Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), the electric vehicle arm of Proton, is strengthening its partnership with TVETMARA in a move aimed at developing a stronger pipeline of skilled and industry-ready EV talent for Malaysia. The two parties have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore closer collaboration in EV technical education, hands-on training and workforce development. The partnership will also see the introduction of the inaugural e.MAS Electrified Excellence Competition, a specialised aftersales skills competition designed for EV Technicians and Service Advisors.

The LOI was signed by PRO-NET Chief Executive Officer Mr Zhang and TVETMARA Masjid Tanah Director En. Shabudin bin Said, reflecting a shared commitment to bringing industry requirements closer to technical and vocational education. Under the collaboration, PRO-NET and TVETMARA will explore the development and enhancement of EV-specific technical training programmes that are aligned with the evolving needs of the automotive industry.

The initiative comes as Proton e.MAS continues to expand its presence in Malaysia. More than 6,000 Proton e.MAS vehicles had been registered as of 31 August 2026, highlighting the growing need for qualified personnel capable of supporting an increasingly electrified vehicle population.

Creating a Pathway from Classroom to EV Workshop

Beyond classroom-based learning, the collaboration is expected to provide students with greater exposure to real-world EV operations through hands-on training, on-the-job training, internships, apprenticeships and other forms of technical engagement. The longer-term objective is to create a clearer pathway for students to progress from TVET education into industry training and eventually become certified EV technicians.

Mr Zhang said the partnership is intended to ensure Malaysia’s technical workforce keeps pace with the country’s growing adoption of electric vehicles. “As more Malaysians make the shift to EVs, we also need to make sure we have the right people with the right skills to support them. For us, this is more than just teaching students about EV technology. It is about giving them real hands-on experience, building their confidence and preparing them for what the industry needs,” he said.

He added that TVET institutions have an important role in preparing technical talent for the future, with closer cooperation between industry and education helping students better understand the skills and expectations required in the workplace. “By working closely with TVETMARA, we can bring industry knowledge and requirements closer to the classroom, giving students a clearer pathway from learning and hands-on experience to a career in the EV industry. Ultimately, we want to help build a stronger and more sustainable aftersales workforce for Malaysia,” he said.

e.MAS Electrified Excellence Competition to Raise Aftersales Standards

A key element of the collaboration will be the inaugural e.MAS Electrified Excellence Competition, which will be jointly organised by PRO-NET and TVETMARA Masjid Tanah. The competition will give EV Technicians and Service Advisors an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, practical abilities and communication skills in areas related to electric vehicle technology and aftersales operations.

Rather than focusing solely on competition, the initiative is intended to encourage continuous learning and professional development while helping strengthen technical competencies across the EV aftersales sector. It could also serve as a platform for identifying and nurturing emerging technical talent as electric mobility becomes increasingly prominent in Malaysia’s automotive landscape.

With EV adoption continuing to grow, aftersales capability will become an increasingly important part of the ownership experience. Technicians and service personnel will need specialised knowledge to diagnose, maintain and service increasingly sophisticated electrified vehicles while maintaining high standards of safety and customer service. Through its collaboration with TVETMARA, PRO-NET aims to contribute to building those capabilities locally.

The partnership ultimately represents a broader effort to strengthen Malaysia’s EV ecosystem — not only through the introduction of electric vehicles, but also by ensuring the country has the skilled workforce needed to support them throughout their operational life. As Proton e.MAS continues its expansion, initiatives such as this could play an important role in preparing Malaysia’s automotive workforce for an increasingly electrified future.