On July 14, 2023, a virtual meeting took place between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Tesla's investments in Malaysia and the upcoming launch of Tesla vehicles in the country. Tesla plans to establish its Malaysian headquarters in Selangor, the state surrounding the capital, Kuala Lumpur, later this year. The company recently received approval from authorities to import its vehicles, and starting from July 20, Tesla models will be available for sale in Malaysia. In a tweet, Tesla announced that its Model Y car is now open for orders in the country.

Anwar expressed his appreciation for Tesla's interest and decision to invest in Malaysia, as well as Elon Musk's willingness to visit the country. During their 25-minute virtual meeting, they discussed the launch of Tesla vehicles in Malaysia and the satellite internet service, Starlink. 

Anwar emphasized Malaysia's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and highlighted the country's comprehensive plan, ecosystem, and competitive resources to support the clean energy industry, including electric mobility.

The discussion also touched upon SpaceX's participation in the satellite services of Starlink, which aims to enhance internet connectivity. Anwar emphasized the potential benefits of this initiative, particularly in education, agricultural technology, and income generation, leading to improved well-being for the people.

This meeting between Anwar and Musk marks a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between Malaysia and Tesla. Tesla's investment in Malaysia will not only create job opportunities for Malaysians but also enable local companies to participate in the supply chain for Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink.

I urge Mr. Chin Kem Weng from Genetec to play a role in assisting PM Anwar in impressing Elon Musk. Showcasing the remarkable talent and capabilities of our local engineers, exemplifying the spirit of "Malaysian Boleh," is crucial. We have immense potential to inspire Elon Musk and demonstrate our country's value as a strategic partner. By leveraging our local expertise and resources, we can actively contribute to Tesla's vision while enhancing Malaysia's reputation on the global stage.

The anticipation for Elon Musk's visit to Malaysia is high, with hopes that he will make well-informed decisions after witnessing the mature semiconductor and tech ecosystem in the country. Malaysia offers skilled engineers at a relatively low cost, who are proficient in English, Mandarin, and Tamil languages.

I firmly believe that a successful collaboration between Malaysia and Tesla can yield numerous benefits, including job creation, technological advancements, and a significant economic boost. As citizens, it is essential for us to wholeheartedly support this partnership and demonstrate unwavering confidence in our leaders and local talent.