Perodua has chosen a partner university for its upcoming dive into EV R&D.
Perodua, Malaysia’s leading automotive manufacturer by a country mile, has joined forces with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to develop electric vehicles (xEV) in Malaysia. This strategic partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday.
Transforming Malaysia’s Automotive Landscape
The collaboration between Perodua and UTM represents a pivotal shift in Malaysia’s automotive industry. According to Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, this partnership elevates Perodua’s role from being merely a vehicle for technological transfer to becoming a driving force in technological development on the eve of the introduction of its first EV which will based on the EMO-II concept.
Established in 1993, Perodua has long been committed to providing Malaysians with affordable, high-quality vehicles while facilitating technology transfer into the country. This new initiative builds upon that foundation, aiming to develop indigenous xEV technology that will benefit future generations.
Key Elements of the Partnership
The comprehensive MoU encompasses several crucial areas of cooperation:
- Curriculum Enhancement: Both institutions will work together to strengthen UTM’s undergraduate engineering programs and related courses, ensuring they align with industry needs.
- State-of-the-Art Research Facility: A satellite laboratory will be established at UTM’s main campus in Skudai, Johor, facilitating hands-on research and development.
- Knowledge Exchange: The partnership emphasizes sharing expertise in automotive technologies, with a special focus on xEV development.
- Professional Development: Joint initiatives will expose academicians and engineers to cutting-edge xEV technology development.
- Collaborative Research: Both organizations will actively participate in academic research, R&D activities, and talent development programs.
Bridging Academia and Industry
Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at UTM, emphasized the collaboration’s potential to advance sustainable mobility in Malaysia. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industrial application, equipping graduates with practical skills and theoretical understanding.
Impact on Malaysia’s Automotive Sector
This strategic alliance is expected to:
- Strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global automotive industry
- Develop local expertise in electric vehicle technology
- Create new opportunities for research and innovation
- Enhance the employability of Malaysian graduates
- Foster sustainable technological development
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Perodua and UTM represents a significant step forward in Malaysia’s automotive evolution. By combining Perodua’s industrial expertise with UTM’s academic excellence, this collaboration sets the stage for Malaysia to become a key player in the electric vehicle market while fostering sustainable technological growth and innovation.
