The Chinese Vice President stops by Tanjong Malim as part of his official visit to Malaysia.
The Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Han Zheng has recently paid a visit to the Proton plant in Tanjong Malim, Perak.
A scheduled stop in his itinerary during his his official visit to Malaysia, the Chinese Vice President was briefed on the the strategic initiatives and innovations that have driven the growth and success of Proton resulting from the ongoing partnership between DRB-HICOM and Geely. For those who are still unfamiliar, DRB-HICOM and Geely currently have a 50.1/49.9 controlling stake in the Malaysian automaker.
H.E. Han Zheng was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry YB Liew Chin Tong and Deputy Secretary General (Industry) of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Hanafi Sakri during his hour-long tour of the plant. Also present were Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin as Chairman of DRB-HICOM, Mr Eric Li as Chairman of Geely Holding, Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar as Chairman of Proton and Dr Li Chunrong as CEO of Proton.
If taking Proton at its word, the Malaysian automaker has stated that it has continued to flourish following the collaboration between DRB-HICOM and Geely Holding since 2017. The Proton X70 and Proton X50 SUV models, introduced in 2018 and 2020 respectively, became leaders in their respective segments. In May 2023 meanwhile, it ventured into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector with the launch of its mild-hybrid X90 large SUV.
The partnership between DRB-HICOM and Geely Holding also has since extended to the development of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV), which is to be grown from the very Proton plant where the Chinese Vice President has recently paid a visit to. AHTV apparently will be focused in attracting investments both locally and from overseas, which will propel it in becoming an international automotive hub for NEVs.
DRB-HICOM has further stated for the focus of this new AHTV to not only be on the production of automobiles of various makes, but also in the manufacturing of high-technology components and parts for NEVs. This will further expand the capability of local vendors towards specialising in high-technology manufacturing.
