Proton, Malaysia Government Sign Cooperation Pact

Malaysian auto maker Proton reaches agreement with the government’s Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM) to collaborate on activities aimed at helping the company become a global player in the industry.

Proton says in a statement the two sides will work together to strengthen, promote, cooperate and mutually assist each other in accelerating the development and commercialization of innovative products and advanced technology in the automotive sector.

The government’s Bernama news agency says AIM is a statutory body set up to devise strategies to improve Malaysia’s “innovation ecosystem” and create wealth from it.

Proton says a memorandum of understanding calls for the two sides to establish a working committee that will be responsible for implementing mutually agreed projects.

Proton Managing Director Zainal Abidin says innovation is a vital component of success and competitiveness across all economic sectors, even more so in the automotive industry, which is rapidly advancing and evolving.

“In line with the company’s aspirations of becoming a global car manufacturer, the collaboration will help enhance and accelerate Proton's research and development activities,” he says.

“The enhancement is not only for the introduction of new and exciting models, but in pioneering and commercializing advanced automotive technology, that can be mutually beneficial in moving Malaysia's automotive industry up the value chain.”

Proton Exora extended-range EV.