logo
Asean Unity Drive 2025: Proton e.MAS EV embarks on record-breaking 9,000-km tour across nine nations

Asean Unity Drive 2025: Proton e.MAS EV embarks on record-breaking 9,000-km tour across nine nations

Malay Mail02-05-2025
BANGKOK, May 2 — Malaysia's national electric vehicle (EV), the Proton e.MAS 7, is aiming to set an Asean record for being the first and longest multi-nation convoy as part of the Asean Unity Drive 2025 (AUD 2025), an initiative led by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii).
The AUD 2025, featuring the Proton e.MAS 7, will see the convoy travel through 40 cities across nine countries via two separate routes, covering an impressive 9,000 kilometres over 35 days.
The northern route begins in Hanoi, Vietnam, and passes through Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand before reaching Malaysia. Meanwhile, the southern route starts in Manila, the Philippines, and continues through Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak, Indonesia, and Singapore before returning to Malaysia.
MARii Chief Executive Officer Azrul Reza Aziz stated that with Malaysia serving as the Chair of Asean, the convoy reflects the nation's strong commitment to fostering regional integration, promoting sustainable mobility, and driving innovation.
Azrul emphasised that the initiative highlights Asean's dedication to tourism, economic cooperation, and environmental innovation across Southeast Asia.
'For the first time, we are attempting an Asean record with a national EV traversing nine countries and covering 9,000 kilometres in 35 days.
'We aim to demonstrate that EVs can be driven across Asean countries without encountering issues related to charging stations or charging infrastructure,' he told Bernama during an interview on Friday.
Azrul added that, with the support of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), this milestone journey will feature the Proton e.MAS 7 alongside two Proton X series models as they traverse the Asean region.
He further revealed that the convoy is scheduled to conclude its journey at the Malaysia Auto Show 2025, which will be held at MAEPS Serdang on May 8.
Earlier, the Embassy of Malaysia in Thailand hosted the flag-off ceremony in Bangkok, officiated by Minister Megat Farez Zuhairin Zakaria and Minister Counsellor Jayagowri Pindaya. — Bernama
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sarawak Key To ASEAN's Green Energy Push
Sarawak Key To ASEAN's Green Energy Push

Barnama

time26 minutes ago

  • Barnama

Sarawak Key To ASEAN's Green Energy Push

BUSINESS Arthur D. Little Southeast Asia partner and head of energy, utilities, and resources practice, Trung Ghi By Siti Radziah Hamzah KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak-linked segment of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) is shaping up to be a crucial enabler of regional decarbonisation efforts, supplying low-carbon hydropower to displace fossil fuel generation across Southeast Asia, said an expert. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reportedly said that Sarawak has the potential to become the main energy hub for Malaysia and ASEAN. The state could also play a key role in the APG initiative with its rich energy resources, including hydropower, gas and hydrogen. Trung Ghi, Arthur D. Little Southeast Asia partner and head of energy, utilities, and resources practice, said the tripartite cooperation of this scale strengthened regulatory alignment and accelerated institutional readiness. The move comes as Sarawak eyes a nearly threefold increase in renewable energy capacity to 15 gigawatts (GW) by 2035, positioning the state as a regional energy anchor. According to Sarawak Energy's 2035 Strategic Plan, this expansion includes continued hydropower development, solar scale-up, and hydrogen deployment. 'The 15GW target is ambitious but feasible with the right enablers. Continued hydropower development, solar scale-up and hydrogen deployment will be critical. If realised, it would significantly boost Sarawak's export capacity while enhancing domestic energy security,' Trung told Bernama in a written interview recently. Malaysia is currently exploring two cross-border transmission routes - one overland via Peninsular Malaysia and another via a direct undersea cable to Singapore. Trung said the route that secures financing, permits and offtake agreements first is likely to move ahead. 'Cost-efficiency and geopolitical alignment are key considerations. A route through Peninsular Malaysia may be quicker and cheaper, while direct access to Singapore's premium market could offer higher commercial returns,' he added.

Sabah teacher on ‘20 to watch' list
Sabah teacher on ‘20 to watch' list

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

Sabah teacher on ‘20 to watch' list

INNOVATION doesn't require perfection or a big budget - just consistency, creativity, and the willingness to share your journey, says Mohd Al Khalifa Mohd Affnan (pic). The Keningau Vocational College (KVC) English language teacher, who is also a digital learning advocate, is proof of the power of this 'recipe', having recently earned a spot as an honoree of the ISTE+ASCD 20 to Watch Award 2025. The award, organised by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) in the United States, recognises 20 innovative early-career educators each year who are transforming education in impactful and replicable ways. The 39-year-old educator from Sabah - who specialises in integrating educational technology, game-based learning, and global citizenship education to create engaging, student-centred environments - is the only honoree from Malaysia and South-East Asia this year. 'I feel deeply honoured to represent not just Malaysia, but also the entire Asean region. 'Standing among 19 other global changemakers truly humbled me and reinforced that our efforts, even from rural schools, matter,' he told StarEdu. Mohd Al Khalifa's recognition stemmed largely from his development of KVC Nexus, a digital ecosystem designed to optimise - rather than replace - existing national platforms like the Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia (Delima). Instead of burdening teachers with new systems, KVC Nexus streamlines documentation and collaboration using familiar tools such as G Suite, he explained. One standout feature, he added, is the Automated Report System, which converts submitted activity data into various ready-to-use report formats, significantly reducing clerical work for teachers. 'I saw how much time was wasted on paperwork and scattered information. That's when I knew there had to be a better way. 'What truly inspired me was seeing my diploma students' reactions during their final-year projects. 'They had always used smartphones and laptops, but they didn't realise that powerful tools like Google Docs, Google Drive, and other Delima-integrated apps were already available at their fingertips,' he said. Looking ahead, Mohd Al Khalifa plans to scale his award-winning initiative by developing a free, beginner- friendly module for any teacher or school interested in adopting KVC Nexus. He is also exploring the integration of tools like the Imago smartboard powered by ChromeOS to further support hybrid and interactive teaching. He noted that by showing how digital tools can reduce workloads, more teachers would feel empowered to adopt practical, sustainable solutions in their own classrooms and institutions. 'If it can be standardised, it can be automated. Many clerical tasks in schools can be streamlined simply by digitising routine processes,' he said. To his fellow educators, he had this advice: 'Start with your students' needs, not with the tools. Focus on solving a real challenge in your classroom. 'Even small efforts can create ripples of change when done with intention. Mohd Al Khalifa's latest recognition adds to a string of accolades under his belt, including being a finalist of the 2024 Bett Asia Awards (The Pioneer Award) and winning the 2022 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher award.

Japan FM Iwaya visits Malaysia for 58th AMM, co-hosts CEAPAD IV
Japan FM Iwaya visits Malaysia for 58th AMM, co-hosts CEAPAD IV

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

Japan FM Iwaya visits Malaysia for 58th AMM, co-hosts CEAPAD IV

KUALA LUMPUR: Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will visit Malaysia this week to participate in the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and co-chair the Fourth Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV). This marks his first official trip to Malaysia since assuming office last October. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata highlighted the significance of the visit, stating it underscores Japan's strong backing for ASEAN centrality and the deepening bilateral relationship with Malaysia. 'This visit reflects Japan's deep engagement with Southeast Asia and our commitment to working closely with Malaysia on key regional and global issues - from humanitarian support and energy transition to education and maritime security,' Shikata said. Malaysia is hosting the 58th AMM at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11. As the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia plays a pivotal role in shaping regional discussions. Japan, ASEAN's first dialogue partner since 1973, has steadily expanded its involvement, including joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2004 and upgrading ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. A key focus of Iwaya's visit is CEAPAD IV, co-hosted by Japan and Malaysia on July 11. Launched in 2013, CEAPAD coordinates development support for Palestine, with Malaysia actively participating since its inception. The conference highlights both nations' shared commitment to humanitarian and developmental efforts in the region.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store