22/09/2025

BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | SEPT 22, 2025

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Proton returns to S’pore market with e.MAS 7

PETALING JAYA: National automaker Proton Holdings Bhd has entered its third overseas market with the official launch of its first electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS 7, in Singapore last week. The launch also marked Proton’s return to the Singapore market after an absence of nearly 11 years, signalling a renewed commitment to regional growth and cross-border mobility. The Proton e.MAS brand is represented by Vincar Group as the authorised distributor in Singapore. Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong described the launch as the beginning of a strategic partnership that combines Proton’s technological capabilities and brand values with the local market expertise and customer trust of Singapore’s Vincar Group. He emphasised the close ties between Malaysia and Singapore, noting that both countries are bound not only by proximity but also by strong family, business and daily connections, and reaffirmed Proton’s commitment to supporting its customers in Singapore. The launch event was attended by senior leadership from both companies, including Li, Vincar CEO Vincent Tan, Proton deputy CEO Ainol Azmil Abu Bakar, Pro-Net CEO Zhang Qiang, Proton International Corporation CEO Edmund Lim Meng Thong, Vincar deputy CEO Ernest Tan and Proton senior director of corporate strategy Yusri Yusuf. Also present were officials from the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore, including Minister (Economic) Kavitha Mathuvay, Counsellor (Investment) Vinothan Tulisi Nathzan, Trade Commissioner Siti Nordiana Mohamad Akhir and Counsellor (Economic) Intan Shafina Rasdi, alongside Vincar customers and members of the Singapore media. In Malaysia, the Proton e.MAS 7 has quickly emerged as a leader in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) segment. For the first eight months of 2025, nearly 6,000 units were delivered, making it the most popular EV in the country with a 24% market share, despite having only a

single model in its lineup. The e.MAS 7 has gained traction among consumers for its compelling combination of sleek design, strong performance, advanced safety features, exceptional comfort, and intelligent technology. Its appeal is strengthened by an extensive network of 3S and 4S service outlets, which provide added convenience and confidence for customers, many of whom are first-time EV owners. It also holds the highest safety score in its class, with an Asean NCAP rating of 92.57 points. In Singapore, the e.MAS 7 will be offered in both Prime and Premium variants, with customers able to choose from six exterior colour options and two interior colour themes. To commemorate the launch, Proton is introducing a limited Founders Edition package for the first 99 customers. This exclusive offering includes a 10-year, unlimited-mileage battery warranty, five years of complimentary cross border data roaming, and access to roadside renewed commitment to regional growth and cross border mobility o Back after absence of nearly 11 years, move signals Malaysian carmaker’s

Li speaking at the launch of the Proton e.MAS 7 in Singapore.

in Malaysia. Commenting on the company’s long-term vision, Proton International Corporation CEO Edmund Lim said the Proton e.MAS 7 represents the first step of the Proton-Vincar partnership in Singapore and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to expanding its product offerings. He added that Proton intends to introduce more models in the future, with a clear focus on the New Energy Vehicle segment, which is already well established in the Singaporean market.

assistance services in both Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. In the event of a breakdown in Malaysia, Singaporean owners will be able to have their vehicles towed to the nearest Proton service centre. The launch price in Singapore is set at S$175,988 (RM576,325) for the Prime variant and S$179,988 (RM589,424) for the Premium variant, inclusive of Certificate of Entitlement, and applies only to the first 99 units sold. All Singapore-based owners will be eligible for cross-border roadside support when driving

Gamuda FY25 net profit reaches RM1 billion mark

Mihas 2025 – RM4.97 billion in sales after three days, and counting KUALA LUMPUR: The

PETALING JAYA: Gamuda Bhd’s net profit climbed 10% to reach the RM1 billion mark for the financial year ended July 31, 2025 (FY25), from RM912.13 million in FY24, due to strong domestic project strength. Revenue for FY25 in creased 19.66% to a record RM15.97 billion. Fourth-quarter net profit went up 21.89% to RM332.15 million from RM272.49 million, while revenue reached an all time quarterly high of RM4.84 billion, 2.57% higher year-on year. The property developer’s regional engineering and property group saw revenue increase by 11% to a record breaking RM16.4 billion for FY25. This milestone is a result of its strong domestic con struction projects, with an all time-high construction order book balance of RM38 billion after recording RM25 billion job wins during the year. Gamuda, in a statement, said the positive order book balance provides strong revenue visibility and positions the group for sustained growth over the coming years. Notably, domestic con struction projects comprise 50% of the order book, with data centres contributing 10% of the total value, reflecting the

Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 (Mihas 2025) recorded RM4.97 billion sales as of the third day of the event, and the figure is set to increase, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade). Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the perform ance underscored strong global confidence in Malaysia’s halal products. “The sales momentum has been driven by inter national buyers’ trust in Malaysia’s halal certification, which is known for its stringent standards,” he told Bernama and RTM at the Mihas Awards 2025 here on Saturday. He expressed his appre ciation to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), noting that its halal certification is regarded as the “gold standard”. “As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said, halal is not just a label but a symbol of trust. Once you see Jakim’s logo, you don’t have to think twice,” he said. On sectoral contributions, Reezal Merican said food and beverage remained a key driver, but noted that of Malaysia’s total exports of about RM1.5 trillion last year,

Reezal Merican delivering his speech at the Mihas Awards 2025 on Saturday. – BERNAMAPIC

Gamuda’s construction order book stands at a record high RM38 billion after recording RM25 billion job wins during FY25.

featured speakers from global and regional brands, including FedEx, Zus Coffee and Grey Café, while the Global Halal Summit 2025 – held in con junction with Mihas 2025 – was launched by the prime minister on Friday, under scoring Malaysia’s con-tinued commitment to leading the global halal industry. Themed “Pinnacle of Halal Excellence,” the Mihas Awards 2025 honoured innovators and leaders in the halal industry recognising achievements in sustainability, digitalisation, ex port performance and societal contributions. – Bernama

the sector accounted for only 2.8%. “That was mostly contri buted by large local com panies and multinationals such as Nestle, so we want to promote greater participation from small and medium enterprises,” he said. Mihas 2025 has attracted 40,000 trade visitors from 100 countries, alongside nearly 1,000 foreign and local buyers and sellers who are engaged in more than 4,000 business matching meetings through its International Sourcing Programme. Knowledge-sharing sessions

ings doubled and overseas property earnings jumped 68%. Looking ahead, the group anticipates next year’s earnings performance will be driven by newly awarded domestic con struction projects and higher contributions from various property quick turnaround projects, especially Vietnam’s Eaton Park project. The resilience of the group is underpinned by its record high unbilled property sales of RM8 billion. The group’s gearing is at 53%, well below the self-imposed gearing limit of 70%.

group’s focus on diversified infrastructure developments as overall construction margins improved. Meanwhile, Gamuda Land, its property arm, reported sales of RM4.1 billion, a 19% decline due to Hanoi, Vietnam, project approvals near the end of this financial year, with the related sales expected to be carried forward to the next financial year. Gamuda reported a 22% increase in net profit to RM332 million for Q4’25, compared with FY24’s RM272 million, as domestic construction earn