JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 25 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has taken a major step in advancing green automotive education through a strategic collaboration with Chery Malaysia to establish an Electric Vehicle (EV)-focused Teaching Factory. This partnership aims to produce highly skilled, industry-ready talent capable of meeting the growing demands of Malaysia’s electric mobility sector.
The EV Teaching Factory combines the principles of a traditional industry-based learning model — where students are exposed to real-world manufacturing environments — with the advanced technologies of electric vehicles. Through this innovative approach, students gain hands-on experience that simulates EV production, maintenance, and service operations, ensuring they graduate with competencies directly aligned to industry needs.
UTM leads the academic and training components, including curriculum design, accreditation, certification, infrastructure, and delivery of training. Chery Malaysia serves as the technical partner, providing vehicles, equipment, and expertise, while also co-developing curricula, hosting internships, and offering career pathways in the EV sector.
“The establishment of the EV Teaching Factory reflects UTM’s commitment to integrating industry-focused education with practical application, preparing our graduates to be globally competitive in the green automotive industry,” said a UTM spokesperson.
Students will engage with core EV components such as battery packs, electric motors, inverters, charging systems, and Battery Management Systems (BMS). They will apply theoretical knowledge through diagnostics, maintenance, assembly, and testing, while also being exposed to Industry 4.0 and 5.0 tools including IoT-enabled systems, AR/VR simulations, smart sensors, and data analytics. This blend of technical and digital literacy equips graduates with problem-solving and analytical skills essential for future EV engineers.
The collaboration was formalized in the presence of distinguished delegates from both UTM and Chery Malaysia. Representing UTM were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahyuddin Arsat, Acting Chair of the School of Undergraduate Studies (UGS); Dr. Mohd Akhmal Muhamad Sidek, Manager of UGS; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azaniawati Ma’aram, Deputy Dean (Academic & Student Affairs), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM); Dr. Izhari Izmi Mazali, Task Force Teaching Factory, FKM; Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Shahrin Md Ayob, Head of Department, Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Megat Aman Zahiri Megat Zakaria, Deputy Dean (Academic & Student Affairs), Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST); and Dr. Ahmad Nabil Md Nasir, FEST.
The Chery delegation included Chen Gang, Executive Vice President of Chery Malaysia; Yan Xiao Qin, Director of Human Resources; Shevaun Chang, HR for R&D; You Ting Hai, Head of Localization Development; and product engineers Mohd Fadziel Mohamad Nor and Cheong Chee Foong. Their participation underscores Chery’s commitment to developing local EV talent in partnership with UTM.
Beyond technical training, the EV Teaching Factory also promotes student innovation, research in green technology, and the development of energy management systems. These initiatives support national policies such as the National Automotive Policy (NAP) and the Green Energy Policy, while aligning with Malaysia’s carbon reduction targets.
By combining UTM’s academic excellence with Chery’s industrial expertise, the collaboration creates a comprehensive ecosystem for EV education and workforce development. The initiative positions UTM as a leader in EV-focused Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), while accelerating Malaysia’s green automotive agenda on the global stage.
