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Leaders Witness Proton Saga, e.MAS 5 at ASEAN Summit

Proton Saga and e.MAS 5 showcased at ASEAN Summit to Malaysian and Chinese leaders

 

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes


Key Takeaways

  • The exclusive preview of the all-new Proton Saga and Proton e.MAS 5 at the ASEAN Summit underscored Malaysia's deepening industrial partnership with China.
  • The Proton Saga, built on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) platform, is a landmark achievement, being fully designed, engineered, and validated by Malaysian teams with full intellectual property rights under Proton.
  • The Proton e.MAS 5 emerges as Malaysia's first truly affordable electric vehicle, accelerating the nation's commitment to sustainable mobility and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
  • The DRB-HICOM Berhad and Geely Holding Group collaboration continues to drive Proton's global competitiveness, fostering local expertise, and creating significant opportunities for Malaysian talent.
  • This showcase reflects Malaysia's strategic vision to establish the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) as a regional automotive hub, attracting investment and fostering advanced manufacturing.

Table of Contents


Leaders Witness Proton Saga, e.MAS 5 at ASEAN Summit

We often view car launches as simple product reveals. But what if a single event showcased not just new vehicles, but the very essence of national innovation and international collaboration? This was precisely the scenario at the recent ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Li Qiang of China were given an exclusive first look at two groundbreaking models: the all-new Proton Saga and the Proton e.MAS 5. These weren't just cars; they were statements. Discover how the Proton Saga and e.MAS 5 electric vehicle made an impression on Malaysian and Chinese leaders at the recent ASEAN Summit. Get the full story here. This momentous occasion marked a pivotal chapter in Malaysia's automotive journey, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can propel a nation forward and reshape its industrial landscape. It prompts a crucial question: could these two vehicles redefine Malaysia's future in the global automotive arena?


The Unveiling: A Strategic Partnership Takes Center Stage

The highly anticipated showcase took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, serving as a powerful testament to the growing industrial synergy between Malaysia and China. The presence of high-ranking officials, including Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato' Seri Utama Mohamad Hasan, Geely Holding Group Chairman Eric Li Shufu, and Proton Chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, underscored the diplomatic and economic weight of the event. This wasn't merely a product presentation; it was a profound symbol of shared commitment to industrial innovation, sustainable development, and robust regional cooperation.

The journey of Proton's transformation under the collaboration between DRB-HICOM Berhad and Geely Holding Group has been nothing short of remarkable. This partnership has been a catalyst, propelling Proton into a modern, globally competitive carmaker. By seamlessly blending Malaysian engineering acumen with Geely's cutting-edge technological capabilities, this collaboration has significantly advanced local expertise, championed sustainable industrial development, and forged new avenues for Malaysian talent within the rapidly evolving mobility landscape. The models unveiled are tangible proof of this successful fusion, setting a new benchmark for what bilateral cooperation can achieve.


Proton Saga: A Symbol of Malaysian Engineering Prowess

Central to this historic display was the all-new Proton Saga, a model that carries immense national significance and resonates deeply with Malaysian identity. This latest iteration of the beloved Saga is built on Proton's Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) platform, representing a monumental leap forward. What makes this particular showcase truly special is the fact that it is the first car to be entirely designed, engineered, and validated by Malaysian teams, benefiting from crucial technical input from Geely. Imagine the pride: a vehicle conceived and perfected by homegrown talent, ready to meet international standards. This achievement symbolizes a new level of autonomy for the brand, as Proton now holds full intellectual property rights for the model. It unequivocally demonstrates Malaysia's growing capability to design and produce vehicles that not only compete on a global scale but also embody its unique engineering expertise. For consumers, this signifies a new era of quality and innovation rooted firmly in Malaysian ingenuity.


Proton e.MAS 5: Driving Malaysia's Sustainable Future

Alongside the rejuvenated Saga, the Proton e.MAS 5 made its debut as the country's first truly affordable electric vehicle (EV). This groundbreaking model marks Proton's continued, aggressive progress in electrification, building on the success of the e.MAS 7, which was introduced to critical acclaim in 2024. Developed with Geely's unparalleled design and engineering support, the e.MAS 5 isn't just another car; it's a pragmatic and accessible step forward in Malaysia's ambitious push for sustainable mobility. Its introduction is directly aligned with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which outlines a clear strategy to accelerate the shift towards a cleaner, greener transportation future. With projections indicating a significant rise in EV adoption across Southeast Asia, the e.MAS 5 positions Proton, and indeed Malaysia, at the forefront of this crucial transition. This vehicle represents a commitment not just to innovation, but to environmental stewardship and a healthier planet for generations to come. For potential buyers, this means an opportunity to embrace cutting-edge, eco-friendly technology without breaking the bank.


Beyond the Cars: A Blueprint for Regional Collaboration

The display of these two pivotal models during the ASEAN Summit transcended mere automotive milestones; it reflected a much deeper, more intricate industrial relationship forged between Malaysia and China. This collaboration is fundamentally built on pillars of technology sharing, joint innovation, and robust human capital development. It exemplifies a blueprint for how regional cooperation can effectively drive both economic progress and sustainable growth. The synergy between these two nations fosters an environment where knowledge transfer is continuous, allowing for the rapid evolution of local capabilities. What does this mean for the everyday citizen? It means more high-skilled job opportunities, advancements in local manufacturing processes, and ultimately, a stronger, more resilient economy. This partnership extends beyond factories and balance sheets; it's about empowering people and building a shared future of prosperity and technological advancement.


Malaysia's Automotive Ambition: The AHTV Vision

The success of this burgeoning collaboration is intricately linked to Malaysia's visionary goal of becoming a regional automotive hub through the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV). Strategically located in Tanjong Malim, Perak, AHTV is not just a concept; it's a tangible project designed to attract significant investment and serve as a vibrant centre for advanced manufacturing, research, and innovation. This ambitious undertaking underpins the country's long-term strategy to solidify its position within Southeast Asia's dynamic automotive sector. With an estimated potential to create thousands of high-value jobs and attract billions in foreign direct investment, AHTV is poised to be a game-changer. It represents Malaysia's commitment to fostering an ecosystem where cutting-edge technologies, skilled talent, and global partnerships converge. By nurturing such an environment, Malaysia aims to not only produce world-class vehicles but also to become a global leader in automotive R&D and manufacturing, further cementing its role as a key player in the regional economy.


The Road Ahead: What This Means for You

The unveiling of the Proton Saga and e.MAS 5 before Malaysian and Chinese leaders isn't just news for automotive enthusiasts; it's a significant indicator of Malaysia's economic trajectory and its commitment to a sustainable future. For consumers, this means access to innovatively designed, quality vehicles that cater to diverse needs, from the enduring reliability of the Saga to the eco-conscious efficiency of the e.MAS 5. For professionals, it signals a boom in high-tech manufacturing, engineering, and R&D roles, particularly within the AHTV framework. For the nation, it reinforces Malaysia's standing as a hub for industrial innovation and a model for effective international partnerships. Discover how the Proton Saga and e.MAS 5 electric vehicle made an impression on Malaysian and Chinese leaders at the recent ASEAN Summit. Get the full story here. has shown us that this goes beyond mere product launches, touching on national pride, economic growth, and environmental responsibility. It's an exciting time to be part of Malaysia's journey!


Summary

In essence, the exclusive showcase of the all-new Proton Saga and Proton e.MAS 5 at the ASEAN Summit was far more than a car reveal. It was a powerful demonstration of the flourishing industrial partnership between Malaysia and China, highlighting Proton's remarkable transformation and Malaysia's drive towards becoming a regional automotive powerhouse. The Saga stands as a testament to homegrown engineering prowess, while the e.MAS 5 represents a bold stride towards sustainable, affordable electric mobility. Together, these models underscore a shared vision for innovation, economic growth, and a greener future, propelled by strategic collaboration and a clear roadmap for industrial development through initiatives like the AHTV.


What are your thoughts on Proton's exciting new direction and its collaboration with Geely?

We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights on how this partnership and these innovative new models will shape Malaysia's economic future and its position in the global automotive landscape. Join the conversation in the comments below!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the significance of the Proton Saga being fully designed by Malaysian teams?

A1: The all-new Proton Saga being entirely designed, engineered, and validated by Malaysian teams signifies a major milestone for Proton. It demonstrates Malaysia's growing capacity for independent automotive innovation, fostering homegrown expertise and securing full intellectual property rights for the brand. This enhances national pride and positions Malaysia as a capable player in global vehicle design and production.


Q2: How does the Proton e.MAS 5 contribute to Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR)?

A2: The Proton e.MAS 5, as Malaysia's first truly affordable electric vehicle, is a crucial step in accelerating the nation's transition towards sustainable mobility. Its introduction directly supports the NETR's goals of promoting cleaner, greener transportation solutions, making EV technology accessible to a wider demographic, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.


Q3: What role does Geely play in Proton's transformation and new model development?

A3: Geely Holding Group plays a pivotal role as Proton's strategic partner. Their collaboration with DRB-HICOM Berhad has been instrumental in driving Proton's transformation, providing significant technological capabilities, design and engineering support, and global market insights. This partnership has allowed Proton to develop advanced platforms like AMA and innovate in areas like electrification, while still enabling local expertise to flourish.


Q4: What is the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) and its importance?

A4: The Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, Perak, is a visionary project aimed at establishing Malaysia as a regional automotive hub. It is designed to attract substantial investment, foster advanced manufacturing, and become a center for automotive R&D and innovation. AHTV is central to Malaysia's long-term strategy for strengthening its position in the Southeast Asian automotive sector and creating high-value jobs.


Q5: How does the Malaysia-China collaboration benefit the broader ASEAN region?

A5: The Malaysia-China collaboration, exemplified by the Proton showcase, serves as a blueprint for regional cooperation. It promotes technology sharing, joint innovation, and human capital development that can inspire similar partnerships across ASEAN. By fostering economic progress and sustainable growth within Malaysia, it indirectly contributes to the overall prosperity and technological advancement of the wider Southeast Asian region.

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