SINGAPORE: Malaysia is developing a robust electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, and such an ecosystem could be strengthened through collaboration with land neighbours such as Singapore and Thailand, says Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore.
Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar said one aspect that could be looked into was the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the three countries and beyond.
"Asean Unity Drive 2025 (AUD2025) is centred on the theme of 'Uniting Automotive Across Borders”, he said at the flag off of the final lap of the AUD2025 here Tuesday (May 6).
He said the AUD2025 reflected Malaysia’s vision for its Chairmanship, which was “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
"The AUD025 serves as a mobile testament to what we can achieve when we work together—government agencies, industry players, and civil society—united in purpose and inspired by a vision of sustainable development," he said.
The AUD2025, which spans 9,000km, comprises a convoy journey through nine Asean member states and was flagged off by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry on March 20, 2025.
"Singapore marks the final stop of the southern route as they journey back to Malaysia," he added.
He described the AUD2025 as a bold statement of Asean's shared commitment to a greener, cleaner, smarter and more connected region.
"It is also about fostering regional unity, cultural exchange, as well sustainable future," he added, adding that each convoy comprises several Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s own EV.
He added that AUD2025 also highlighted Malaysia's commitment to spearhead policies that promote green transportation and industry-driven innovations.
Dr Azfar said Malaysia had proposed 18 Priority Economic Deliverables (PED) for 2025, and one of the PED was the Asean EV Policy and Guidelines.
He added that as the 5th largest economic bloc, Asean played a crucial role in global trade and the supply chain.
"Asean’s importance to global trade will grow and is poised to become the 3rd largest economic bloc by 2050," he added.
Meanwhile, AUD2025, featuring Proton e.MAS 7 (electric vehicles) and Proton X Series vehicles are organised by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), an agency under MITI.
MARii deputy chief executive officer Nizmar Mohd Nazar said the expedition has been divided into two groups travelling North to Hanoi, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, while the southern group comprises Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines and Singapore.
He said the convoy is anticipated to complete its journey at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, which will be held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park in Serdang, from May 9 to 15.
Also present at the flag off was Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs director-general (Asean directorate) Rajpal Singh and diplomats from other Asean member countries.
