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The School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) embarked on an eye-opening industrial visit to Tesla Malaysia on 14th May 2025. 

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, SoMM at APU), the visit provided students with a rare, immersive opportunity to witness cutting-edge innovations in electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability at one of the world’s most pioneering companies. 

Activity 1: Understanding Tesla’s Technological Ecosystem 

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 that make Tesla vehicles both intelligent and adaptive. 

Activity 2: Interactive Vehicle Showcase 

Students had the exciting opportunity to explore Tesla’s flagship models:

1. Tesla Model 3
2. Tesla Model Y
3. Tesla Model X
4. Tesla Model S
    

They experienced Tesla’s signature minimalist interior design, tested the intuitive touchscreen interface, and observed how software integration enhances user experience. 

A live demonstration of Tesla’s smart automation features, including lighting response and automatic door activation, left students impressed by the blend of design, technology, and user-focused engineering. 

Activity 3: Q&A and Career Insights Session 

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 and better understand the pathways into innovative global companies. 

Activity 4: Exploring Tesla’s Service and Charging Infrastructure 

The visit extended into Tesla’s service delivery and charging facilities, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s 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 of the visit offered a glimpse into the operational efficiency and user-centered logistics that underpin Tesla’s commitment to seamless mobility and sustainability. 

Student Perspectives

1. Teng Chun Hong, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing: “The visit gave me a clearer understanding of Tesla’s long-term vision and how innovation is thoughtfully woven into its strategy, while the hands-on experience, especially witnessing the coordinated exterior lighting and music of the Tesla light show, showed that technology can be both impactful and enjoyable.”
2. Muhammad Abdullah Ashfaq, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing: “Learning that Tesla sent a car into space was incredible and showed me that the company represents far more than just automotive excellence, embodying a spirit of bold, boundary-pushing innovation.”
3. Prasham Reiyn Karunanithi, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management: “Seeing Tesla’s ambition to venture into electric planes, ships, and robotics opened my eyes to a future driven by transformative technology and inspired me to pursue a role in shaping these next-generation industries.”
4. Nafiz Abdullah Al Rady, Masters in Global Marketing Management: “The visit to Tesla was truly inspiring as their fast-paced and forward-thinking approach to innovation in today’s VUCA world motivated me to think fearlessly and challenge conventional boundaries.”
    

Reflections on the Industrial Visit

Ms Harjinder expressed her appreciation to Tesla Malaysia for their warm hospitality and the invaluable learning experience provided to the students.

“This transformative visit gave our students a profound glimpse into the synergy of innovation, sustainability, and advanced technology in action, inspiring critical inquiry and firmly linking classroom theory with real-world practice.”