That said, we have made some significant strides in the right direction. Policymakers and various agencies have geared up their pace with regards to providing the right environment for the industry to take shape. Local automotive manufacturers are actively exploring possibilities for their future markets, and tech companies are quick to engage. It is exciting times for Malaysia.
An aerial photo shows cars to be loaded for export at Yantai Port in eastern Shandong province in May 2023. Photo: Xinhua
What are the areas of collaboration that Malaysia could potentially explore that can accelerate our EV market and industry as well as the talent development? The auto industry will require major changes in the way the ecosystem infrastructures are set up, and the way the EV is serviced. New technologies and practises will have to be learnt and implemented.
Collaboration with research institutions and universities in studies related to battery applications such as battery exchange, swapping and recycling are opportunities for the Malaysian RND community to support EV adoption. Other research opportunities include new battery technologies, charging infrastructure, and refining the EV manufacturing processes. Collaboration with industry partners, local and international, will help establish and grow the EV supply chain. This will involve coordination with battery manufacturers, EV component suppliers, and charging infrastructure providers, to name a few.
Collaborative areas Malaysia can explore
Equally crucial is collaboration with government agencies to develop policies and regulations that support the development of the EV industry. This could include policies to promote the purchase of EVs, provide incentives for EV manufacturing, and develop charging infrastructure. In addition to the above, Malaysia could also focus on developing the talent pool in the EV space. This could be done by providing hands-on EV training and education programs for existing technicians, engineers, and managers. In university, the training can start early by introducing EV technology studies as part of automotive engineering syllabus. In addition, young graduates from these courses can be streamlined for internships within the EV community network and industry. For an emerging field such as EV, collaboration is crucial to adequately transform to the needs of the future of the industry. Sounds like a complex journey, but it is not impossible, because the entire world is facing the same thing. There are no true experts yet, and no solid leader. Furthermore, what works for other regions may not be the best fit for us. There is still equal opportunity to develop innovative solutions specific to our region, that’s applicable especially for ourselves and our neighbours.
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MSCA 2023 I VOL.5
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