Following the successful launch of the smart #3 open booking and a strong sales close at the end of May, smart Malaysia has partnered with the University of Wollongong Malaysia to introduce an exciting short video competition for university students. This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting innovation and integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education within the electric vehicle (EV) industry.

Themed ‘Electrifying The Future,’ the competition aims to inspire and empower the next generation of creative thinkers, strategic visionaries, and problem solvers to envision the future of mobility through unique storytelling. Smart Malaysia, emerging as a key player in EV education and career development, remains dedicated to advancing EV knowledge. This is demonstrated by recent efforts to recruit sales specialists and empower team members to become experts in the EV ecosystem. Extending this commitment to university students, the competition offers a platform for showcasing their creativity and storytelling skills.

Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of smart Malaysia, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with the University of Wollongong Malaysia reflects our dedication to empowering forward-thinking minds poised to influence the narrative of sustainable transportation. By working with the talented students at the University of Wollongong Malaysia, we aim to amplify their voices and harness their innovative ideas to envision the future of EV usage in today’s modern environment. We are committed to nurturing talent and fostering a community of like-minded individuals, all while advancing sustainable transportation.”

Students from the University of Wollongong Malaysia are invited to participate by submitting imaginative videos on the topic: “What do you think the world will be like when electric cars become the norm?” This competition seeks to discover and nurture creative content creators who can articulate the future of sustainable mobility.

Professor Dr. Hiew Pang Leang, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wollongong Malaysia, welcomed the partnership, saying, “This collaboration builds on our commitment to empowering future talents, aligning with our dedication to academic excellence and innovation. It provides our students with invaluable industry exposure and opportunities in the rapidly evolving EV sector. The initiative enables students to apply their learnings and engage in discussions on promoting environmental sustainability while putting their creative capabilities to the test.”

The competition commenced on May 31, 2024, with over 100 students attending an initial briefing. Open to students and teams of 3 to 4 from UOW Malaysia, participants must submit their 2-3 minute videos by August 7, 2024. Submissions will be judged by representatives from both organizations based on creativity, originality, relevance to the theme, storytelling effectiveness, and production quality. The winning entries will capture the essence of ‘Electrifying The Future’ and present innovative perspectives on the role of electric vehicles in shaping sustainable mobility.

Prizes include RM5,000 for the grand prize winner, RM4,000 for second place, RM3,000 for third place, and RM1,000 for an Honourable Mention and a social media Most Likes and Shares Prize. Winners and participating students will also have the opportunity to intern with smart Malaysia, with winners announced in October 2024 at a prize-giving ceremony.

The competition not only challenges students to produce engaging and visionary content but also offers a pathway to career development through an exclusive internship program with PRO-NET, paving the road to employment in the burgeoning new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. For more information, follow smart Malaysia’s Official Facebook  page.