M'SIAN STUDENT TO SPREAD FUEL EFFICIENCY MESSAGE ON EUROPEAN BIKE TOUR

By Manik Mehta

DRESDEN, May 11 (Bernama) -- Joseph Koh, the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
(UTM) student who took part in last weekend's Shell Eco-Marathon Europe in
Lausitz near here, said he would tour five European countries by bicycle, to
spread the message on the importance of fuel efficiency.

UTM or Technological University of Malaysia is the oldest public
engineering and technology university in Malaysia.


The 29 year-old, who is pursuing a master's degree in mechanical
engineering, said he would tour Italy, Austria, France, Switzerland and
Germany over two weeks.

"I have been biking for many years and enjoy it. Since fuel efficiency is
crucial in our lives, we should aim for zero-level emission (of gases)," he said
in an interview with Bernama at Lausitz's EuroSpeedway in Lausitz where the
eco-marathon was held.

Koh said he decided to participate in the Shell Eco-Marathon because
the marathon, which emphasized on fuel efficiency, posed a challenge for him.

At Lausitz, he used a car that was designed at the UTM many years ago.

"For this race, we upgraded a two wheel bicycle to a three-wheeler, run by
solar-powered cells. We did some modifications to reach speeds of 30km per hour.
We added two solar panels to harness more energy from the sun and used lithium
batteries for higher power density," he explained.

Koh said that his "life's ambition" was to build more of such vehicles.

"I am looking for an agency in fuel-cell technology which I would like to
market in Malaysia. I am already negotiating with a Chinese company which is
producing fuel cells in the form of toys for educational and scientific purposes
in schools and universities," he said.

Koh had a dismal outing last Friday when the electrical system of his
vehicle broke down and, as a result, the solar cell was disconnected because of
heavy vibrations.

He experienced further disappointments on Saturday despite "some bright
moments".

"Our battery-managed system encountered problems. We had to tow aside
our vehicle and re-charge the batteries and then race again. However, in the
final race, we had a good consumption rate for the engine and an efficient
battery charge.

"We missed by four seconds and were disqualified, otherwise we would
have had a good ranking in the solar energy racing group," he said, emphasizing
that the marathon was not about being the fastest vehicle but the most
fuel-efficient.

"Driving the vehicle taught me how to save on fuel. I also learnt - and
hope others will too - that one should go easy on the gas pedal and thus
achieve an optimum result."

A team from Lycée Louis Pasquet Arles of France won the solar-powered
vehicle event when it recorded 665km per kilowatt hour.

Asked if he would participate in next year's Shell Eco-Marathon Asia in
Kuala Lumpur, Koh, who did not bat an eye-lid, replied, "Yes, of course."

"I may even work as a team manager for a Malaysian team and encourage more
Malaysians to participate in that event next year. I may have lost the marathon
in Lausitz but I am very passionate about fuel efficiency and conservation. This
event is a good training ground for young engineers and students who can hone
their skills and techniques," he said.

-- BERNAMA