Proton 10,000 sMILEs Convoy Enters Brunei — Smiles from Sabah, Friendship at the Border

PAD Motors, the official Proton dealer in Brunei, welcomed the Proton 10,000 sMILEs convoy that arrived from Kota Kinabalu at the end of May 2026. The event at ECON Motors 3S is part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 — connecting communities, promoting land tourism, and reinforcing the Brunei-Malaysia bond through the Proton brand.

Imagine dozens of colorful Proton cars rolling into Brunei, engines softly roaring, small flags fluttering on side mirrors, and smiling faces greeted by cheers from locals. That was the scene at ECON Motors 3S at the end of May 2026 — when the Proton 10,000 sMILEs convoy arrived from Sabah after more than 10 days of travel.

This event was not just a car parade. It was a real expression of cross-border goodwill — an initiative born from love for the brand, the beauty of the road, and smiles that need no translation.

From Kota Kinabalu to Brunei: A Journey That Began With a Smile

The 10,000 sMILEs convoy was launched by Proton Malaysia as a community-based land tourism platform. Its theme — *"Bagi Senyum Bah, Senyum Sikit Mok Nangga"* — reflects the relaxed and warm attitude of participants: smiling not because they arrived, but because they enjoyed every mile.

The journey began in Kota Kinabalu on May 16, 2026. More than 100 Proton owners from various ages and backgrounds joined — families, couples, car clubs, and solo individuals. They traveled through the backroads of Sabah, across the Pandaruan River border, and finally entered Brunei with complete customs documents and passports.

PAD Motors Welcomes the Convoy at the Latest Automotive Hub

The arrival of the convoy was officially welcomed at the ECON Motors 3S facility — an international-standard sales, service, and spare parts center owned by PAD Motors. This location was chosen not only for technical convenience, but also as a symbol of the brand's commitment to quality and community.

"Proton is not just a car. It is a unifier — between families, between countries, between generations," said a representative of PAD Motors in the opening speech. The event was also attended by representatives from the Brunei Ministry of Tourism, local journalists, and hundreds of Proton enthusiasts who came since the morning.

Economy & Fellowship: Two Real Outcomes from One Convoy

Convoy participants stayed in hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan and Tutong for three days. Dinner reservations at traditional restaurants, purchases of souvenirs at night markets, and hiring local drivers directly injected funds into small entrepreneurs.

Socially, the event created rare moments: Proton owners from Brunei and Malaysia discussed engine modifications by the edge of Tasek Lama Park, or took photos together in front of Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah — not as foreigners, but as fellow travelers.

Vibrant Without Hubbub: The Bruneian Culture of Welcome

The welcome at ECON Motors 3S took place in a unique rhythm — calm but meaningful. No excessive megaphones. Just traditional rebana performances, a lucky draw session with genuine Proton spare parts as prizes, and a light meal seasoned with Bruneian spices.

One exhibition corner caught attention: three classic Proton models — Saga Iswara 1995, Wira 1.5 GLi 1998, and Perdana V6 2001 — were paired with modern models like the Proton S70 and e.MAS EV. This visual comparison was not just nostalgia — it showed the brand's evolution that remains relevant in the hearts of the people.

Not About Distance, But About Connection

This convoy reminds us: 10,000 miles are not just numbers — they are 10,000 times of exchanged smiles, 10,000 times of extended hands, and 10,000 times of "Apa khabar?" spoken in different dialects.

PAD Motors has confirmed that this program will be repeated every year — with possible changing routes: from Brunei to Sarawak, or Brunei to Labuan. Its goal is clear: to make Proton not just a car choice, but a choice of *shared travel*.

Although there was no official victory or trophy, this convoy left a real mark — on the roads, in the hearts of participants, and in the records of increasingly strong regional relations.