vision 2030.
