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At Alice Smith School, learning is designed to extend far beyond the classroom. One of the most powerful examples of this philosophy in action is the Bufori EViE Car Project, part of our Exploration Pathway Activities (EPA). This student-led initiative brings together engineering, sustainability, design and entrepreneurship in a hands-on programme that challenges students to build, manage and race their own electric vehicles.
This year’s journey culminated in an unforgettable race day at the Affin Bufori EViE Cup, where months of planning, installation, testing and teamwork were put to the ultimate test on the track.
From the very beginning, students in Team Alice Smith committed themselves to every stage of the project. What started as an idea in EPA sessions quickly evolved into a fully collaborative engineering challenge. Students worked across year groups, with participants from Year 10 to Year 13 contributing their skills, ideas and energy to bring the vehicle to life. The process required not only technical understanding but also patience, problem-solving and consistent teamwork.
Throughout the project, students were involved in the full lifecycle of the car’s development. They explored the fundamentals of electric vehicle design, supported the installation of key components, tested systems under different conditions and refined performance based on data and feedback. Every session brought new challenges, whether it was improving efficiency, adjusting aerodynamics, or ensuring the car met safety and competition requirements. Alongside the technical work, students also took responsibility for project management tasks such as planning timelines, coordinating roles and documenting progress.
Beyond engineering, the Bufori EViE Car Project also offered students valuable experience in communication, leadership and organisation. Teams worked on branding, sponsorship outreach and presentation skills, ensuring that the project was not only technically sound but also professionally managed. This holistic approach allowed students to see how real-world engineering projects require collaboration across multiple disciplines, mirroring the demands of modern industries.
As race day approached, excitement and anticipation built across the team. Months of preparation came together in final checks, last-minute adjustments and intensive practice sessions. The atmosphere was one of focus and determination, as students prepared to represent the school against 13 other teams from schools across the country.
On race day at the Horizon Beranang Circuit in Semenyih, all the hard work came to life. The Alice Smith School team delivered an exceptional performance, demonstrating both skill and composure under pressure. Competing at a high level against experienced teams, they secured an impressive 5th place overall, a strong result in a competitive field.
Even more remarkable were the individual achievements earned during the day. The team claimed the Fastest Lap Time award, showcasing the performance and engineering quality of their vehicle. In addition, they were crowned Race Winners, a testament to their consistency, strategy and teamwork throughout the event. The team also achieved what race officials believed to be the fastest pit stop in the competition’s history, highlighting their precision, coordination and preparation.
While the results were a source of pride, the significance of the experience went far beyond the trophies. The Bufori EViE Car Project is ultimately about learning through doing, and race day represents the culmination of months of growth, resilience and collaboration. Students learned how to overcome setbacks, adapt under pressure and work together towards a shared goal. These are skills that cannot be fully taught in a classroom but are developed through authentic, real-world challenges like this.
The programme continues to demonstrate the value of experiential learning within the EPA framework. By engaging students in meaningful, hands-on projects, the Bufori EViE Car Project helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing them to apply STEM concepts in a dynamic and impactful way. It also encourages students to think creatively about sustainability and innovation, particularly in the context of electric vehicle technology and its role in the future of transport.
A sincere thank you goes to Bufori for hosting such an inspiring and well-organised event. Opportunities like this provide students with invaluable exposure to industry-level experiences and help them understand the possibilities within engineering and technology pathways.
We are also deeply grateful to our KLASS PTA for funding the EViE car kits and for their continued support of transformative learning experiences at Alice Smith School. Their contribution plays a vital role in enabling projects like this, ensuring that students have access to opportunities that inspire ambition and future readiness.
Most importantly, congratulations to Team Alice Smith. Their dedication, teamwork and perseverance have been exceptional throughout the journey. The Bufori EViE Car Project has not only been a competition but a powerful learning experience that will stay with them long after race day.
