KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8, 2025 — Sapura Industrial Bhd (SIB) is advancing its role in Malaysia’s evolving electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem through its subsidiary, SIB Mili Sdn Bhd, which has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sarawak Skills Development Centre (PPKS). The collaboration is aimed at positioning Sarawak as an emerging hub for EV and hybrid vehicle services and technical training.
The agreement, effective for three years, will focus on the establishment of a dedicated EV and Hybrid Service Centre in Kuching. The centre is envisioned as both a technical facility and a skills development platform, catering to the growing demand for EV maintenance, repair, and after-sales services in East Malaysia.
Driving Skills and Technology Development
Under the MoU, SIB Mili and PPKS will work closely to:
- Develop training programmes and curricula tailored to EV and hybrid technologies,
- Build technical resources to support diagnostics, repair, and battery servicing,
- Seek accreditation from relevant industry regulators and authorities to ensure national and international recognition of training standards.
By embedding vocational and technical learning within the EV sector, the initiative aims to create a steady pipeline of skilled talent capable of supporting both public adoption and industry expansion.
Expanding into East Malaysia
Sapura Industrial highlighted that the collaboration marks a strategic step in expanding its presence into Sarawak, where the EV market is still in its infancy but carries substantial growth potential. By becoming a first mover in the state, SIB positions itself to capture opportunities as both federal and state governments ramp up incentives for EV adoption.
The Sarawak government has already outlined its ambitions to lead in clean energy and sustainable transport solutions. With abundant hydropower resources and ongoing investments in renewable energy, the state is viewed as a natural hub for the transition towards low-carbon mobility.
Strengthening Malaysia’s EV Ecosystem
This partnership comes as Malaysia intensifies efforts to strengthen its EV ecosystem through national policies and investment incentives. Beyond vehicle imports, emphasis has shifted towards building local capabilities in charging infrastructure, servicing, and human capital development.
Analysts note that the move aligns Sapura Industrial with long-term industry trends. While the domestic EV market is still nascent compared to neighbouring Singapore and Thailand, Malaysia’s supportive policy environment and Sarawak’s unique positioning in green energy could accelerate adoption and create fertile ground for partnerships like this.
Looking Ahead
If successful, the Kuching EV and Hybrid Service Centre could serve as a blueprint for expansion into other parts of Malaysia and even the wider Borneo region. With the MoU now in effect, detailed implementation plans are expected to roll out in the coming months, including site selection, equipment procurement, and curriculum design for training programmes.
