Perodua, UTM join forces to develop xEV in Malaysia

Perodua and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the country’s next generation of electric vehicles (xEV).

The MoU includes a comprehensive package that would cover educating and training future engineers in developing new technologies relating to xEV.

“We look forward to exploring a future where Malaysia can develop its own xEV technology and its benefits be shared with our future generation,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

“With this MoU, Perodua is taking a step further from our original mandate from being a vehicle for technological transfer to becoming an entity that drives technological development,” he said.

Perodua was established in 1993 to provide Malaysian with high-quality yet affordable cars while at the same time act as a company that can transfer technology into Malaysia.

This technology transfer was aimed at developing the national automotive ecosystem as well as improving technical and technological knowledge of Malaysians.

Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), highlighted the collaboration’s potential to drive sustainable mobility in Malaysia.

“This collaboration’s underscores the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry that can empower graduates with the skills and knowledge” he said.

The collaboration will empower UTM students and researchers while serving as a model for academia-industry partnerships, ensuring Malaysia remains competitive in the global automotive sector.

The MoU highlights six key elements, including enhancing UTM’s academic curriculum, establishing a satellite lab at UTM’s main campus, exchange of knowledge in automotive technology, exposure to xEV technology for academicians and engineers, collaboration in the field of academia and R&D, as well as development of talent and training programmes.

The MoU also offers both parties other areas of cooperation that are mutually beneficial to them.