In 1991, responding to the government’s call to bridge the gap between the level of technological knowledge being provided by vocational schools and technical institutions, and the needs of the rapidly developing Malaysian industry, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), together with Toyota Motor Corporation established a technical education program for automotive technicians at Institut Kemahiran MARA (IKM).
Known as the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP), the project was part of a global program to provide a systematic transfer of the latest technology through education of young automotive technicians and by doing so, promote the development of the automotive industries in many countries.
With the upgrading of such technical education, the social status of automotive technicians – more commonly called ‘mechanics’ – would also be raised, thereby increasing the attractiveness of the automotive service industry. Indeed, this has been the case as such personnel are now referred to as ‘technicians’.
Over the long-term, T-TEP has been contributing to Malaysian aspirations of industrialisation by creating a pool of skilled automobile technicians conversant with current technology and able to adapt to developments in automotive electronics which would become significant in automobiles of the future.
Increasing to 25 partner institutions
Through T-TEP, UMWT has maintained its commitment to developing Malaysia’s future workforce and today signed of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand the program. With this expansion, the program now encompasses 25 partner institutions – up from just 5 – each adopting Toyota’s integrated training syllabus and benefitting from cutting-edge tools such as hybrid and electric engine simulators.
To date, UMWT, a joint venture between the UMW Group and Toyota, has invested close to RM20 million in T-TEP. The program has helped produce approximately 7,000 skilled graduates across Malaysia. This long-standing investment highlights the company’s belief in the power of education – not just to shape careers, but to uplift communities and industries alike.
Real-world experience in training
“T-TEP goes beyond preparing students for entry-level roles. It equips them with real-world experience and the mindset to grow into future leaders in the automotive field,” said Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, Executive Director of UMW Toyota Motor. “This program demonstrates how industry can play a proactive role in shaping a future-ready, high-income workforce that aligns with the goals of Malaysia’s National TVET Policy 2030.”
With over 100 service centres and 3 manufacturing plants across the country, UMWT also continues to provide students with meaningful internship opportunities and on-ground exposure to the standards, technologies, and innovation driving the mobility industry forward.
“At UMW Toyota, we believe that true progress begins with people. T-TEP embodies our commitment to not only advance automotive excellence, but to uplift lives and communities through knowledge, opportunity, and purpose. As the industry evolves, we are deepening our investment in education and talent development to ensure that no one is left behind. This is how we move the world forward – by empowering individuals to move theirs,” added Datuk Ravindran K, President of UMW Toyota Motor.