Malaysia’s First National Automaker EV Drives Regional Sustainability as PRO-NET Champions ASEAN’s Green Mobility Vision
Jakarta, INDONESIA, 24 April 2025 – PRO-NET, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PROTON, celebrated a significant milestone in regional sustainable mobility as the Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s first electric vehicle (EV) and the no. 1 EV in Malaysia for three consecutive months, officially led the convoy at the flag-off ceremony of the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 (AUD 2025) in Jakarta on 22 April 2025.
The high-profile event, held at the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta, was graced by distinguished leaders including YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia; H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN; H.E. Dato’ Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin, Ambassador of Malaysia to Indonesia; and H.E. Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN. Their presence underscored the importance of regional collaboration in driving forward ASEAN’s sustainable mobility agenda.
Organised by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), and supported by PRO-NET as the main sponsor, AUD 2025 will span over 9,000 kilometres across nine (9) ASEAN nations. The convoy, with the e.MAS 7 at the forefront, represents Malaysia’s leadership in the region’s EV transition and its growing commitment to clean, connected, and energy-efficient mobility solutions.
“We are proud that the Proton e.MAS 7 has been chosen to lead this important drive. It reflects the advanced engineering behind our EV and PRO-NET’s ongoing commitment to a greener and more connected Southeast Asia,” said Mr Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET.
The ASEAN Unity Drive is more than a symbolic journey it reflects the shared regional vision for sustainable development, smart mobility, and technological progress. The e.MAS 7, equipped with advanced safety, connectivity, and range features, is purpose-built for real-world conditions and inter-country travel, showcasing its reliability and potential as the everyday EV for ASEAN roads.
Following the Jakarta flag-off, the convoy will make its way through several ASEAN capitals, including Hanoi in Vietnam, Vientiane in Laos, Manila in the Philippines, Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei, Bangkok in Thailand, and Singapore reinforcing the spirit of regional unity and progress with every stop.
Each destination will feature community engagements and dialogues with local stakeholders to promote EV adoption and advance clean mobility initiatives across ASEAN. With Malaysia being ASEAN Chair this year, PRO-NET is committed to supporting the region’s green economy and paving the way for a sustainable, interconnected future of mobility and transportation.
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