Malaysian and Chinese leaders inspect Proton’s latest vehicles, highlighting growing automotive collaboration and technological partnership between both nations.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang viewed the latest Proton Saga and Proton e.MAS 5 models during the 47th ASEAN Summit.
In a Facebook post, Anwar described Proton as a strong symbol of the close friendship between Malaysia and China.
He noted their shared commitment to deepening strategic cooperation in automotive development and technological innovation.
“This partnership continues to flourish, reflecting our mutual determination to advance not only in the automotive sector but also in emerging areas such as the digital economy, green energy, and smart mobility, further strengthening Malaysia’s position as a key hub in ASEAN’s regional automotive value chain,” he said.
Proton stated that both leaders’ presence highlighted the automotive sector’s growing importance as a key collaboration area.
The company said this supports Malaysia’s national transformation agenda and China’s continued engagement in regional industrial growth.
Today’s public showcase reflects the successful partnership between DRB-HICOM Berhad and Geely Holding Group.
This collaboration has driven Proton’s transformation into a modern, competitive automotive company.
“Through this partnership, Proton continues to combine Malaysian engineering capabilities with Geely’s technological expertise to advance the country’s automotive ecosystem, supporting the development of new skills, local innovation and sustainable growth,” the statement read.
The all-new Proton Saga debuts Proton’s Advanced Modular Architecture platform.
It represents the first model fully designed, engineered and validated by Malaysian talent with technical collaboration from Geely.
“The model carries Proton’s full intellectual property rights, representing a major milestone in national capability and proving that home-grown Malaysian talent can design and develop a complete vehicle that meets international standards,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Proton e.MAS 5 marks Malaysia’s first affordable electric vehicle.
This follows the successful introduction of the e.MAS 7 last year.
“This model reflects the nation’s readiness to embrace sustainable mobility in support of the government’s National Energy Transition Roadmap,” it said.
The vehicle display during the ASEAN Summit reinforces the strong bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China.
Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Geely Holding Group chairman Eric Li Shufu and Proton chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar also attended the showcase. – Bernama
