Tesla appoints GO Communications to handle Malaysian launch

Tesla Malaysia has appointed GO Communications to handle its PR duties as it officially enters the Malaysian market.

GO Communications spearheaded the launch of the EV (electric vehicle) brand, that happened last week at the Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur. According to a release to the press, the arrival of Tesla further emphasises Malaysia’s commitment to promoting low-carbon mobility, while supporting the growth of the EV industry.

Peter De Kretser (pictured), the CEO of GO Communications, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity, stating that being selected as Tesla’s official agency for the brand’s entry into Malaysia is a monumental landmark for the agency.

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“We are humbled by the trust and confidence that Tesla has bestowed upon us. As they say, first impressions are everything, and nobody understands better than us. My colleagues and I are delighted to have had this opportunity to introduce Tesla to Malaysia and give this truly remarkable brand the prominence and due recognition it deserves,” he added.

The launch comes four months after Malaysia’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MITI) approved Tesla’s application to import battery electric vehicles into the country, with this, Tesla can bring in Experience and Service Centres, as well as establish its Supercharger network.

When Tesla’s expansion into Malaysia was first announced, it was noted that the launch could create skilled and better paying job opportunities for workers in the BEV segment and increase the participation of local companies in the Tesla ecosystem both domestically and globally. Zafrul Aziz, MITI Minister said at that point that the move demonstrates Tesla’s confidence in Malaysia’s economic fundamentals and conducive business environment.

He said that 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 & Electronics ecosystem to make Malaysia the preferred investment destination for technology related to electric mobility,” he added.

This is not the first of Elon Musk’s ventures we have seen make its way into Malaysia. Malaysian communications minister, Fahmi Fadzil has said that Malaysia recently issued a license to Elon Musk’s satellite communications service, Starlink, to provide internet services, particularly in the country’s remote areas, according to a Facebook post by the minister.

Minister Fahmi took to Facebook to share that he submitted a "facility and network services provider license" to a Starlink representative which will allow it to provide satellite internet services in Malaysia.

He went on to add that currently, 97% of the population has internet access, whereas the remaining 3% face a lack of access due to geographical issues which makes network construction a challenge. The announcement of this license comes shortly after Malaysian PM, Anwar Ibrahim’s call with Musk to discuss his investment in the Southeast Asian country.

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