OTSU, Japan, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 31 August 2025 marked a historic day for Hong Kong drifting. The KCM Trade x TRC Drift Team – featuring racers Ken Yeung, Ryan Tsui, Hubert Li, Timmy Woo and 14-year-old rising star Julian Kwok – travelled to Japan's Okuibuki Motorpark, Shiga to compete in Formula Drift Japan 2 (FDJ2). Not only did the full squad impress with their performances, but they also stunned the crowd with a miraculous "five-minute repair" that turned the tide of the competition and electrified the entire arena.
Hong Kong Team Breaks Through – 14-Year-Old Debutant Scores on First Okuibuki Outing
- Timmy Woo powered through to the quarter-finals
- Ken Yeung fought steadily and reached the Top 16
- 14-year-old newcomer Julian Kwok scored points on his Okuibuki debut, proving his remarkable potential
- Ryan Tsui and Hubert Li delivered consistent performances, with their technical skill earning unanimous praise from the judges
Miracle Repair: Differential Replaced in 5 Minutes – 21 Bolts Changed
The most thrilling moment occurred during Timmy Woo's battle for a quarter-final place, when a critical rear component of his car suddenly malfunctioned. Normally, such repairs would take at least 30 minutes, but with regulations allowing only five, leaving him on the brink of forced retirement. At that critical juncture, the TRC pit crew leapt into action. Applying F1-level repair standards and flawless teamwork, they replaced the entire differential component – involving 21 bolts – in just 300 seconds. Timmy rejoined the battle in time, staged a thrilling comeback, and advanced to the Top 8. Organisers even hailed it as one of the fastest repairs ever seen at OiBuki.
Post-Race Highlight: Warm Support from Japanese Fans
After the race, the team's popularity soared. A wave of Japanese drift fans crowded the pit area for autographs and photos, with one supporter even presenting a hand-drawn framed artwork of the team's car covered in Japanese good-luck messages. The racers commented: "We never expected such passionate support from Japanese fans – it was truly moving."
Next Stop: Okayama – October Showdown Awaits
Following the heat and glory of OiBuki, the KCM Trade x TRC Drift Team now set their sights on the final FDJ2 round in October 2025 at Okayama. Determined to push even further, the team will fine-tune car setups and refine emergency procedures in pursuit of greater success.
IG: kcmtrade xTRC driftteam (@kcmtrade_x_trc_japan) • Instagram photos and videos
EMAIL: driftteam@kcmtrade.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
KCM Trade x TRC Drift Team Makes History | 5-Minute Pit Stop Sends Drift Team into FDJ2 Quarterfinals
BANGKOK, Jan. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chulalongkorn University, Chiang Mai University and Mahidol University held their first joint meeting of university councils and senior administrators and jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on academic collaboration among the three institutions on January 17, 2026, at the NSP Rice Grain Auditorium, Science and Technology Park, Chiang Mai University. The objective was to integrate the strengths of the country's three leading universities, elevate Thailand's higher education system, and enhance international competitiveness.
This collaboration is driven by the MC² concept, which represents the integration of the strengths of Mahidol (M), Chula (C), and Chiang Mai University (CMU). By combining the expertise and distinctive strengths of each institution, the partnership aims to create a multiplied collective force to develop human capital, research, and innovation that respond to the nation's future needs.
The joint meeting of the three university councils commenced with remarks by Professor Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council and Chiang Mai University Council, who outlined the objectives and expressed his congratulations on the collaboration. This was followed by congratulatory remarks from Clinical Professor Emeritus Dr. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, Chairman of the Mahidol University Council.
On this occasion, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University; Professor Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, President of Chiang Mai University; and Professor Dr. Piyamitr Sritara, President of Mahidol University, presented their universities' policies and missions, as well as the joint initiatives to be undertaken.
The three presidents then jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding on academic collaboration, received recommendations from university council members, and exchanged perspectives. The event concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts among the presidents of Chulalongkorn University, Chiang Mai University, and Mahidol University, followed by a group photograph.
This collaboration among the three leading universities marks a significant milestone in advancing Thai higher education. Through strategic cooperation and a powerful three-way synergy, the alliance aims to develop human potential across all age groups, drive research, innovation, and startups, address social and environmental challenges, and foster ethics, integrity, honesty, and transparency in a sustainable manner.
Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/283150/
About Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University has made the world's top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Chula, CMU and Mahidol Unite Under MC² to Drive Thai Higher Education
