SHAH ALAM, 26 May 2026 – PRO-NET, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PROTON Holdings Berhad, has announced a major step forward in Malaysia’s electric vehicle development strategy, investing more than RM40 million into local digital infrastructure and connected mobility services as part of its efforts to strengthen the Proton e.MAS ecosystem.
While localisation efforts within the automotive industry are often associated with manufacturing and assembly operations, PRO-NET’s latest initiative focuses on the software and connectivity side of EV ownership, supporting the government’s broader objectives under the National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020) and National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
According to PRO-NET, the investment aims to create a fully localised connected mobility ecosystem designed specifically around Malaysian driving habits, infrastructure requirements and consumer needs.
“Proton e.MAS is committed to building a complete connected mobility ecosystem that is designed around Malaysian drivers, Malaysian infrastructures, and Malaysian everyday needs,” said Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET.
“Localisation is not only about where our technology is hosted, but how our services are developed to make EV ownership more convenient, familiar, and relevant for Malaysians.”
Building Malaysia’s Connected Vehicle Ecosystem
At the heart of the initiative is Proton e.MAS’ connected vehicle platform, which currently supports more than 300,000 vehicles across the wider PROTON ecosystem, making it one of Malaysia’s largest locally-developed automotive connectivity platforms.
The platform powers a range of connected features including remote vehicle functions, connected infotainment services, charging integration and mobile app connectivity.
PRO-NET revealed that more than eight million remote vehicle commands have already been processed through the platform, highlighting the growing adoption of connected vehicle technologies among Malaysian motorists.
Unlike many imported connected systems, Proton e.MAS says its ecosystem has been specifically tailored for local users through features such as complete Bahasa Malaysia language support, localised navigation services and an integrated live charging map.
The platform also incorporates uniquely Malaysian lifestyle-focused features including a built-in Qibla compass and integration with TheNoor prayer application, further enhancing the ownership experience for local users.
Another significant milestone is Proton e.MAS’ claim of achieving a fully localised supply chain for cockpit equipment, with infotainment hardware manufactured locally in Malaysia.
Supporting Local Industry Through Strategic Partnerships
Beyond vehicle connectivity, PRO-NET’s localisation efforts are also contributing to Malaysia’s broader digital economy through partnerships with local telecommunications providers, financial institutions and mobility service providers.
Current ecosystem partners include TM, Maxis, Celcom, Altel, Touch ‘n Go Digital, Maybank, Fasspay, SYOK, MYTV, TheNoor and ChargeSini, alongside various local charging point operators.
According to the company, these collaborations have already generated more than RM10 million annually in value for Malaysia’s telecommunications sector.
A significant portion of the RM40 million investment has also gone towards establishing a fully localised cloud infrastructure hosted within TM data centres, ensuring vehicle data remains stored within Malaysia while supporting national digital sovereignty initiatives.
Expanding Charging Access Nationwide
Alongside connected mobility services, Proton e.MAS continues to expand its charging ecosystem to support growing EV adoption across the country.
The company has invested more than RM4 million into its charging platform, which currently serves approximately 11,000 users and has facilitated around 30,000 charging sessions.
To date, the platform has delivered close to 790,000kWh of charging volume through its network integration efforts.
A key component of the ecosystem is the Integrated Live Charging Map, which now provides access to more than 4,300 charging points nationwide.
According to PRO-NET, this represents approximately 90% coverage of Malaysia’s public charging infrastructure, allowing users to locate, navigate to and access charging facilities directly through the vehicle’s connected platform.
Laying The Foundation For Malaysia’s EV Future
As Malaysia’s EV market continues to mature, PRO-NET believes connected services will play an increasingly important role in shaping ownership experiences.
Rather than focusing solely on vehicle sales, the company says its strategy centres around creating a comprehensive ecosystem that supports drivers throughout their ownership journey.
“By localising our connected services and digital infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for a stronger Malaysian EV ecosystem,” Zhang added.
“This allows Proton e.MAS to deliver mobility solutions that are not only technologically advanced, but also practical and relevant to the way Malaysians live and drive.”
With Proton e.MAS continuing to grow its presence on Malaysian roads, investments in software, charging infrastructure and digital services are expected to become increasingly important as the brand seeks to establish itself as a long-term player in the country’s electrified mobility landscape.
Writer’s Take
This is probably one of the most important Proton e.MAS announcements this year, even though it doesn’t involve a new vehicle launch.
The average consumer tends to focus on battery size, range figures and charging speeds, but the reality is that modern EV ownership increasingly revolves around software, connectivity and ecosystem integration. That’s where Proton e.MAS appears to be investing heavily.
What stands out most is the localisation angle. Features like Bahasa Malaysia support, TheNoor integration and local cloud hosting may sound small individually, but together they create an ownership experience that feels genuinely Malaysian rather than simply adapted from an overseas market.
The bigger strategic picture is even more interesting. While many brands are competing on hardware, PRO-NET is quietly building the digital infrastructure behind the vehicles. With over 300,000 connected vehicles already operating on its platform and more than RM40 million invested into local infrastructure, Proton e.MAS is positioning itself as more than just an EV manufacturer, it’s becoming a mobility technology ecosystem.
If Malaysia’s EV future is going to be built around locally-developed solutions rather than imported platforms, this is exactly the sort of investment that will make a difference in the long run. 🚗⚡
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