Proton Skills Challenge 2026 crowns the nation's top aftersales talents

Proton reaffirmed its commitment to developing skilled automotive professionals through the 2026 Proton Skills Challenge, a nationwide competition recognising technical excellence across its aftersales network.

Held at the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST), this year's competition brought together 34 finalists from Proton's nationwide dealer network, competing across five aftersales disciplines: Technician, Service Advisor, Customer Relations Executive (CRE/CRA), Job Controller, and Parts Assistant. Finalists earned their spots through regional qualifying rounds involving 390 participants nationwide.

Beyond the competition itself, the Skills Challenge is positioned as a platform to benchmark industry competencies, recognise talent, and encourage continuous learning across Proton's aftersales network — part of the company's broader investment in workforce development to keep pace with evolving customer needs.

Participants were assessed through practical, real-world scenarios modelled on daily dealership operations, testing technical expertise, problem-solving, and customer handling skills against industry standards.

The event was officiated by Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh, Chairman of MARii, who spoke on the importance of industry-government collaboration in building a skilled automotive workforce to support Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda. Representatives from the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and the Department of Skills Development (JPK) were also in attendance, reflecting ongoing collaboration between Proton, government agencies and industry stakeholders on TVET-linked talent development.

Proton said the Skills Challenge complements the national TVET ecosystem by connecting classroom learning with real industry requirements, offering automotive professionals a structured pathway to upskill while reinforcing the company's role in developing local talent.

Dato' Ir Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar Sdn Bhd, said: "The future of the automotive industry depends on a highly skilled workforce that is ready to embrace new technologies and changing customer expectations. Through the PROTON Skills Challenge, we are not only recognising outstanding talent but also reinforcing our commitment to developing competent Technical Service and Customer Service professionals in line with the Government's TVET aspirations. This initiative reflects PROTON's continuous investment in people, ensuring our customers receive the highest standards of service across our nationwide network."

Proton said the Skills Challenge marks a continued step in its efforts to strengthen customer satisfaction and elevate aftersales service standards nationwide.