BMW Group Malaysia has taken a significant step towards shaping the country’s future automotive workforce by partnering with the Selangor Technical Development Centre (STDC) under the BMW NextGT programme. This collaboration is aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s technical and vocational education ecosystem while preparing the next generation of automotive technicians for the evolving demands of the industry, particularly in the realm of Electric Vehicle (EV) technology.

The partnership is designed to equip local talent with world-class skills and expertise, ensuring a workforce that is ready to support Malaysia’s transition towards a more innovative and electrified automotive landscape. Through the programme, STDC’s automotive technical trainers will undergo rigorous, hands-on training based on the BMW Technician Qualification Framework. The curriculum will cover a broad spectrum of modern automotive technologies, providing specialised knowledge that spans both conventional and electrified vehicle systems.

Once trained, these instructors will impart their expertise to vocational students enrolled in the BMW NextGT programme, enabling graduates to enter the workforce with industry-standard competencies. The initiative underscores BMW Group Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and fostering a sustainable automotive ecosystem.

Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, highlighted the importance of such partnerships in a rapidly transforming industry: “The automotive sector is experiencing its most transformative era. By collaborating with STDC, the BMW NextGT programme invests in education and technical development, cultivating Malaysian talent that can lead the transition towards the future of mobility.”

Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari, Chief Minister of Selangor, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative role of government and industry: “The BMW NextGT programme reflects Selangor’s dedication to nurturing talent capable of driving sustainable, future-ready mobility. This initiative demonstrates how partnerships can empower youth with world-class skills while positioning Selangor as a hub for advanced automotive technology and innovation.”

The BMW NextGT programme is set to launch in 2026, beginning with a collaboration with Auto Bavaria, Millennium Welt, and Quill Automobiles as initial dealer partners, with plans to expand to other BMW dealerships from 2027 onwards.

Building on the success of the BMW Technical Training Programme (BTTP) and the BMW High Voltage Expert (HVE) certification programme, the initiative reinforces BMW Group Malaysia’s ongoing investment in developing a top-tier technical workforce. The HVE programme, led by the BMW Group Regional Training Centre, has already been instrumental in preparing Malaysian technicians to service and repair BMW’s advanced EV models, including the i series.1

This long-term commitment aligns with BMW Group Malaysia’s Heritage in Motion philosophy, blending innovation with a dedication to technical excellence. Through initiatives like NextGT, the company continues to ensure that Malaysia remains at the forefront of automotive development while empowering local talent to drive the industry forward.