The Shell Eco-marathon: - It began in 1939 at a Shell research laboratory in the U.S. as a friendly wager between scientists to see who could get the most miles per gallons from their vehicles.
- Challenges students to design and build a vehicle that uses the least amount of fuel to travel the farthest distance.
- Is an educational platform that encourages innovation, reinforces conservation and fosters the development of leading technology for greater energy efficiency.
- Is a global forum for current and future leaders who are passionate about finding sustainable solutions to the world’s energy challenge.
- Is a visible demonstration of Shell's deep commitment to face the growing demand for energy worldwide.
Previously held only in Europe and America, the SEM will be brought toAsia for the first time in year 2010 with Malaysia hosting the Asian programme for three years at the Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur. 
The Kent Ridge Urban Concept Eco-car (KRUCE) runs on Hydrogen fuel cell. It clinched 5th placing with 484 km at SEM Europe 2009. |
The National University of Singapore (NUS) was the first educational institution in Asia to send a team to SEM Europe in 2007. In 2009,the NUS team participated in the 25th SEM Europe and was joined by teams from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
The NUS team made headlines with their hydrogen fuel cell-powered car. It came in an impressive fifth out of 57 teams in the Urban Concept category with just one shot at the final run. Singapore’s NTU clocked an outstanding 108 fuel-equivalent kilometres with their solar-powered car and came in second out of 28 for the SEM Safety Award, a remarkable achievement for a first-timer at the event. 
The NTU team with their Prototype solar-powered car, took runner-up position for the SEM Safety Award. |
The SEM Asia will provide a platform for Asian teams to take up this fuel-efficiency challenge. For more information about the Shell Eco- marathon Asia | 
