UMPSA E-Motion Team crowned overall Champion of NxGV Challenge 2025

SERDANG, 12 May 2025 – The E-Motion Team from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) brought glory to the university by emerging as the Overall Champion in the Next Generation Vehicle (NxGV) Challenge 2025, showcasing its excellence in producing electric vehicle (EV) prototypes at MAEPS, Serdang, recently.

The team, led by Muhammad Iman Zahin Harun from the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology (FTKMA), consisted of 14 students from the automotive technology and engineering departments, along with lecturers and technical staff. 

They delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament by developing innovative electric vehicles in line with aspirations for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future of mobility.

The prize was presented by Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn. Bhd. (PERODUA), during the NxGV 2025 Challenge Prize Presentation Ceremony.

Meanwhile, UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, expressed pride in the team's achievements during the tournament.

“This competition undoubtedly supports efforts to develop local expertise in the field of electric vehicles (EV) and contributes to the development of the national EV policy.

“Their enthusiasm was clearly evident in developing a car prototype through the collaboration of students from various faculties, under the supervision of FTKMA and the UMPSA Advanced TVET Centre,” she said, after meeting the team on the second day of the competition.

Also present was the Dean of FTKMA, Professor Dr. Mahadzir Ishak@Muhammad.

According to Professor Dr. Yatimah, as a technical university embracing the TVET approach, she was pleased to see classroom learning translated into practical application by students.

“In fact, the NxGV Challenge is a prestigious platform that tests students’ abilities in designing and developing high-performance electric vehicles that align with the characteristics of future mobility,” she added.

Participants in the competition were judged based on technological competence, design innovation, and their ability to overcome technical challenges in vehicle development.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Iman Zahin expressed his pride and excitement at being part of the competition.

“This victory was unexpected and deeply meaningful to all of us.

“Our achievement is the result of strong teamwork, high commitment, and an unwavering spirit among all team members.

“In fact, this success is not the end, but the beginning of a greater journey,” he said.

He added that the team is determined to continue growing and competing at higher levels, both nationally and internationally.

“Our hope is to build a legacy that opens more opportunities for future generations.

“We made meticulous preparations from the very beginning, starting with planning and technical analysis to meet competition specifications, and continued through the manufacturing and fabrication phases.

“We divided the tasks according to each member’s expertise, with some focusing on the electrical and mechanical systems, and others on management,” he explained.

The team was not alone in its journey. They received strong support from UMPSA, their lecturers, the Automotive Engineering Centre, and faculty clubs such as Mechapro, which was highly meaningful to the students.

He also shared that the team faced several challenges along the way.

“Among the biggest difficulties we encountered were time management between academic commitments and project work, as well as difficulties in sourcing suitable components to ensure the EV go-kart functioned properly,” he said.

The UMPSA team won four categories, including first place in Autocross, Skidpad, Endurance, and the Best Paper Award (presented by Dr. Daing Mohamad Nafiz Daing Idris). 

They also secured second place in the Acceleration category and received other awards.

The NxGV Challenge 2025 was organized by Perodua and the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii), in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Engineers Malaysia (SAEM).

A total of ten top teams from higher learning institutions—including universities, polytechnics, and private colleges—were selected to participate in the go-kart-style EV development challenge, held at the APD Circuit, MAEPS Serdang, in conjunction with the Malaysia Autoshow 2025.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)