Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn. Bhd. (PERODUA) have taken a significant step forward in advancing Malaysia’s automotive landscape with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the implementation of the PERODUA-UTM xEV Engineering Programme. This new phase of collaboration underscores a shared commitment to strengthening talent development and accelerating research in electric vehicle (xEV) technologies.

The five-year strategic partnership is designed to nurture future-ready engineers capable of addressing the growing demands of green mobility. Each year, between 10 and 15 outstanding students from UTM’s Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) programme will be selected to participate in this specialised initiative. The programme spans one and a half years, beginning in the second semester of the students’ third year.

Participants will gain valuable industry exposure through a 10-week industrial training placement at PERODUA. In addition, they will have the opportunity to earn the internationally recognised Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Level 3 certification. Their Final Year Projects (FYP) will also be co-supervised by PERODUA’s experienced engineers, ensuring that research outcomes align closely with real-world industry standards.

UTM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry Abdul Rahim, described the collaboration as a transformative step in bridging the gap between academia and industry. He highlighted that the establishment of the PERODUA-UTM xEV Engineering Laboratory—equipped with advanced tools—will significantly enhance students’ competitiveness. The integration of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) engineering electives into the curriculum, along with access to cutting-edge simulation technologies such as Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems, will ensure graduates remain relevant and well-prepared for the future.

PERODUA President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, emphasised that the initiative reflects the company’s proactive approach in building a sustainable and globally competitive xEV ecosystem. He noted that the collaboration goes beyond technology transfer, representing a long-term investment in cultivating highly skilled engineers for the evolving automotive industry. Through direct mentorship from PERODUA professionals, students will gain firsthand insight into the realities of modern automotive engineering.

To further support the programme, PERODUA has contributed technical equipment and two units of the PERODUA QV-E for practical training at the newly established laboratory. This hands-on approach aims to enrich the learning experience and deepen students’ understanding of electric vehicle systems.

Through this partnership, UTM continues to strengthen its ties with industry players, ensuring that talent development and innovation remain aligned with current and future demands. Ultimately, the collaboration is expected to play a vital role in advancing Malaysia’s sustainability agenda and driving the evolution of its automotive sector.