NxGV Challenge 2025 helps develop local EV expertise

Although Perodua’s primary business is making cars, as a national automaker, it has also held a broader role in helping to develop all aspects of the local auto industry. In the 30 years it has been operating, Perodua has built up much expertise and knowledge which it has used not only for its own operations but also shared with others in the private sector and government.

As the automaker embarks on new territory with its EV project, it is also taking a holistic approach to involve many other parties to help develop EV expertise locally. The inaugural NxGV Challenge 2025 which Perodua is collaborating in is one such activity.

For this event, Perodua invited institutions of higher learning throughout the country to build their own go-kart style EV and test it at the APD track in MAEPS Serdang, where the Malaysia Auto Show is currently ongoing. The institutions’ findings will then be used as reference material for the government to craft the country’s EV policy.

The NxGV Challenge 2025 was created by three entities – Perodua, the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), and the Society of Automotive Engineers Malaysia (SAEM).

The event began in December 2024 with the invitation sent to 15 institutions of higher learning ranging from universities, polytechnics and private colleges. A total of 10 best entries were chosen to participate in the challenge. The participants consist of students and faculty members.

“Perodua, being the main strategic partner for this event, thank the institutions of higher learning for participating in this event. Their findings will go a long way of creating a policy that is based on Malaysia’s unique conditions,” said  Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“Aside from sharing our knowledge on EV to Malaysian students and faculty members, this event is also part of our mandate from the government to lead the country’s EV charge under the Malaysia Industrial Master Plan 2030,” he added.

Dato’ Sri Zainal said that as a national automaker, Perodua has a responsibility to include Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem and other local institutions in the EV revolution so that the country is relevant in this technology.

“We thank MARii, SAEM and, of course, all the institutions of higher learning for taking part as we pave the way for the future. This event will have a significant impact to the country in the years to come,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

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