BMW Group Malaysia partners with STDC to train next-gen EV technicians in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia has signed a new partnership with the Selangor Technical Development Centre (STDC) to push Malaysia’s automotive education into the electric era.

The collaboration, announced on November 11 in Kuala Lumpur, falls under the BMW Next Generation Technician (NextGT) programme — a long-term effort to prepare young Malaysians for the fast-changing world of electrified vehicles.

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Through this tie-up, BMW Group Malaysia and STDC aim to strengthen the country’s technical and vocational education pipeline by giving trainers and students access to real-world, EV-focused training modules. The goal is to produce more homegrown talent ready to support Malaysia’s shift toward electric mobility.

As part of the deal, STDC’s trainers will go through hands-on courses under the BMW Technician Qualification Framework, covering both conventional and EV technologies.

Once trained, they’ll pass that knowledge to vocational students enrolled in the NextGT programme, ensuring graduates have the same skill standards used across BMW’s global network.

“Today the automotive industry is undergoing its most transformative era, and with it comes the need for a workforce that can drive this innovation forward,” said Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia. “Our collaboration with STDC through the BMW NextGT programme is built on the foundation of belief that investing in education and technical development is key to shaping the Future of Mobility in Malaysia.”

Selangor Chief Minister Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari said the state government welcomes the partnership as it fits neatly with Selangor’s goal to be a regional hub for advanced automotive technology. “We sincerely appreciate BMW Group Malaysia’s confidence in nurturing local talent. This initiative demonstrates the power of partnership between government and industry in advancing technical and vocational excellence, while empowering our youth with world-class skills and knowledge,” he said.

The first batch of the NextGT programme is set to roll out in 2026 with Auto Bavaria, Millennium Welt, and Quill Automobiles as initial dealer partners. More BMW dealers are expected to come on board from 2027 onwards.

The programme builds on BMW’s earlier training efforts, including the BMW Technical Training Programme (BTTP) and the High Voltage Expert (HVE) certification, both of which have helped shape Malaysia’s EV servicing expertise. The HVE, in particular, trains technicians to safely service and repair BMW’s high-voltage EVs like the BMW i models.

The new collaboration also ties into BMW Group Malaysia’s Heritage in Motion philosophy — a long-running commitment to develop local talent while ensuring the country stays competitive in the fast-evolving automotive landscape.

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