PROTON Brunei Welcomes the 10,000 sMILEs Convoy from Sabah
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN โ The PROTON 10,000 sMILEs convoy arrived in Brunei Darussalam on a bright morning, directly welcomed by PAD Motors at the ECON Motors 3S facility. The convoy crossed the border from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, as part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 initiative. Its purpose was clear: to strengthen community relationships and promote cultural exchange between PROTON enthusiasts in both regions.
The welcome ceremony attracted honored guests, media representatives, and PROTON community members from across Brunei. The atmosphere was lively yet dignified, reflecting the value of the event โ not just a car journey, but a joint statement about friendship and shared identity.
"Bagi Senyum Bah, Senyum Sikit Mok Nangga"
The convoy began on May 16, 2026, from Kota Kinabalu with a Kadazandusun and Malay slogan: *"Bagi Senyum Bah, Senyum Sikit Mok Nangga"*. It was not an empty slogan โ it reflected an open attitude, simple joy, and a sense of mutual respect that became the essence of the journey.
Participants โ owners and fans of PROTON from Sabah and Brunei โ traveled through winding roads across forests, hills, and borders without bureaucratic obstacles. Every kilometer became a space for conversation, photo-taking, and sharing stories. The landscape was not just seen; it was experienced together.
Welcome at ECON Motors 3S
The event at ECON Motors 3S opened with a brief speech by a representative of PAD Motors, emphasizing appreciation for the participants' perseverance โ not only in driving, but in maintaining the spirit of the convoy throughout the journey.
Traditional Bruneian art and music enlivened the atmosphere. There were no high stages or formal distances: community members from Sabah and Brunei sat side by side, drank coffee, and compared travel notes. Geographical boundaries simply disappeared under the shadow of the parked PROTON cars lined up.
More Than Just a Convoy
The arrival of the convoy made a real impact: the PROTON community in Brunei is now more connected with their counterparts in Sabah. These relationships open up space for future collaborations โ from technical training exchanges to community-based tourism projects.
According to the organizers' report, the event also highlighted the potential of the land route between Sabah and Brunei as an alternative for international travelers. For PAD Motors, supporting the convoy is part of a long-term commitment to building a PROTON brand ecosystem in Brunei โ not just as a product, but as a symbol of connectivity.
The success of the 10,000 sMILEs convoy is not measured in kilometers, but in firm handshakes, shared laughter, and promises to meet again โ perhaps this time in Kota Kinabalu.