Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. In the Community

Richmond kid wins national Toyota dream car contest

Richmond Christian School's Mike Huang designed a vehicle that could help the world's sea creatures
Alan Campbell
Alan Campbell

A Richmond kid is one of nine Canadians vying for a shot at a global Toyota “dream car” design contest.

Thirteen-year-old Mike Huang’s world-changing idea ‘OALPS Explorer (Oceanic, Animal Life Preservation Society” allows humans to explore our oceans, and combines with “med-bots” programmed to help injured animals and sea creatures.

Mike is in Grade 7 at Richmond Christian School and is also an art student at VSA Art + Design Studio, where his teacher told him about the 2021 Toyota Canada Dream Car Art Contest.

“My passion and talent come from my mind; I have always loved sea life and usually dream about exploring the depths of the ocean,” Mike told the Richmond News via email.

As one of nine Canadian age category winners, Mike will now be entered into the world finals for a chance to win a prize valued at $15,000 (U.S.).

“Over the years, the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest has evolved from an art competition to an opportunity for children to bring forward their world-changing ideas,” said Larry Hutchinson, president and CEO of Toyota Canada and one of this year’s Canadian judges.

“I’m truly impressed by their ideas – from making our planet more sustainable, to fighting virus and bacteria, to making the world more inclusive through physical accessibility.”

Hundreds of young Canadians shared their inspirational and innovative designs for a ‘dream car’ to “help make the world a better place,” according to Toyota.