NxGV Challenge 2025 to Shape Malaysia’s Future EV Policy
10 Institutions Showcase Go-Kart EVs to Drive National Innovation
Serdang, 9 May 2025 – The inaugural NxGV Challenge 2025 concluded with high energy and academic innovation as 10 institutions of higher learning across Malaysia presented their electric go-kart-style vehicles at the APD track in MAEPS Serdang.
More than just a competition, the NxGV Challenge is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s national electric vehicle (EV) policy. Findings and technical insights from the challenge will be compiled and used by policymakers to tailor a policy suited to Malaysia’s unique environment and capabilities.
The event, jointly organized by Perodua, the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), and the Society of Automotive Engineers Malaysia (SAEM), called on local universities, polytechnics, and colleges to design and build compact EVs that underwent both static and dynamic testing.
“Perodua, being the main strategic partner, thanks the institutions of higher learning for their participation. Their work is instrumental in forming an EV policy that reflects Malaysia’s conditions,” said Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
The challenge, launched in December 2024, received proposals from 15 institutions. Ten were selected to compete, with student-faculty teams assessed on engineering design, business plans, cost analysis, and on-track performance including skip pad, autocross, and acceleration tests.
Dato’ Sri Zainal emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Malaysia Industrial Master Plan 2030, which mandates stronger local participation in the EV sector.
“As the national carmaker, we aim to ensure the local automotive ecosystem and academic institutions are part of Malaysia’s EV future,” he added. “This effort is a step toward building an inclusive and self-reliant EV industry.”
Participating institutions included prestigious names such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, and Taylor’s University, alongside several leading polytechnics and industrial training institutes.
The NxGV Challenge 2025 showcased Malaysia’s young engineering talent and underlined the importance of collaboration between industry and academia in driving sustainable mobility.
Participating Institutions:
- Universiti Malaya
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah
- Institut Perindustrian Jitra
- ILP Kuala Lumpur
- Universiti Malaysia Perlis
- Politeknik Port Dickson
- Politeknik Kota Bahru
- Politeknik Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin
- Taylor’s University
- Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah