Proton’s Hangzhou Bay R&D centre in China doubling workforce by the end of 2025

Proton’s Research and Development Centre (PRDC) in Hangzhou Bay, China, has reached its 1st anniversary. Opened back in April 2024, the centre was set to work alongside Proton’s existing R&D facilities in Malaysia and is also a part of the carmaker’s partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely).

Thanks to its collaboration with Geely, Proton has gained access to a much advanced automotive technology and expertise. The PRDC plays a key role in transferring this knowledge to Proton’s engineering teams, helping the company develop better vehicles at a faster pace. Proton says the PRDC uses a new product development system that covers every stage of vehicle creation, from early planning through to final testing, to ensure progress remains smooth and well coordinated.

Proton is also improving the way its cars handle on Malaysian roads, working on areas like braking, cabin noise, vibration control, and fuel efficiency. These updates are led by the engineering performance team at the PRDC.

The result of this collaboration is the Proton e.MAS 7, their first electric vehicle. Built with help from Geely’s battery and EV tech centres, the e.MAS 7 shares its roots with the Geely Galaxy E5/EX5. Proton says the PRDC played a major role in testing and refining the car’s thermal management, charging system, and regenerative braking to improve safety, durability, and driving range.

Despite being based in China, the PRDC works closely with Proton’s teams back in Malaysia. “We share testing data and engineering knowledge every day to help raise Malaysia’s R&D capabilities,” said senior engineer Zulkifli Bin Fadzlullah.

Proton also plans to expand its Malaysian R&D teams by sending more staff for training and experience exchanges with the PRDC.

The PRDC is expected to double its workforce by the end of the year. This will strengthen Proton’s work in electronics, EVs, and other future tech. According to R&D head Mohd Haizam Bin Ghazali, the centre gives engineers access to world-class facilities without taking away from Malaysia’s main R&D base.

“This collaboration helps us grow faster, while keeping Malaysia at the heart of Proton’s product development,” he said.