Shifting Malaysia’s EV ecosystem into gear on The Star (24 Apr 2026)

Upskilling talent

One of the persistent gaps in the EV ecosystem is the limited availability of skilled technicians.

Government organisations such as Malaysian Investment Development Authority are actively investing in a talent pipeline to address this skills gap by fostering industry and university collaboration.

Despite this, EV-specific training programmes are still inadequate as there are not enough pathways towards creating an EV-ready workforce.

“We see a need for more structured programmes, certifications and closer collaboration with industry to make these pathways more accessible and relevant,” said ESnet Academy Sdn Bhd director Ray Yeong Keng Soon.

Industry experts highlight the need for capabilities in key areas to support continued growth, including renewable energy integration, software development for smart vehicles and sustainable manufacturing practices.

“EV technology is very different from conventional vehicles, especially in terms of battery systems and safety. If we don’t build the right skills early, it will be difficult for the industry to support large-scale adoption,” he said.

These competencies are essential to optimise EV infrastructure and strengthen the green mobility ecosystem.

With the rise in demand for EV technicians, students training in automotive studies must develop specialised skills to keep pace with the evolving industry.

“Students need to build a strong foundation in high-voltage safety, battery systems and diagnostics. At the same time, they must be comfortable with digital tools, as EVs rely heavily on software and system monitoring. Both technical and digital skills are important,” he said.

In smaller workshops, which would be more accessible to the average driver, the transition to EV servicing remains uneven, with a noticeable gap emerging particularly in software handling.

“At this stage, many smaller workshops are still in the early phase of transitioning. The challenge is not just tools, but also training and confidence in handling EV systems safely. With proper upskilling programmes and support, this gap can be gradually reduced,” he said.

Yeong added that the most important step is to immediately begin building a strong, industry-aligned talent pipeline by updating training content, investing in facilities and strengthening collaboration between education providers and industry.

Source from https://www.thestar.com.my/esg/2026/04/24/shifting-malaysias-ev-ecosystem-into-gear