SHAH ALAM, 26 June 2013 - Two students majoring in Product Design from the School of the Arts (SOA) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) won the NST-Peugeot Design Competition 2012/2013 which was held here yesterday.

Ahmad Syafiq Aiman Mohamed Raziff and Nor Azieiwani Mohd Ghani, both 23, received a five-days four-nights fully-expense paid trip to Paris and Peugeot’s Design and Research Centre in Velizy, France, cash prize of RM1,500.00 and Peugeot merchandise each.

The prototype design, produced from wood and cork, took one month to complete at a cost of RM1,200.00 with the help from generous contributions from some lecturers as well as Ahmad Syafiq and Nor Azieiwani’s own savings.

"Our participation with two other groups was made possible through the support and encouragement from the SOA Dean, Assoc. Prof. Mohamad Omar Bidin. Although this is the second time we have entered the competition, I am very grateful to have won and did not expect and was surprised because our entries were submitted at the last minute," said Nor Azieiwani when contacted, is currently vacationing in her hometown in Terengganu.

According to Nor Azieiwani, the prototype produced is inspired by the idea of turning a racing car into a sportscar.

The competition received entries from 52 participants from various universities and colleges, and another 52 from high school students. However, only the 15 best entries were given the opportunity to produce a 1:5 scale model to be evaluated.

The prize giving ceremony was officiated by the Chief Operating Officer of Nasim Sdn. Bhd., Datuk Samson Anand George and the Managing Editor of New Straits Times, Datuk Nuraina Samad. Text: Nor Rafizah Md Zain-- Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe