Proton and Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation and collaboration related to innovation activities in the automotive sector.
The partnership will see Proton and AIM working together to promote and mutually assist each other in accelerating the development and commercialisation of innovative products and advanced technology in the automotive industry, to benefit both the industry and public at large.
The MoU specifies collaboration between both parties in the following areas: the promotion of innovation, in particular automotive-related advanced technology ideas; the utilisation of facilities to accommodate their personnel throughout the duration of a project; the exchange of information, publication and materials related to their project/s as well as joint-organisation of projects in relation to the promotion and development of innovation.
Under the MoU, Proton and AIM will establish a joint working committee that will be responsible for the implementation of mutually-agreed projects that will be undertaken.
In line with the company’s aspirations of becoming a global car manufacturer, Proton MD Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin said the collaboration would help to enhance and accelerate Proton’s research and development activities, not only for the introduction of new and exciting models, but in pioneering and commercialising advanced automotive technologies which would be beneficial in moving Malaysia’s automotive industry up the value chain.
The collaboration also underlines Proton’s commitment in support of the national agenda in transforming Malaysia into a high income and knowledge-based nation, as outlined in the Government’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) to elevate Malaysia to becoming a fully developed nation by 2020.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
The comments revolve around skepticism and criticism towards Proton's collaborative initiatives, mainly questioning the effectiveness and sincerity of MoU agreements like with AIM and Lotus, and doubting Proton’s ability to compete globally due to issues like cronyism, quality, pricing, and a lack of true innovation. Many view Proton as a protectionist, race-based establishment, and express distrust in government subsidies and protection policies. There is support for increased innovation efforts, EV and NGV technology development, and public involvement, but also numerous complaints about Proton's past failures, quality issues, and the need for real structural reforms. Overall, sentiments are largely negative, emphasizing the need for genuine change and criticizing past mismanagement and protectionism.