Liaoyuan’s racing “bug” dates back to 2017, when he joined a UNNC summer research project to design a formula racing car. It was also when he knew Dongxuan, who enjoyed car modifications. The two had different areas of expertise but similar passions. They made a perfect team, and were dedicated to turning their designs into reality. After the programme ended, they sought assistance from Dr Dunant Halim, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, and started the development of formula cars.

“It was difficult in the beginning. We often had to borrow tools from other labs.” Liaoyuan recalled. “Due to our lack of experience, we also visited car repair shops to learn practical skills like tire positioning.”

Within half a year, they built the car chassis. Liaoyuan and Dongxuan, who graduated in 2019 and 2018 respectively, continued to provide support to team members. Last year the team successfully developed a formula car with a weight of 330 kg and a maximum design speed of 135km/h, which qualified for this year's FSE China.

In 2019, Dongxuan, who had already graduated and worked in the electric motorcycle industry for over a year, chose to start his own business. He saw business potential in the domestic two wheeled electric vehicle market – by far very few suspension control systems were developed independently by domestic manufacturers.

“If we can develop a product with innovation but low cost, it will make a difference in the market.” Dongxuan found Liaoyuan, who had just started his doctoral study at UNNC and explained his thinking.

They cooperated again to develop electronic components for electric vehicles and started their business inside the University’s Li Dak Sum Incubator. After a year, the team developed an adaptive electronic suspension control system suitable for two wheeled vehicles, which is now in production.

Dongxuan and Liaoyuan said their long-term goal was to develop an electronic system that can detect road conditions during a ride and calculate the best control solution of suspension.