International PMO Day 2026: Q&A with Erina Wan Zul
Dedicated to recognising the vital role Project Management Offices play worldwide, International PMO Day is a chance to celebrate the impact of our global partner, Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF). Through project management education, resources, and scholarships, PMIEF empowers young people with the skills and confidence to achieve their goals and build successful futures.
Few understand that impact better than Erina Wan Zul - a STEM Racing alumna, former Project Manager for Team Ecolest9, PMIEF Ambassador, Youth Board Member for The Earth Prize, accomplished ice hockey player, and undergraduate student.
In this short Q&A, Erina shares why project management was fundamental to her success both in and beyond STEM Racing, and why every student should embrace the opportunities the role can provide.
Erina speaking on the role of Project Management in 2023
When did you take part in STEM Racing?
I took part in STEM Racing during my high school years in 2020 and 2021, competing with two teams, Keris Racing and Ecolest9, as both teams’ Project Manager and Manufacturing Engineer. During both years, my teams were crowned Malaysia’s National Champions, which gave me the opportunity to represent the country at the STEM Racing World Finals twice.
In 2020, I competed virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic at the World Finals, before travelling to Silverstone, UK for the in-person World Finals in 2021. Competing on the global stage was a memorable experience, and our teams received international recognition from Scuderia Ferrari and Scuderia AlphaTauri.
Since then, I’ve remained involved as a STEM Racing Alumni Ambassador, PMIEF Ambassador, and Youth Board Member for The Earth Prize.
Erina with Ecolest9’s Project Management portfolio
Ecolest9 receiving the Best Pit Display Award
What was your STEM Racing journey like?
My STEM Racing journey was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. What began as an interest in motorsport and STEM became a platform for me to grow as a leader and project manager in a highly competitive environment.
Throughout the competition, I developed skills in managing teams, securing sponsorships, engaging stakeholders, and delivering under pressure. Being part of an international competition held alongside Formula 1 Grand Prix events also gave me a deeper understanding of how motorsport operates across branding, engineering, sustainability, and business.
One of the most defining aspects of the journey was learning to adapt under pressure, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It strengthened my confidence, resilience, and communication skills, and shaped my long-term passion for sustainability within motorsport.
Had you come across project management or PMIEF before getting involved?
Before STEM Racing, I had not formally been introduced to project management or PMIEF. Through STEM Racing’s partnership with PMIEF, I was exposed to project management principles through the handbook, resources, and competition scorecards, where it formed part of the evaluation criteria.
It was a valuable introduction to how structured project management is applied in real-world contexts, beyond just the technical aspects of the competition.
Erina on stage with PMIEF Chair Connie Figley at the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals 2026
How useful did you find the PMIEF and STEM Racing Project Management handbook?
I found the handbook extremely useful as it introduced me to industry-standard project management tools and frameworks. It helped me structure my team’s work more effectively using tools such as Gantt charts, risk analysis, and responsibility matrices, which we applied directly throughout the competition.
This structure contributed to the success of our projects, including receiving recognition for project management within the competition. More importantly, it gave me a practical understanding of how professional project managers plan, execute, and deliver complex projects.
In what ways have your project management skills helped you outside of the competition?
My project management skills are something I now apply daily as a full-time university student and national athlete. They help me stay organised, prioritise effectively, and balance multiple commitments without feeling overwhelmed.
As Assistant Captain of the Malaysian Women’s National Ice Hockey Team, I also use these skills in leadership and communication, particularly when coordinating with teammates, coaches, and external stakeholders such as sponsors and investors. Alongside this, my role as a Youth Board Member for The Earth Prize requires me to manage multiple responsibilities across different initiatives.
Overall, these skills have helped me approach a busy lifestyle with more structure, clarity, and balance.
Erina at the IHF Women’s World Championship 2025
Erina in action on the hockey rink
Are you still involved with PMIEF in any way?
Yes, I am still involved as a STEM Racing Alumni Ambassador in collaboration with PMIEF. In this role, I’ve supported project management webinars and workshops, sharing my experience with current students in the programme.
It has been very meaningful to stay connected and contribute back to a community that played such an important role in my own development.
What are you thinking about doing for your future career?
I’m looking to build a career within the motorsport industry, particularly in sustainability, communications, or marketing. STEM Racing gave me a strong appreciation of how many disciplines come together in motorsport, and confirmed my passion for being part of that environment.
I’m confident that the project management skills I’ve developed will allow me to adapt across different roles, as they are highly transferable across industries.
Long term, I want to work in a role where I can combine motorsport, storytelling, and sustainability, and contribute to making the sport more impactful and future-focused.
Erina speaking on the role of sustainability in motorsport and education at the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals 2026