Axalta Coating Systems has signed a partnership agreement with the National University of Singapore’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers, supporting its student racing team and reinforcing its commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
As an FSAE partner, Axalta will offer its waterborne refinish coatings, training and counseling, and car body spraying service to the NUS Eco Team, which consists of 16 selected undergraduate students. The students will participate in various SAE competitions for undergraduate students around the globe.
The collaboration with NUS is part of Axalta’s commitment to corporate social responsibility with a focus area of STEM education and community well-being, according to the company.
“We are delighted to reach a cooperation with NUS. By sharing and relaying the value of innovation, technologies and sustainability to the next generation, Axalta becomes part of students’ educational journey. This partnership enables both the university and Axalta to invest in the future of automotive engineers and provides a formal platform for regular engagements with students to foster their career development,” said Sobers Sethi, president of emerging markets, Axalta Coating Systems.
Axalta’s professional spraying team will coat the racing cars with its environmentally responsible coating products. The students will learn from Axalta’s educational sessions, including knowledge on advanced coating technologies and the advantages of using sustainable coating on a race car.
“We are grateful to have Axalta share real-world industry insights on coating technologies and coloring craftsmanship with our students,” said Seah Kar Heng, professor and NUS Formula SAE Advisor. “By participating in Formula SAE, our students learn the importance of teamwork and have the opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. By coaching students’ talent and passion in building their racing cars, Axalta helps steer students towards developing an interest in automotive and chemical engineering.”
Axalta will also share industrial insights through campus talks to ignite students’ interest in the coatings industry.
The company supports Formula SAE racing throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific-a global CSR initiative that nurtures STEM education. Through university collaborations, Axalta encourages young people to consider careers in industrial fields and provides them with practical opportunities to expand their exposure to the ways in which STEM disciplines touch their lives daily.
