Proton e.MAS is accelerating its efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem by expanding the localisation of its digital infrastructure, connected mobility services, and charging platform. Through its parent company, PRO-NET, the initiative supports the country’s broader ambitions under the National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020) and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), while contributing to the development of a more self-reliant automotive industry.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of PROTON Holdings Berhad, PRO-NET is focusing not only on vehicle production but also on building the digital ecosystem required to support Malaysia’s transition towards electrified mobility. Through the Proton e.MAS brand, the company is investing in connected technologies, local infrastructure, and strategic partnerships aimed at making EV ownership more practical and accessible for Malaysian consumers.
Chief Executive Officer Zhang Qiang explained that localisation goes beyond simply hosting technology within the country. According to him, Proton e.MAS is developing services and technologies tailored specifically for Malaysian lifestyles, driving habits, and infrastructure requirements. The goal is to deliver a connected mobility experience that feels familiar and convenient for local users.
A key pillar of this initiative is the connected vehicle platform developed for Proton e.MAS, which currently supports more than 300,000 vehicles across the Proton ecosystem. This makes it Malaysia’s first self-developed vehicle connectivity platform. The system powers a range of connected features including remote vehicle controls, integrated infotainment, charging services, and the Proton e.MAS mobile application. To date, the platform has processed more than eight million remote-control requests for EV users, highlighting the growing reliance on connected services in everyday driving experiences.
The ecosystem has also been designed with Malaysian users in mind. Features include complete Bahasa Malaysia language support, localised navigation services, and an integrated live charging map that simplifies access to charging stations nationwide. Additional lifestyle-focused functions such as a Qibla compass and integration with TheNoor prayer application further enhance the ownership experience by reflecting local cultural and daily needs.
Proton e.MAS also revealed that it is the only company in the country to establish a fully local supply chain for cockpit equipment, with infotainment hardware manufactured entirely in Malaysia. This achievement strengthens local industrial capabilities while supporting the government’s localisation agenda.
Beyond vehicle connectivity, the company is collaborating with several Malaysian technology and ecosystem partners including Telekom Malaysia, Maxis, Celcom, Touch ‘n Go Digital, Maybank, and ChargeSini, among others. These collaborations have reportedly generated more than RM10 million annually for Malaysia’s telecommunications ecosystem.
To further support Malaysia’s digital sovereignty ambitions, Proton e.MAS has invested over RM40 million into cloud services and its vehicle connectivity platform. The infrastructure is fully hosted locally at TM data centres, ensuring that vehicle-related data remains stored within Malaysia.
Charging accessibility is another major focus area for the company. Proton e.MAS has invested more than RM4 million into its local charging platform, which has already recorded around 11,000 users, 30,000 charging sessions, and nearly 790,000 kWh in charging volume. Through its Integrated Live Charging Map, users currently have access to more than 4,300 charging points across the country, covering approximately 90% of Malaysia’s public charging network.
According to Zhang Qiang, the localisation of digital infrastructure and connected services is laying the groundwork for a stronger and more sustainable Malaysian EV ecosystem. By combining advanced technology with features tailored to local lifestyles, Proton e.MAS aims to deliver mobility solutions that are both innovative and highly relevant to Malaysian consumers.
As EV adoption continues to grow nationwide, Proton e.MAS remains committed to supporting the country’s mobility transformation through local partnerships, connected technologies, and improved charging accessibility, helping Malaysia move closer towards a more connected and sustainable automotive future.
