A Filipina student has emerged victorious at the Sketch Battle of the Dubai Self-Driving Congress 2025, claiming the grand prize with her bold vision of a futuristic autonomous bus.
Seventeen-year-old Amaiah Patricia Villaflor Fronda, a Grade 12 HUMSS student at The Philippine School in Dubai, took home the top award and AED 10,000 after her design wowed the judges at Za’abeel Hall 6, Dubai World Trade Centre on September 25.
Her live sketch stood out for its originality and forward-thinking details, seamlessly merging aesthetic vision with innovative features. Judges praised her ability to reimagine transport while staying true to the competition’s theme of designing the “autonomous bus of the future.”
In a reflection after her win, Fronda admitted she was stunned by the result. “When I won this competition, it was completely unexpected. I felt overwhelmed in the best way, and my first thought was how much this could mean for my future. It truly feels like my life has changed, and I am deeply grateful to God for blessing me with this opportunity,” she shared with TGFM.
She explained that her inspiration stemmed from childhood imaginings of the future. “I always pictured it as blue, clean, and fresh, and I wanted to bring that vision to life through the design of the bus. At the same time, I aimed to introduce new ideas that haven’t been explored yet,” Fronda shared, adding that her parents played a crucial role in motivating her throughout the creative process.
Her winning sketch, which featured smart retractable ramps, safety enhancements, and a sleek futuristic form, captured the essence of sustainable and inclusive mobility—perfectly in line with Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in autonomous transport.
The event also recognized other finalists, including fellow students from The Philippine School who secured spots in the top 22: Gian Jay Camingawan (12B STEM), Sophie Louise Llano (11A STEM), Samantha Antoinette Lara (11F HUMSS), Precious Joy Villahermosa (12C STEM), and Veatrece Anne Padezer (12C STEM).
The Sketch Battle, held as part of the Dubai Self-Driving Congress 2025, challenged participants to push the boundaries of creativity and technology through live timed sketching, with works judged for originality, vision, and execution by leading figures in art, design, and autonomous mobility.
