Proton - Malaysian Handicraft Heading To Asian Games Museum, Hangzhou

YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports yesterday witnessed PROTON’s show of support for unity, sportsmanship, and Malaysian culture during the 19th Asian Games as the national athletes were presented with traditional Malaysian handicrafts.

With a rich history spanning 40 years, PROTON has played a pivotal role in the fabric of the nation, contributing significantly to the development of the national car industry and making notable contributions across various sectors for the betterment of the nation.

This year, the company has extended its reach internationally through its engagement with Malaysian athletes participating in the 19th Asian Games, with the launch of the Proton Asian Games Nation Drive initiative.

This initiative serves as a platform to showcase Malaysia's cultural heritage and introduce the company's diverse range of products while embarking on a journey to collect unique handicrafts from the regions visited. The journey began in Sabah, continued to Sarawak, and then returned to Peninsular Malaysia with stops in Melaka, Pahang, and Perak.

During each stop, members of the convoy were presented with handicrafts by esteemed athletes, including high jumper Farrell Glenn Felix Jurus, sprinter Patronella Lisong, boxer Daeloniel McDelon, former national hockey star Dato’ Mirnawan bin Datuk Hj Nawawi, as well as track legends Josephine Mary and Samson Vallabouy, who are proud parents of Shereen Samson Vallabouy, a rising star competing at the games.

The presented items included a beaded pinokol necklace from Sabah, a sape from Sarawak, an encased fabric sample of tenun Pahang, a kebaya nyonya from Melaka, and a labu sayong from Perak.

Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, emphasised the significance of their involvement in the 19th Asian Games, especially as Geely, their joint venture partner, is one of the presenting sponsors. PROTON's engagement is a testament to their support for Malaysian athletes and their recognition of the Malaysian contingent as ambassadors for the country. It is fitting for them to present these unique Malaysian handicrafts to the Asian Games Museum in Hangzhou.

Roslan further added that “PROTON’s involvement with sporting events is symbolic of our drive for quality and excellence in our products. The efforts of the athletes to train and achieve peak performance mirrors our processes to ensure vehicles delivered to our valued customers meet the highest standards and as such, the company is thankful for the opportunity to be associated with such an important sporting event.”