Asia Pacific University students gained unprecedented insights into electric vehicle innovation and artificial intelligence during an industrial visit to Tesla Malaysia. The experience connected academic learning with real-world applications at one of the world’s most pioneering technology companies.
**Key Points**
- Students explored Tesla’s technological ecosystem including Full Self-Driving capabilities and AI-driven systems
- Interactive demonstration featured four flagship Tesla models with hands-on experience of smart automation features
- Career insights session revealed Tesla’s interdisciplinary approach to talent acquisition in a VUCA world
- Behind-the-scenes access to service delivery operations and Supercharger infrastructure provided operational perspective
- Student testimonials highlighted inspiration from Tesla’s boundary-pushing innovation beyond automotive excellence
How APU Students Experienced Tesla Malaysia’s Innovation Ecosystem
The School of Marketing and Management at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation embarked on an eye-opening industrial visit to Tesla Malaysia on 14th May 2025. Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur, Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, the visit provided students with a rare, immersive opportunity to witness cutting-edge innovations in electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and sustainability.
What did students learn about Tesla’s technological foundation?
Comprehensive presentation reveals operational scope
The visit commenced with a comprehensive presentation by Ms Yin Yin Loo, Senior Recruiter at Tesla Malaysia. She introduced students to Tesla’s operations, highlighting its EV lineup, energy solutions, and advanced AI-driven systems.
Additionally, students gained insights into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, learning how neural networks and real-time data power autonomous decision-making, route planning, and perception models. Consequently, they discovered how these technologies make Tesla vehicles both intelligent and adaptive.
How did the interactive showcase demonstrate Tesla’s innovation?
Four flagship models provide hands-on experience
Students had the exciting opportunity to explore Tesla’s complete flagship lineup. They experienced Tesla’s signature minimalist interior design, tested the intuitive touchscreen interface, and observed how software integration enhances user experience.
The following models were available for exploration:
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model S
A live demonstration of Tesla’s smart automation features, including lighting response and automatic door activation, left students impressed. Notably, the coordinated exterior lighting and music of the Tesla light show showcased how technology can be both impactful and enjoyable.
What career insights emerged from the Q&A session?
Interdisciplinary approach emphasizes adaptability
A dynamic interactive Q&A session with Ms Yin Loo allowed students to ask questions related to Tesla’s innovation strategies, recruitment pathways, and workplace culture. Ms Yin Loo elaborated on Tesla’s interdisciplinary approach to talent acquisition, emphasising the value of combining technical skills with creativity and adaptability in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world.
This session inspired many students to reflect critically on their career aspirations. In contrast to traditional automotive companies, Tesla’s approach demonstrated how innovation strategies in technology companies require boundary-pushing mindsets and fearless thinking.
The experience fundamentally shifted how students viewed the intersection of technology and career possibilities.
How does Tesla’s infrastructure support customer experience?
Service delivery and charging operations revealed
The visit extended into Tesla’s service delivery and charging facilities, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at post-production and customer experience operations. Students observed how EVs are prepared for customer delivery and explored the design and function of Tesla’s Supercharger stations.
This segment offered a glimpse into the operational efficiency and user-centered logistics that underpin Tesla’s commitment to seamless mobility. Furthermore, it demonstrated how Tesla’s charging infrastructure supports the broader electric vehicle ecosystem.
What did students take away from this experience?
Student perspectives revealed the profound impact of witnessing innovation in action. Muhammad Abdullah Ashfaq noted that learning about Tesla sending a car into space showed him the company represents far more than automotive excellence, embodying bold, boundary-pushing innovation.
Prasham Reiyn Karunanithi expressed how seeing Tesla’s ambition to venture into electric planes, ships, and robotics opened his eyes to a future driven by transformative technology. Meanwhile, Nafiz Abdullah Al Rady found Tesla’s fast-paced, forward-thinking approach in today’s VUCA world motivated him to think fearlessly and challenge conventional boundaries.
| Student | Program | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Teng Chun Hong | Marketing Management (Digital Marketing) | Technology can be both impactful and enjoyable |
| Prasham Reiyn Karunanithi | International Business Management | Inspired to shape next-generation industries |
| Nafiz Abdullah Al Rady | Global Marketing Management | Motivated to challenge conventional boundaries |
Bottom Line
Ms Harjinder expressed appreciation to Tesla Malaysia for their invaluable learning experience, noting how this transformative visit gave students a profound glimpse into the synergy of innovation, sustainability, and advanced technology in action. The experience successfully linked classroom theory with real-world practice, inspiring critical inquiry about the future of technology and business.
Looking forward, this industrial visit demonstrates the importance of connecting academic learning with industry leaders in electric vehicles and artificial intelligence. Such partnerships prepare students for careers in rapidly evolving technology sectors while fostering the innovative mindset necessary for success in a VUCA world.
