Serdang, 9 May: The inaugural NxGV Challenge 2025, an event involving 10 institutions of higher learning, gathered here to contribute their academic findings on the creation of the country’s electric vehicle (EV) policy.

The NxGV Challenge 2025 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. The institutions’ findings will then be used as reference material for the government to craft the country’s EV policy.

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

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 invitations 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.

“Aside from sharing our knowledge on EV with 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,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

He added that as a national carmaker, Perodua has a responsibility to include Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem and other local institutions in the EV revolution so that the country remains 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 on the country in the years to come,” Dato’ Sri Zainal concluded.