In line with its entry into the country, Tesla will set up a head office in Malaysia, introduce its “experience centres” and set up a “supercharger” network, according to the ministry of international trade and industry (Miti).

Miti said Tesla’s presence in Malaysia is expected to create opportunities for workers in the battery electric vehicles (BEV) segment to upskill and to be considered for better-paying jobs.

“It will also increase the participation of local companies in the Tesla ecosystem, both domestically and globally,” the ministry added.

“We are pleased by Tesla’s decision to establish its presence in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Malaysia,” its minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said in a statement.

“This demonstrates Tesla’s confidence in our economic fundamentals and conducive business environment,” he added.

Tengku Zafrul said even as major global brands decide to invest and re-invest in Malaysia, Miti and its agencies will continue to enhance efforts to improve the ease of doing business, while continuously profiling Malaysia as pro-trade, pro-industry and pro-investment.

“We will also strategically leverage on our established electrical and electronics ecosystem to make Malaysia the preferred investment destination for technology related to electric mobility,” he added.

The entry of Tesla has been facilitated by Miti through the introduction of the BEV Global Leaders initiative, with the objective to help boost BEV demand in the local market and further promote the development of the entire ecosystem to support BEV adoption.

“In addition, the initiative seeks to secure investments from leading global BEV manufacturing companies in Malaysia. Tesla is the first applicant of this initiative by Miti,” the ministry said.