BYD Malaysia Names Jacob Ma as New Managing Director

BYD Malaysia has appointed Jacob Ma as its new Managing Director, who will oversee the operations of both BYD and its premium brand Denza in Malaysia. He takes over from Eagle Zhao, who has stepped down to focus fully on his role as President Director of PT BYD Motor Indonesia.

During his time leading BYD Malaysia, Eagle Zhao played a key role in building the brand’s presence in our local market. Under his leadership, BYD Malaysia successfully delivered over 30,000 BYD and Denza vehicles, expanded its nationwide dealer network (with showrooms in major locations like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Selangor) and strengthened aftersales services — all of which helped speed up the adoption of electric vehicles in Malaysia, a market where EVs now make up over 5% of total car sales.

“Malaysia has been an incredibly important chapter in my journey with BYD. Together with our dedicated partners and team, we have built a strong foundation for both BYD and Denza. I am confident that the momentum we have created will continue to propel the brands forward,” Zhao said in a statement.

For local car buyers, BYD currently offers a range of popular EV models in Malaysia, with prices starting from RM100,000. Key models include the BYD Dolphin (RM100,530 – RM125,530), BYD ATTO 3 (RM123,800 – RM167,800) and BYD Seal (RM171,800 – RM191,800), covering hatchbacks, crossovers and sedans to suit different budgets. Denza, BYD’s premium brand, launched its first model in Malaysia in February 2025 — the Denza D9 EV, available in Advanced and Premium variants, with the Denza Z9 GT set to launch in the second quarter of 2026.

New MD Jacob Ma brings extensive experience to the role. Before this appointment, he spent two years as VP of BYD Indonesia, following five years as Head of Training at BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen. His background also includes experience as a consultant and work in the aviation industry — skills that are expected to support BYD’s growth in Malaysia.

“I am honoured to take on this responsibility at such an exciting time for BYD Malaysia. Malaysia remains a strategic market for the group, and we are committed to delivering innovative products and comprehensive ownership experiences to our customers. Our focus will be on reinforcing operational excellence, elevating customer experience, and ensuring sustainable growth for both BYD and Denza,” Ma commented.

This leadership change comes as Malaysia’s EV market is expected to normalise in 2026, with BYD continuing to be a key player thanks to its competitive pricing and diverse model lineup. The brand’s nationwide dealer network, which includes over 20 authorised dealers across states like Penang, Johor, Selangor and Sarawak, ensures easy access to sales and aftersales support for local customers.