The collaboration between Yayasan Hasanah and Carsome Academy, worth RM450,000, will lead to the development of skilled technicians to overcome an over-reliance on foreign labour, both parties said in a joint statement.

The Carsome Group is the largest integrated car e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia.

The collaboration, which comes under Carsome Academy’s EmpowerYouth+ initiative, is in line with the growth in Malaysia’s automotive sector, which is estimated to have reached a market value of US$8.32 billion (RM37.13 billion) by 2024.

Yayasan Hasanah managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki said she saw the partnership with Carsome Academy as an investment in the students’ potential and to prepare them with industry-relevant automotive skills.

“Through initiatives like the EmpowerYouth+ programme, these individuals are not only securing economic opportunities but also contributing to efforts to advance the automotive sector in Malaysia while uplifting their families and communities,” she said.

Carsome co-founder and CEO Teoh Jiun Ee said the partnership is an important step towards achieving their shared goal of uplifting underserved communities.

“By providing young people with both the technical skills and the leadership qualities needed for success, we are not only opening doors for them in the automotive industry, we are also helping them shape a brighter future for themselves and their families,” he said.

Apart from full scholarships, the collaboration between Carsome Academy and Yayasan Hasanah will see students receive comprehensive TVET training and provided with living expenses, accommodation, as well as travel allowances.

In partnership with major automotive industry players like Carsome, Proton and Chery, students will also get opportunities for on-the-job training.