Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) recently hosted a courtesy visit from the senior management of Proton Holdings Berhad (PROTON) to explore a strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and New Energy Vehicle (NEV) ecosystem.
The visit opens the door for meaningful synergy between Malaysia’s national automotive industry and a leading public university — with a shared goal of advancing green technology and future electric mobility.
Malaysia’s First EV Learning and Demonstration Centre at a Public University
UPSI Vice Chancellor Md Amin Md Taff said one of the key proposals discussed was the establishment of Malaysia’s first EV Learning and Demonstration Centre at a public university.
Key areas of collaboration focus include:
- Development of foundational BEV education modules
- Hands-on training centred around Proton e.MAS technology
- Public awareness initiatives on national BEV technology
- Integration of green technology into the university curriculum
According to him, BEV and NEV technology is no longer a future option — it is a present-day necessity that the younger generation must be equipped to master.
Industry in Campus and a Proton Training Center at UPSI
PROTON Deputy Chief Executive Officer Abdul Rashid Musa said higher education institutions are a critical strategic partner in accelerating the nation’s electric mobility development.
Long-term collaboration proposals on the table include:
- An Industry in Campus concept
- Establishment of a Proton Training Center @ UPSI
- An e.MAS technology showcase and promotion zone
- An EV Community Awareness and Learning Center
- A training of trainers programme covering EV safety, diagnostics, and after-sales service
- Upskilling and reskilling programmes for students and educators
This approach is seen as a genuine bridge between industry and academia — and is expected to significantly improve the employability of graduates entering the high-technology automotive sector.
Supporting the Nation’s Green Mobility Aspirations
This strategic partnership aligns directly with Malaysia’s national aspirations to advance green technology and accelerate the automotive industry’s transformation toward BEV.
With the combined strength of industry expertise and an established educational ecosystem, the Industry in Campus model is expected to serve as a catalyst for developing local talent in the electric mobility space.
