Proton took a significant stride in bolstering its research and development (R&D) capabilities by inaugurating its new center in China last weekend. This move, strategically aligned with its partner Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely), signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing collaboration and innovation, complementing its existing facilities in Malaysia. Situated within the Geely Automobile Research Institute (GRI) at Hangzhou Bay, the launch of Proton R&D Centre (China) coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.
The opening ceremony, graced by dignitaries including Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of Proton, and Jerry Gan, Chief Executive Officer of Geely Auto Group, underscored the commitment of both entities towards fostering technological advancements. Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton, and Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of Proton, along with representatives from Malaysian governmental bodies such as Tuan Syed Farizal Aminy Syed Mohamad – Malaysian Consul General in Shanghai and industry organizations, also marked their presence, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving this initiative.
Proton’s reputation for conceiving, designing, and manufacturing vehicles from scratch has set it apart in the industry. With continued investments in R&D facilities in Malaysia, coupled with a focus on nurturing skilled professionals, Proton has amassed a wealth of expertise unique to the ASEAN region. The establishment of Proton R&D Centre (China) further fortifies these capabilities by leveraging the resources and expertise of Geely, paving the way for cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.
This expansion aligns with Proton’s ambition to emulate the success of China Euro Vehicle Technology in Sweden, positioning its R&D facilities among the global network of Geely Group. By harnessing the combined strengths of Malaysian and Chinese engineers, the new center aims to serve as a hub for talent development and innovation, driving the evolution of future automotive technologies.
The center’s mandate extends beyond conventional R&D, encompassing areas such as platform integration, intelligent driving, and project management. Leveraging Geely’s global footprint, Proton seeks to enhance its competitiveness and streamline its operations, with a particular focus on fostering the growth of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley in Malaysia.
Comprising three key departments – the Central Research Institute, Data Intelligence Development Centre, and R&D Digitization Centre – the new center is poised to spearhead Proton’s technological advancements. These departments, in close coordination with their Geely counterparts, will drive innovation and facilitate the seamless integration of digital technologies into Proton’s R&D ecosystem.
Furthermore, the establishment of an external cooperation research institute underscores Proton’s commitment to fostering collaboration and ecosystem integration, propelling the automotive industry towards new frontiers of innovation and sustainability.
In essence, the inauguration of Proton’s R&D Centre in China marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards technological excellence and international collaboration, laying the groundwork for a future-driven by innovation and strategic partnerships. 
