KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 18): About 87% of Proton Holdings Bhd's local suppliers have expressed their intention to collaborate with Chinese suppliers in the electric vehicle (EV) component supply chain, according to the national carmaker.

Among the top areas they are keen to work with the Chinese suppliers in are: distributorship, technology transfer, skill development and investments in joint business ventures, Proton said in a statement Wednesday.

This was gleaned from the local suppliers who participated in business matchmaking sessions held in early July at the Geely Research Centre at Hangzhou Bay in China during the 'Market Access, Technology Transfer, and Vendor Enhancement Program' to facilitate interactions between Proton suppliers and Geely EV suppliers, said Proton.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MECD) and led by the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd. Its goal is to accelerate the development of next-generation vehicles and battery EVs through strategic partnerships and technological exchanges.

The government is committed to advancing EV and green technology, said MECD. "Increased collaboration and partnerships aim to build essential infrastructure and support a sustainable EV ecosystem through technology transfer. By developing the local supply chain, Malaysia hopes to cut import reliance, create jobs and stimulate economic growth," said MECD.

A month before that, during a separate visit to China, Proton provided a preview of its upcoming models and design concepts to gain deeper insights into the design team’s efforts in catering to both local and global market demands.

The exclusive closed-door event was attended by representatives from the Proton Vendors Association and Proton Edar Dealers Association.

“Proton’s recent trips have demonstrated a strong commitment to product innovation and a strategic approach for introducing new models both locally and globally. This underscores the need for increased collaboration and technology exchanges to ensure the long-term resilience of the automotive sector in Malaysia and to accelerate progress towards these ambitious goals,” said Proton’s chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong.