First Look: All-New Proton Saga and e.MAS 5 Unveiled for Malaysia and China Leaders at ASEAN Summit
In a historic moment that highlights the strong economic and industrial ties between Malaysia and China, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim and China’s Premier H.E. Li Qiang jointly viewed the all-new Proton Saga and Proton e.MAS 5 during the ASEAN Summit showcase at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This marks the first-ever public appearance of both models — unveiled without camouflage — ahead of their official launch, giving the world a glimpse of Proton’s next-generation innovation.
Also gracing the event were YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry; YB Dato’ Seri Utama Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Eric Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Holding Group; and Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of Proton.
Strengthening Malaysia-China Industrial Synergy
The event celebrated the growing partnership between DRB-HICOM Berhad and Geely Holding Group, a collaboration that continues to power PROTON’s transformation into a modern, competitive global automaker.
This long-standing alliance not only highlights Malaysia and China’s shared commitment to technological innovation and industrial advancement, but also reflects the pivotal role of the automotive sector in both nations’ economic and sustainable development strategies.
A New Saga of Malaysian Engineering
The all-new Proton Saga represents a defining achievement in Malaysian automotive engineering. Built on PROTON’s Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) platform, it’s the first model fully designed, engineered, and validated by Malaysian talent, with technical support from Geely.
Crucially, Proton holds full intellectual property rights (IPR) for the model — a significant national milestone proving that home-grown expertise can create vehicles that meet international standards.
e.MAS 5: Malaysia’s First Affordable EV
Meanwhile, the Proton e.MAS 5 stands as Malaysia’s first affordable electric vehicle, and the second model under the e.MAS lineup following the e.MAS 7’s debut last year. Developed in collaboration with Geely, it reflects Proton’s and Malaysia’s readiness to embrace sustainable mobility and aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmap.
Driving Regional Ambition Through AHTV
Both vehicles symbolize not only Proton’s evolution but also Malaysia’s regional ambition through the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim — envisioned as a catalyst for investment, advanced manufacturing, and innovation.
By showcasing the all-new Saga and e.MAS 5 at the ASEAN Summit, PROTON reinforced its role as a key player in driving Malaysia’s position as an emerging automotive hub in ASEAN, while strengthening the bilateral bond between Malaysia and China in shaping the future of mobility.
