Vietnam’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, VinFast, has rapidly emerged as a major player within the global automotive and sustainable mobility landscape. From electric passenger vehicles and buses to commercial mobility solutions, the company’s aggressive international expansion continues to attract engineering talent from across the world.

Among those contributing to this fast-evolving ecosystem are three alumni of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), whose combined professional experience spans more than five decades across automotive engineering, vehicle validation, electric mobility, interior design, testing, research and international product development.

The trio from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering are Mohd Zukhairi Abd Ghapar (Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Automotive), 2008), Mohd Shah Rizan Mohd Rani (Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Aeronautics), 2002), and Muhammad Syahmi Sulaiman (Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Automotive), 2008 and Master of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering), 2024).

Mohd Zukhairi began his career as a testing engineer at PROTON, steadily building expertise across vehicle validation, engine development, chassis engineering, vehicle comfort systems and international market development. His career later brought him to Austria, where he managed design, testing and integration activities for motorcycle engine development projects before returning to Malaysia to support further research and development initiatives.

Similarly, Muhammad Syahmi Sulaiman also started his professional journey within PROTON’s vehicle testing and development ecosystem. Over the years, he progressed into leadership roles involving vehicle performance, emissions systems, braking development, aerothermal engineering and Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) engineering.

This includes a collaboration with UTM via Engineering Research on suppression of brake squeal noise through brake pad structural modification. during his Masters by Research studies.

Meanwhile, Mohd Shah Rizan Mohd Rani started his automotive career at Perodua before spending nearly two decades at PROTON, eventually serving as Head of Interior Engineering Design. Throughout his career, he contributed to major vehicle programmes, including the development of the PROTON X50, while strengthening his expertise in automotive interior engineering and product development.

Collectively, the trio has contributed to numerous automotive programmes across Malaysia, Vietnam, Europe and the Middle East, including the development of electric vehicles, hybrid mobility platforms, commercial vans, electric buses and next-generation vehicle systems. Their experience reflects the increasing presence of Malaysian engineering talent within the rapidly growing global electric mobility sector.

Despite their different specialisations and career trajectories, all three alumni eventually found themselves pursuing opportunities beyond Malaysia’s borders and driven by a shared desire to expand their technical knowledge, embrace new challenges and operate within larger international engineering ecosystems.

For Zukhairi, the motivation was to challenge himself within a more dynamic engineering environment. Shah Rizan viewed the move as an opportunity to gain exposure to advanced technologies, global projects and accelerated product development cultures. Syahmi, meanwhile, was inspired by professionals who dared to venture beyond familiar surroundings and establish themselves within multinational organisations.

Their journeys also reflect the strength of UTM’s long-established engineering ecosystem in producing globally competitive graduates equipped with technical expertise, problem-solving capabilities and adaptability. Through multidisciplinary learning environments, strong engineering fundamentals and exposure to real-world industry challenges, UTM continues to nurture graduates capable of contributing to future-focused sectors such as electric mobility, sustainable transportation and advanced manufacturing.

Working within VinFast’s high-growth environment also introduced a new professional culture. Unlike conventional automotive ecosystems characterised by longer development cycles and structured workflows, VinFast operates at remarkable speed, with compressed timelines, agile decision-making and rapid innovation cycles as it competes within the increasingly competitive global EV market.

According to Shah Rizan, the environment resembles that of a technology startup, where engineers are expected to adapt quickly while managing broader responsibilities. Zukhairi observed significant differences in management approaches and workflow structures, while Syahmi highlighted the personal adjustments required when adapting to a new culture, lifestyle and working environment far from family and friends.

Yet these challenges have become valuable opportunities for growth. Exposure to international engineering teams, diverse perspectives and global technical standards has strengthened not only their engineering competencies, but also their resilience, leadership and ability to operate across cultures and industries.

Today, Zukhairi has been directly involved in the end-to-end development of electric mobility platforms across both passenger and commercial vehicle segments, including electric buses and vans.  Shah Rizan currently supports interior engineering development for VinFast’s VF3 and VF9 programmes, while Syahmi has led and participated in vehicle validation projects across multiple international markets involving hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.

Their experiences underline an increasingly important reality for young graduates entering today’s global workforce: technical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient. Adaptability, communication skills, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning are equally critical in navigating fast-changing industries and international working environments.

The three alumni consistently emphasise the importance of building strong technical foundations, strengthening problem-solving capabilities, communicating effectively in English and remaining open to opportunities beyond one’s comfort zone.

“Do not limit yourself to your current condition,” advises Zukhairi. “Challenge yourself and have confidence in whatever you do.”

Mr Shah Rizan believes that technical capability combined with adaptability naturally creates opportunities on the international stage. “Stay curious, keep learning and remain adaptable. Strong skills and resilience will naturally open overseas career opportunities,” he says.

For graduates aspiring to pursue international careers, Syahmi encourages them to embrace challenges with determination and continuous self-improvement.

“Passion, resilience, networking skills and effective communication are key to succeeding in today’s global environment. Mastering English and learning additional international languages can open even more opportunities worldwide,” he adds.

As the global automotive industry accelerates towards electrification and sustainable mobility, the achievements of these UTM alumni demonstrate how Malaysian engineers are increasingly contributing to the future of transportation technologies on the international stage. Their journeys reflect not only personal determination and technical excellence, but also UTM’s broader aspiration of producing globally competent graduates capable of thriving across industries, borders and emerging technologies.

By: Nurul Safidah Abdul Rahman and Rohaizan Khairul Anuar