“You only live once. Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams and explore opportunities beyond familiar environments.”

For Dr. Noor Izzuan Mat Arishad, that mindset eventually led him from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to Sweden’s advanced automotive engineering industry, where he now contributes to next-generation vehicle motion control systems and globally deployable automotive technologies.

Alongside fellow UTM alumnus Ahmad Mustaqim Hatim, both engineers are now contributing to Sweden’s evolving mobility ecosystem through advanced roles at Horse Powertrain involving hybrid powertrain systems, automotive software development, and intelligent energy management technologies.

Their achievements reflect UTM’s growing capability in producing globally competitive engineering talent equipped to contribute within highly specialised and rapidly evolving industries, particularly in the areas of electrification, intelligent mobility, and sustainable transportation technologies.

Horse Powertrain is involved in the development of next-generation powertrain technologies supporting the automotive industry’s transition towards electrification, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility solutions.

Dr. Noor Izzuan currently serves as a Senior Function Developer, where he focuses on designing and implementing software solutions for vehicle motion control systems while developing strategies to ensure robust and optimised performance across current and future automotive platforms.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Mustaqim serves as System Responsible – Torque & Energy Management Vehicle Motion Control. Since joining the company in February 2022, he has been leading and guiding engineers in the development of advanced torque and energy management systems for hybrid and electrified vehicles.

His work includes developing software and control strategies for drivability, energy efficiency, vehicle performance, and intelligent energy management systems. He is also extensively involved in vehicle software development, calibration, testing, and large-scale vehicle data analysis using engineering tools such as Python, MATLAB/Simulink, and ETAS INCA.

Both alumni shared that their journeys into the international automotive industry were strongly influenced by the experiences, exposure, and industry-linked learning opportunities they gained during their time at UTM and throughout their early careers in Malaysia.

For Dr. Noor Izzuan, the aspiration to work internationally began during his undergraduate years through a Global Outreach Program to South Korea organised by JURUTEK under UTM’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE).

“That experience opened my eyes to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. It helped me realise that opportunities exist far beyond our comfort zone,” he said.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering (Mechatronics) from UTM’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE) in 2011, Dr. Noor Izzuan began his career at Proton as an Engine Development Engineer. While building his experience within the automotive industry, he later pursued a Master of Engineering (Mechanical) at UTM’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM) in 2018 before completing a PhD in Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University.

Similarly, Ahmad Mustaqim, a graduate of UTM’s Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Automotive) programme under the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM) in 2011, shared that his involvement in the Shell/Perodua Eco Challenge during his time at UTM played a significant role in shaping his passion for automotive engineering and sustainable mobility technologies.

The programme exposed him to real-world vehicle development processes, including designing efficient vehicle body structures and optimising fuel consumption for combustion engine systems. He said the experience strengthened his technical problem-solving skills, teamwork capabilities, and interest in automotive innovation.

After graduating, Ahmad Mustaqim began his career at Proton in 2011, where he developed expertise in software development, combustion engine calibration, vehicle drivability, and performance optimisation. Throughout his career progression, he also gained valuable exposure through technical collaborations involving Bosch, Continental, Lotus Cars, and Geely Auto Group.

Today, both alumni are involved in automotive development projects with international reach, contributing to technologies supporting hybrid mobility, vehicle software optimisation, and advanced motion control systems across global markets.

Dr. Noor Izzuan is currently contributing to the development of globally deployable powertrain software aimed at ensuring consistent vehicle performance across diverse driving environments and usage conditions while balancing efficiency, scalability, and system adaptability.

Ahmad Mustaqim, meanwhile, has contributed to several international automotive programmes, including the Lynk & Co 01 as well as multiple hybrid vehicle platforms under Volvo Cars involving the XC90, XC60, V90, V60, S60, and S90 model years from 2024 onwards.

When asked about advice for students aspiring to work internationally, both alumni emphasised the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone.

“You only live once. Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams and explore opportunities beyond familiar environments,” said Dr. Noor Izzuan.

Ahmad Mustaqim added that students should focus not only on technical knowledge but also on gaining hands-on exposure through competitions, research projects, internships, and collaborative engineering activities.

Both alumni also stressed that graduates must cultivate a growth mindset to remain relevant within industries increasingly shaped by software, electrification, digitalisation, and rapidly evolving mobility technologies.

As the automotive industry accelerates towards electrification, intelligent mobility, and software-defined vehicle technologies, the achievements of Dr. Noor Izzuan and Ahmad Mustaqim demonstrate how UTM graduates are contributing meaningfully within highly advanced global engineering ecosystems.

Their journeys reflect UTM’s broader aspiration under UTM ASCEND 2030 to nurture globally competitive talent capable of driving innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement across international industries.

By: Nurul Safidah Abdul Rahman and Rohaizan Khairul Anuar