สำนักงานวิเทศสัมพันธ์ สำนักงานอธิการบดี 2026/09/03 , ( 77 views)
Students from the Faculty of Engineering, Ubon Ratchathani University (UBU), competing as “UBU BAJA,” achieved outstanding success on the international stage by winning three awards at the 2026 China Society of Automotive Engineers Baja Competition (Baja SAE China 2026). Competing against more than 123 teams from leading universities worldwide, the UBU team secured three runner-up awards at the competition held in Tongxiang, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China, from 22–30 August 2026.
Celebrating its 10th edition, Baja SAE China is an off-road vehicle engineering competition designed to test vehicle performance under demanding real-world conditions, including steep inclines, water crossings, rough terrain, and other challenging obstacles. The competition comprises two main components: Static Events, which include technical inspection, design presentation, manufacturing cost analysis, and business and marketing presentations; and Dynamic Events, which evaluate vehicle performance through acceleration, maneuverability, traction, hill climbing, obstacle courses, and endurance challenges.
The competition encompasses four categories of automotive technology: internal combustion engine/hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen-powered vehicles, and intelligent vehicles. It provides participants with an opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills in engineering design, innovation, manufacturing, business, and teamwork through practical challenges in automotive engineering.
The 2026 competition marked the first time Thai universities were invited to participate in Baja SAE China, with four institutions representing Thailand: Kasetsart University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Naresuan University, and Ubon Ratchathani University.
Their participation was facilitated through cooperation between the China Society of Automotive Engineers (CSAE) and the Thailand Society of Automotive Engineers (TSAE). The collaboration aims to promote exchanges among students, faculty members, and specialists in new energy vehicles, while strengthening academic and professional cooperation in modern automotive engineering between Thailand and China.
Representing Ubon Ratchathani University, UBU BAJA demonstrated exceptional capabilities in the Upgraded Electric Vehicle Off-Road category, earning three awards:
1. First Runner-Up – Overall Electric Vehicle (Overall EV)
2. First Runner-Up – Endurance
3. Second Runner-Up – Hill Climb
The team was supported by faculty advisors and mentors from the Faculty of Engineering, including Dr. Pracha Kampakdee, Team Advisor; Dr. Artid Rithplaeng, Conceptual Design Advisor; Assistant Professor Dr. Thammarot Raktham, Electrical Technical Advisor; Assistant Professor Tawanchai Phohom, Marketing Presentation Advisor; and Mr. Piyawat Koteprom, Powertrain System Research Mentor.
The UBU BAJA team comprised 20 engineering students from three disciplines—Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mechatronics and Automation Engineering—who worked collaboratively to integrate their expertise throughout the development and competition process.
Ubon Ratchathani University extends its congratulations and appreciation to all participating students, faculty advisors, and mentors for their dedication and commitment throughout the preparation and competition. Beyond the awards themselves, the experience of addressing real-world engineering challenges on an international stage represents an invaluable achievement. The knowledge, skills, and experience gained from the competition will provide an important foundation for the continued development of electric vehicle (EV) technologies and contribute to strengthening the capabilities of UBU’s next generation of engineers for sustainable growth in the future.
English version by: Kanjana Sangasri
Thai version by: Plern Wichaiwong
Photos by: Faculty of Engineering
