9-Year-Old Penang Girl Wins Hot Wheels Proton Saga Packaging Art Contest

9-year-old Saw Jane Harn from Penang being congratulated by execs from both Proton and Mattel at
Art Of Speed 2023 (AOS 2023) earlier today.

The 2023 edition of the annual Art Of Speed custom vehicles and custom culture festival swung into high gear as it opened the doors to the public earlier today, welcomes visitors for its two-day run until tomorrow. But for one particular visitor, the day was made just a little more special.

Hailing from Penang, 9-year-old Saw Jane Harn enjoyed the limelight at the Hot Wheels booth this morning when she was presented as the winner of the Hot Wheels X Proton Kids Design Competition 2023 by executives from both the national carmaker and Mattel – parent company of the Hot Wheels brand.

Moreover, Saw can now revel at being the world’s first kid to have her artwork featured on the signature Hot Wheels ‘blister’ packaging of the upcoming Hot Wheels Proton Saga Special Edition toy collectible when it debuts in December this year.

The special ceremony doubled up as a special public unveiling of Saw's winning design that features the Jalur Gemilang, Petronas Twin Towers, a hibiscus, and a Rhinoceros Hornbill.

Besides the Jalur Gemilang at the top section just above the signature Hot Wheels label, Saw’s winning design saw her incorporate a number of uniquely Malaysian sights, namely  the Petronas Twin Towers national monument, our national flower the hibiscus, and our national bird the Rhinoceros Hornbill.

"The Malaysian elements Saw Jane Harn chose for her design are a quintessential summation of our beautiful country," said Azlan Othman, Chief Designer at Proton and one of the judges for the contest. “Not only have they gifted our daughter such a great honour, they have ignited a spark for a deeper appreciation for our country,” added Tang Sin Chant, Saw’s Mother.

Saw with two other top three winners plus three consolation prize winners getting congratulated by execs from Proton, Mattel, as well guests from AOS 2023 show organisers.

According to Mattel, Saw’s winning design will first undergo pre-production review to identify any regulatory or other approvals required before it enters production. Both Mattel and Proton have committed towards ensuring all of which receives the green light as Mattel’s design and production team hopes to retain as much of Saw’s original design as possible.

Whilst Saw took top honours, the contest also rewarded two others who came in the top three alongside her, as well as three other consolation prize winners. All of whom were rewarded with cash prizes and limited edition Hot Wheels merchandise. As an added treat, these kids also got to meet and greet Matt Gabe, the Hot Wheels brand’s renowned Lead Packaging Designer, at Art Of Speed 2023 today.

Also showcased for the first time publicly is the Proton Saga Hot Wheels Special edition pre-production prototype. This 1:64 scale toy collectible is set to debut later this year in December.

As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations this year, Mattel Malaysia partnered up with national carmaker Proton to celebrate said milestone, which also coincided with the debut of said carmaker’s first offering, the Proton Saga, in 1985. Out of which, the Proton Saga Hot Wheels Special Edition idea was born, followed by this special box art contest opened especially for Malaysian children.

Together with Saw’s winning design, the 1:64 scale collectible toy is set for a special debut later this year before hitting store shelves starting in 2024.