BMW Group Malaysia has formalised a strategic partnership with the Selangor Technical Development Centre (STDC) to elevate the nation’s technical and vocational training landscape, particularly in preparation for the rapid shift towards Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies.
The collaboration centres on the BMW Next Generation Technician (BMW NextGT) initiative, a long-term programme designed to develop world-class automotive talent for Malaysia’s future mobility ecosystem.
The partnership underscores BMW Group Malaysia’s continued commitment to developing a sustainable and future-ready workforce. Through BMW NextGT, both organisations aim to nurture a new pool of highly skilled technicians capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern automotive systems, especially as electrification becomes increasingly mainstream.
Under this initiative, STDC’s automotive technical trainers will undergo intensive hands-on training guided by the BMW Technician Qualification Framework. The curriculum covers a wide range of advanced automotive principles, with specialised modules that reflect the latest industry technologies and electrified powertrain concepts.
Upon completing their training, these instructors will pass on their expertise to vocational students enrolled in the BMW NextGT programme, equipping them with cutting-edge, globally aligned skills relevant to both internal combustion and electric vehicle platforms.
Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, saying, “The automotive industry is experiencing unprecedented transformation, and this demands a new generation of talent capable of advancing innovation.
“Our partnership with STDC through BMW NextGT reflects our belief that education and technical development are essential to shaping Malaysia’s future mobility landscape. By aligning local training with BMW’s global standards, we are helping cultivate Malaysian talent who can lead the industry’s transition into this new era.”
Selangor’s Chief Minister, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari, expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating, “We are grateful for the trust placed by BMW Group Malaysia in the Selangor State Government through this collaboration with STDC.
The BMW NextGT programme aligns with the state’s vision to develop future-ready Malaysian talent and strengthen Selangor’s standing as a hub for advanced automotive technology and sustainable innovation. This partnership showcases the impact of strong government-industry cooperation in elevating technical and vocational excellence.”
The BMW NextGT programme will commence in 2026 with the involvement of key dealer partners—Auto Bavaria, Millennium Welt, and Quill Automobiles. From 2027 onwards, BMW Group Malaysia plans to expand the initiative to additional dealerships nationwide.
The new programme builds upon BMW Group Malaysia’s existing talent development efforts, which include the established BMW Technical Training Programme (BTTP) and the internationally recognised BMW High Voltage Expert (HVE) certification.
Managed by the BMW Group Regional Training Centre, the HVE certification has played a crucial role in preparing Malaysia’s EV workforce, ensuring local technicians are capable of servicing the brand’s most advanced BMW i models.
This long-term dedication to nurturing local technical expertise is aligned with BMW Group Malaysia’s Heritage in Motion philosophy, which emphasises forward-thinking innovation while honouring the company’s longstanding legacy in shaping the automotive industry since the 1970s.
