Together these parties like DRB-HICOM will also promote the AHTV
DRB-HICOM Berhad and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. (Geely Holding) have signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at transforming the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, Perak, into a global hub for Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV) and Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV).
The first MOU, signed with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), focuses on promoting investment in AHTV’s development. This collaboration aims to elevate Malaysia’s automotive industry by fostering growth, capabilities, and competitiveness, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and EEV sectors.
Moreover, the goal is to transform AHTV into a global hub for NxGV production, with a focus on smart manufacturing of automotive components and an export base for complete vehicles and parts. The partnership will also support the localization of key components and improve local supply chain capabilities, ultimately strengthening Malaysia’s position in the ASEAN automotive market.
Additionally, the MOU outlines plans to attract global automotive supply chain players and build a complete ecosystem within AHTV. This will involve enhancing communication with stakeholders on trade and industrial policy and accelerating the promotion and adoption of EEVs in Malaysia.
The second MOU, signed with the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), focuses on Research and Development (R&D) and talent development for AHTV. The R&D collaboration includes the creation of shared facilities for vehicle R&D, manufacturing, supply chain, and NxGV testing, establishing AHTV as a recognized centre for testing across ASEAN.
On top of that, this includes setting up Malaysia’s National Testing and Homologation Centre at AHTV, which will serve as a hub for tropical climate, autonomous driving, and EEV testing and certification. In terms of talent development, the parties aim to develop an automotive talent training program for NxGV and smart manufacturing, in collaboration with institutions from China and Malaysia.
This will include the creation of national standards for Automotive TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and SKM certifications, as well as apprenticeship and certification programs for digitalization and Industry 4.0 proficiency in manufacturing and supply chains.
The MOUs were signed by DRB-HICOM Group Managing Director Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Geely Auto CEO Jerry Gan Jiayue, MIDA CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim, and MARii CEO Azrul Reza Aziz. The signing coincided with the launch of Malaysia’s first electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS 7, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
