The Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) project which was announced in April 2022 has progressed further towards realisation with the signing of the Master Collaboration Agreement (MCA) between DRB-HICOM Berhad and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. (Geely Holding).
The MCA sets forth the underlying principles, governance framework and mutual commitment of the AHTV project, including specific roles to be undertaken for development and promotional initiatives.
The signing of the agreement brings the collaboration between DRB-HICOM and Geely Holding to the next stage. This latest development follows the signing of the Heads of Agreement (HOA) by DRB-HICOM and Geely Holding earlier this year at the Malaysia-China Business Forum in Beijing.
Geespace Technology also involved
In addition to the MCA, there was also the signing of the HOA between Altel Communications Sdn. Bhd. and Geely Holding’s strategically invested Zhejiang Geespace Technology Co. Ltd. This HOA focusses on the development and implementation of high technology systems and will expedite the deployment of innovative solutions within sectors like smart ports.
Reflective of the strategic importance of AHTV, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim chaired a high-level AHTV Project Development Meeting prior to the signing of the agreements. The meeting included senior members of the AHTV Project team together with Federal and State Government officials.
International automotive hub
The AHTV is expected to attract investments both locally and from overseas which will propel it to become an international automotive hub for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). Its aim is to bring Malaysia’s automotive industry to be on par, if not more advanced, than those in neighbouring countries.
Its focus will not only be on the production of automobiles of various makes, but also in the manufacturing of high-technology components and parts for NEVs. This will further expand the capability of local vendors towards specialising in high-technology manufacturing.
New technologies and systems
Companies investing in the AHTV will bring new technologies and systems relevant to the global automotive industry, such as Artificial Intelligence, electrification, autonomous technologies and advanced connectivity.
To grow the talent pool in Malaysia’s automotive sector, the AHTV will also have a research university. By nurturing a new generation of engineers for the automotive industry, there will be strengthening of local R&D capabilities.