PROTON NETWORK CONVENTION 2013/14

Left: Liew Vee Lee, Lee Lik Sai, Taha, Rashid Musa, Armin Baniaz Pahamin, Hisham Othman, Datuk Yahya Jaafar, Siaw Siew Bee, Jeff Lim, Dato Isa Indot

7 June 2013, Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Except for 3 dealers, PROTON Network which comprised of all authorized Sales dealers, After-Sales dealers, branch showroom, branch service centres, management and senior management of Proton Edar and Proton Holdings Berhad gathered for the first time at the Hotel Istana in Kuala Lumpur since DRB-Hicom took over from Khazanah Nasional. The gathering was graced by Yg Bhg Tan Sri Mohd Khamil bin Jamil himself as the Executive Chairman of Proton Holdings Berhad accompanied by Datuk Lokman, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Proton Holdings Berhad, Hisham Othman, Chief Executive Officer Proton Edar Sdn Bhd as well as other senior Management.This was my 4th Convention that I attended as the President for Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia.

The session that saw almost a 100% attendance with only 2 days notice given, began as early as 8am and was a much needed gathering given the disappointing overall sales in May. When the network expected Tan Sri Khamil to throw some if not many punches for the dismay sales, he remained calm and cool and seemed to understand the predicament we faced. In fact, he addresses various critical issues that is pertinent to the survivability of the network.

Left: Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil, Rashid Musa, Dato Lukman Ibrahim, Hisham Othman

We did not know what to expect from the convention especially since it was the first Proton Network convention with Tan Sri Khamil but the man who spoke in fluent and polished english, with good clarity and voice projection left one strong message that only if you are part of the network would you be able to relate and understand. Tan Sri's strong charisma spoke not just in deep passion but with felt emotion.

Hisham Othman, the 8th appointed Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer spoke with the same
magnitude of energy. The stern, firm but with a good sense of humor did not just earned him the comfort of Tan Sri Khamil but among the fellow dealers. The avid runner and health cautious CEO's openness in receiving criticism was a default nature of his serious allergy to customer's complain. He welcomes almost everyone to email, sms, whatsapp or even call him direct bypassing his managers if they have any problem.

Of course, alike previous Proton Network convention, the details and content of which is censored and is kept discreet. The Convention ended with a renewed energy and uplifted spirit. There are so much to digest today and to realized the mandate from the Convention, PEDA's diary is fully booked next week with various meetings. Constant and regular engagement is indeed a DRB-Hicom's trait. Until next time...... Stay Tuned.

Also read (click below):
1) Proton Network Convention 2010
2) Proton Network Convention 2011
3) Proton Network Convention 2012