23rd April 2013

FIA Institute presents latest Fund developments to Asia-Pacific region

The FIA Institute continued its 2013 Outreach Programme in Bangkok, Thailand on 19-20 April with a series of presentations and workshops with National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) from across the Asia Pacific region.

The sessions formed part of the FIA Asia-Pacific Region Forum, which was attended by ASNs from 15 countries. The meeting provided an opportunity for a number of Fund recipients to discuss the wide range of projects from across the region that have been supported by the Motor Sport Safety Development Fund.

Morrie Chandler, FIA Vice President (Sport), who chaired the event, said: “This was a strong opportunity to identify the development possibilities for motor sport in our region, and further to engage with the safety and sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the FIA family.”

In his presentation to the meeting, FIA Institute Secretary General Quentin Crombie outlined the progress achieved by the Motor Sport Safety Development Fund in the Asia-Pacific region and explained the Institute’s main priorities for the year ahead. This year, the Institute will be embarking upon an enhancement of its accreditation model to encourage more ASNs to apply for accreditation by expanding the range of benefits offered to them.

This was followed by a presentation from Michael Smith from Australia’s CAMS, who will be leading the Asia-Pacific selection event for the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy later this year. The FIA Institute has expanded the selection process for its Academy, with up to five qualifying events set to take place across the world. The new format will provide the opportunity for many more young drivers to apply for the Academy, which offers a fully-funded training programme to help develop their motor sport careers whilst increasing safety skills and promoting fairness and responsibility on and off the track.

The programme session ended with a presentation by FIA Institute Director of Education Gus Glover who outlined the Institute’s work in the field of sustainability before leading delegates through a practical workshop designed to help understand the requirements and concepts behind best practice in environmental management.

The Asia Pacific Region Forum was attended by ASNs from Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, China, France (New Caledonia), India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, New Zealand, Nepal, Thailand and Singapore.