Tanjong Malim, 25 February 2026 (The Capital Post) – Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) received a courtesy visit from the top management of Proton Holdings Berhad (PROTON) as part of efforts to explore strategic collaboration aimed at promoting the knowledge ecosystem surrounding Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and New Energy Vehicle (NEV) technologies in Malaysia.
UPSI Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, said the visit focused on potential synergies between the national automotive industry and the university, in line with UPSI’s commitment to integrating green technology into its curriculum and university ecosystem.
According to Md Amin, among the key objectives discussed were the proposal to establish the first EV Learning and Demonstration Centre at a Malaysian higher education institution, the development of foundational BEV educational modules, the provision of practical training related to e.MAS technology, and the enhancement of public awareness of national BEV technology.
“UPSI views this visit as a significant step in bridging the gap between industry and academia. BEV and NEV technologies are no longer merely future options, but present-day necessities that must be understood and mastered by the younger generation.
“The university is committed to playing an active role in producing graduates who are not only technologically literate, but also highly conscious of environmental sustainability.
Md Amin added that, as an education-based university, UPSI aspires not only to introduce EV technology in the classroom, but also to provide practical, relevant, and high-impact learning experiences for students and the wider community.
Meanwhile, PROTON Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa, said higher education institutions are seen as key strategic partners in accelerating the development of the country’s electric mobility ecosystem.
He noted that a collaborative approach between industry and universities can help produce a workforce better prepared to face changes in the global technological landscape.
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“The transformation of the automotive industry towards BEV requires strong support from the education sector. Our collaboration with UPSI reflects PROTON’s commitment not only to advancing technology, but also to strengthening knowledge and public understanding of electric vehicle technology.
“We believe such initiatives will contribute to building a more sustainable and competitive national automotive ecosystem.
During the meeting, both parties also discussed proposals to introduce the Industry in Campus concept and the establishment of a Proton Training Center @ UPSI as platforms for long-term collaboration.
Proposed areas of cooperation include the development of an e.MAS technology showcase and promotion zone, the establishment of an EV Community Awareness & Learning Center, the implementation of training of trainers programmes by PROTON consulting fellows covering safety, diagnostics, and aftersales services, as well as the creation of training centres for upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
“We believe the Industry in Campus approach will open new learning opportunities, strengthen graduate employability, and support the nation’s aspirations in advancing green technology and future mobility,” he added.
Also present were PROTON Chief Human Resource Officer, Dr Kasuma Satria; Deputy CEO of Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV), Khalid Yusoff; Director of UPSI Corporate Communications Division, Prof Dr Mohd Izwan Shahril; and Dean of UPSI Faculty of Technical and Vocational, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azlan Mohammad Hussain.
Written by Bazli bin Abdul Razak, Media Unit Officer, Corporate Communications Division, Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI)
–TheCapitalPost