PROTON Holdings Berhad

Automotive ManufacturingFounded 1983

Market Data Current As Of: September 12, 2026

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PROTON Holdings Berhad

Automotive ManufacturingFounded 1983

Reviewed by Swet Parvadiya

Last reviewed: September 12, 2026

Market Data Current As Of: September 12, 2026

Founders

Who Founded PROTON Holdings Berhad?

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad · Founded 1983 · Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Quick Answer

PROTON Holdings Berhad was founded by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in 1983 in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. The company is currently led by Dr. Li Chunrong.

Founding Story

In the late 1970s, Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad envisioned transforming Malaysia from an agricultural commodity exporter (rubber and tin) into a high-technology industrial powerhouse. Dr. Mahathir believed that creating a domestic national car industry would develop advanced engineering skills, create thousands of skilled technical jobs, and foster national self-reliance. On May 7, 1983, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (PROTON) was incorporated. Partnering with Mitsubishi Motors for engine and chassis technology, Proton constructed its first factory in Shah Alam. On July 9, 1985, Dr. Mahathir drove the very first **Proton Saga** 1.3L saloon across the newly constructed Penang Bridge. The Saga became an immediate national symbol of pride, capturing over 70% of the Malaysian car market and mobilizing an entire generation of Malaysian families.

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

Background

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is a physician and Malaysian statesman who served as the 4th and 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia, spearheading Malaysia's rapid industrial modernization.

Role at PROTON Holdings Berhad

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is the visionary founding father of Proton. In 1983, Dr. Mahathir established the National Car Project to transform Malaysia into an industrial manufacturing power. Dr. Mahathir personally oversaw the launch of the Proton Saga in 1985, championed national infrastructure, and supported the 2017 strategic partnership with Geely to secure Proton's global future.

PROTON Holdings Berhad: CEO & Leadership History

Full timeline →

Roslan Abdullah

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

2022 – Present

Oversees domestic sales, dealer relations, Malaysian government stakeholder engagement, and customer service enhancement.

Dr. Li Chunrong

Chief Executive Officer

2017 – Present

Automotive turnaround veteran appointed by Geely; overhauled quality management, streamlined dealer networks, and steered Proton back to sustained profitability.

Compare PROTON Holdings Berhad With Competitors

PROTON Holdings Berhad vs Toyota Motor Corporation →PROTON Holdings Berhad vs Bayerische Motoren Werke AG →PROTON Holdings Berhad vs Honda Motor Co., Ltd. →PROTON Holdings Berhad vs Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. →PROTON Holdings Berhad vs Suzuki Motor Corporation →

Who Founded PROTON Holdings Berhad? FAQ

Who founded PROTON Holdings Berhad and in what year was it established?

PROTON Holdings Berhad was founded in 1983 by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

What was the original founding vision for PROTON Holdings Berhad?

The founders established PROTON Holdings Berhad with the objective of solving core inefficiencies in Automotive Manufacturing, Passenger Cars, Compact Sedans, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) & Electric Mobility, laying the foundation for its current global scale.

How does PROTON Holdings Berhad preserve its founding principles today?