Perodua has partnered with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to advance the development of Malaysia’s next generation of electric vehicles (xEV). This collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that aims to foster innovation and talent in the xEV industry.

The MoU encompasses a wide-ranging initiative, focusing on educating and training future engineers in the development of cutting-edge xEV technologies.

“We look forward to a future where Malaysia can independently develop xEV technology, benefitting generations to come,” said Perodua President and CEO Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad. “This MoU marks a significant evolution of Perodua’s mission—from facilitating technological transfer to driving technological advancement.”

Since its establishment in 1993, Perodua has been committed to delivering affordable, high-quality vehicles to Malaysians while simultaneously serving as a conduit for transferring automotive technology into the country. This strategy has contributed to the growth of Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem and enhanced the technical expertise of its workforce.

Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at UTM, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. “This collaboration bridges the gap between academia and industry, empowering graduates with the skills and knowledge to lead in sustainable mobility,” he said.

The MoU outlines six core areas of cooperation:

  1. Curriculum Enhancement: Perodua and UTM will collaborate to refine UTM’s academic curriculum for engineering and related disciplines.
  2. Satellite Laboratory: A dedicated satellite lab will be established at UTM’s main campus in Skudai, Johor, to facilitate research and development.
  3. Knowledge Exchange: Both parties will share insights into the latest advancements in automotive technology, particularly in xEV.
  4. Skill Development: Joint initiatives will expose engineers and academics to the intricacies of xEV development.
  5. Collaborative Research: The partnership will foster joint research and talent development programs.
  6. Mutual Cooperation: Additional areas of collaboration will be explored to benefit both organizations.

The initiative will empower UTM students and researchers while strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global automotive sector. It also serves as a model for academia-industry partnerships, underscoring the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable innovation.