FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to Drive Vision for Safety, Sustainability, and Innovation

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is set to lead discussions on the future of motorsport and mobility when he opens the FIA Asia Pacific Congress in Chiang Mai, Thailand this Wednesday. The event aims to highlight the region’s growing influence on global motorsport and sustainable mobility development.

Hosted by the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand, the congress will unite key figures from across Asia and the Pacific to explore strategies in road safety, sustainability, innovation, and grassroots sporting growth.

Ben Sulayem expressed his enthusiasm ahead of the gathering:

“I am delighted to be joining our members and partners in Chiang Mai for the FIA Asia Pacific Congress. Asia and the Pacific are among the fastest growing regions of our Federation, where the dedication of our members is driving real impact — from safer roads and sustainable transport to new opportunities in both grassroots and elite competition.”

He emphasized that the congress offers a vital platform to strengthen regional collaboration, exchange expertise, and advance shared priorities of safety, sustainability, and innovation.

This year’s congress theme — “Innovate. Integrate. Accelerate: Driving a Sustainable Future for Mobility and Sport” — reflects the FIA’s mission to equip its member clubs with forward-thinking tools to navigate the evolving landscape of transport and motorsport.

Key discussions will explore the role of artificial intelligence, sustainable mobility practices, and the creation of accessible development pathways for aspiring drivers.

Momentum across the region continues to build. Sri Lanka recently hosted the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship, drawing 204 competitors from 18 nations, while Malaysia prepares to host the first-ever FIA “Arrive and Drive” Karting World Cup this November.

Looking ahead, Formula 1 will return to Australia, China, and Japan in 2026, alongside major World Rally Championship (WRC) and World Endurance Championship (WEC) rounds in Japan, and Formula E races in Shanghai and Tokyo.

On the mobility front, the Safe Helmets for Asia Pacific Initiative (SHAP) recently held its inaugural workshop in Manila, uniting safety delegates from Cambodia, China, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to shape new standards for helmet safety across the region.

As the Asia Pacific region continues to accelerate its leadership in motorsport and mobility, the Chiang Mai congress is set to reaffirm the FIA’s commitment to shaping a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future on and off the track.