Kuala lumpur: Asia has no shortage of technically capable talent for Formula One (F1) and the wider motorsport industry, but access and the lack of clear career pathways remain key barriers for aspiring professionals in the region, said motorsport engineer Nida Anis. Nida emphasized that greater awareness is needed to show Asian talent that motorsport offers viable careers, particularly in engineering and other technical fields. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nida highlighted that access is a significant issue, as many local events in Asia remain unnoticed and under-publicized. During a recent interview, she stated, "There are a lot of races in Asia, but many local events stay under the hood." Nida, a 21-year-old British-Thai engineer, has over three years of experience as a freelance motorsport engineer and technical coordinator across various racing categories, including sportscar, endurance, and single-seater racing. Nida has collaborated with race- and championship-winning teams in prestigious series like GT World Challenge Asia, Super Taikyu, SRO Japan Cup, Thailand Super Series, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia, among others. She also co-founded Asian Motorsport, a digital media platform aimed at highlighting the often-overlooked Asian drivers and teams in mainstream motorsport media. Despite her current lack of involvement with the platform, Nida stressed the need for more visibility and attention for the Asian motorsport scene, which she believes deserves greater recognition. In addition to her professional endeavors, Nida is pursuing a Master of Engineering in Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes University, which includes a professional placement year. Nida pointed out that the industry should give more visibility to Asians already working in motorsport and provide younger generations with role models and clearer career pathways. She noted that motorsport is not always seen as a viable career choice among traditional Asian families, who often prioritize professions like engineering, medicine, and law. Universities could play a more significant role by offering programs that expose students to motorsport and help them gain relevant technical experience. Nida highlighted that financial, immigration, and employment barriers could also hinder aspiring professionals from entering international motorsport markets. For individuals from countries like Thailand and Indonesia, visa and work rights in major motorsport markets pose additional challenges. In Malaysia, financial costs related to education are significant barriers to pursuing such careers. Nida shared her own experience of financial constraints, having grown up in a family with limited resources, which initially prevented her from attending university. Nida emphasized the importance of initiatives like Driven By Us, which empower under-represented talent in the automotive and motorsport sectors. She acknowledged the industry's progress in becoming more inclusive towards women, although it has traditionally been male-dominated. Nida recalled b eing the only woman at a motorsport event early in her career and experiencing discouragement from others. However, she noted that the situation has improved, with more women now visible in various areas of motorsport and greater tolerance and acceptance within the industry. Initiatives like F1 Academy are helping to provide greater visibility for women and encourage them to explore opportunities in the industry. Nida emphasized that opportunities for women extend beyond becoming racing drivers, with engineering and other technical disciplines offering pathways into F1 and the broader motorsport industry. Increasing visibility of these opportunities is vital to encourage more young people, particularly women, to consider motorsport as a viable career.