Perodua and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the country’s next generation of electric vehicles (xEV).
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The MoU includes a comprehensive package for educating and training future engineers to develop new technologies related to xEV.
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“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, established in 1993 was created 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 aimed to develop the national automotive ecosystem and improve the 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 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, which are for both Perodua and UTM to jointly enhance the latter’s academic curriculum for its undergraduate students in engineering and related courses.
This MoU will also establish a satellite lab at UTM’s main campus in Skudai, Johor.
Both Perodua and UTM will exchange knowledge on the current developments of various automotive technologies with emphasis on xEV.
Both parties will also jointly expose academicians and engineers in developing xEV technology.
Perodua and UTM will actively collaborate in academia, research and development, talent development, and training programmes for their respective employees.
The MoU also offers both parties other areas of cooperation that are mutually beneficial to them.
About Perodua
A private limited company, Perodua was established in 1993 with the aim of bringing complete mobility to Malaysians through practical, high-value products and services delivered with the greatest care. The Perodua Smart Build is designed to help Perodua and the automotive ecosystem reap the benefits of the National Automotive Policy by making the industry more competitive and progressive.
