SINTOK, 18 May 2026: Mu’adzam Shah Hall, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), resonated with inspiration and forward-thinking ideas during a CEO Talk delivered by Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perodua. The session was filled with insights on visions, innovation and future of mobility in Malaysia.
Speaking on the topic, “The EV Opportunity: How Perodua is Preparing for the Next Business Disruption,” Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad invited UUM community to explore the paradigm shift and evolution currently reshaping the national automotive landscape.
Discussing emerging global mobility trends, Dato’ Sri Zainal explained that the transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) represents a major form of “business disruption”, driven by various factors, including declining battery costs, evolving government regulations and changing consumer behaviour.
As Malaysia’s leading automotive brand for more than two decades, Perodua has been entrusted by the government under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) to serve as a “Champion” and catalyst in accelerating the development of the national EV ecosystem by 2025.
This commitment was demonstrated through Perodua’s successful launch of Malaysia’s first locally developed Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the QV-E, on 1 December 2025.
Dato’ Sri Zainal proudly shared that the development of the vehicle involved 266,000 man-hours and that the vehicle is currently produced at Perodua’s new high-technology Smart Mobility Plant. The QV-E is powered by a 52.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a driving range of up to 455 kilometres.
However, he said the more important matter was how Perodua is comprehensively transforming its business model.
“EV is merely one example; it is not the final destination.”
According to him, Perodua is now transitioning from being merely a conventional car manufacturer into a provider of “Mobility as a Lifestyle.”
Through the introduction of the P Circle super app and the adoption of the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) concept, Perodua aims to integrate customer experiences through digital platforms, seamless financing solutions, and smart mobility services that transcend traditional vehicle ownership.
Recognising the challenges posed by the evolving mobility landscape, Dato’ Sri Zainal also outlined six strategic pillars under Perodua’s Comprehensive Economic Resilience Framework.
These pillars encompass not only electrification, but also connectivity and autonomous mobility, strategic integration with government-linked companies such as Telekom Malaysia (TM) and Petronas, as well as talent development.
Captivating thousands of students throughout the session, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin concluded his address with a profound message:
“The future does not belong to those who are most talented. It also does not belong to those who are the luckiest. The future belongs to those who have the wisdom to see change coming and the courage to prepare for it long before others realise it is necessary.
“Be that person. Build your foresight. Own your future,” he said.
Prior to the CEO Talk Session, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad officiated the UUM Career Carnival 2026. Later in the afternoon, he also launched the rebranding of Perodua Student Residential Hall (INASIS), formerly known as INASIS Petronas.
Also present at the programme was the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed.
