This is reflected in the RM100 million allocation in the 2024 Budget for the empowerment of STEM via maintenance and upgrading of existing facilities and the purchase of equipment.
To cultivate interest and foster understanding of STEM, PROTON DX, an ACO Tech development in collaboration with PROTON and China Construction Bank (CCB), announced its availability as a community engagement platform for STEM exploration.
Approaching its first anniversary since establishment, PROTON DX is the country’s first automotive digital centre that houses a blend of interactive technology, leisure, and lifestyle elements.
PROTON DX aims to be the centre for automotive and technological learning for all ages, including as a platform to spark interest in STEM amongst the younger generation.
Since opening in June 2023, PROTON DX has organised and conducted several initiatives to cultivate a passion for STEM among young minds.
The centre hosts a monthly Student Robotic Car Workshop targeting secondary school students. At the workshop, students learn the basics of assembling and programming their own mini autonomous vehicle using an Arduino platform.
Over 50 Malaysian youths across the Klang Valley, including a group of 20 students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Tun Dr Ismail, have participated in the workshop. Students who complete this workshop receive a certificate and goodie bag.
ACO Tech is targeting to engage with at least 200 Malaysian youths through this workshop and other upcoming STEM activities by the end of 2024.
ACO Tech Chief Executive Officer Li Pu said, “The importance of STEM for a nation’s development cannot be overstated. We are wholly supportive of all efforts to develop human capital to engage in the fields of STEM and to fill the skill gaps and introduce technology literacy to the future workforce.
This was one of the motivations behind opening PROTON DX.
The experience centre has been a platform for STEM-related activities since opening, both as an organiser and event space, for enthusiasts of all ages to learn and experience. Approaching
its one-year anniversary, PROTON DX will continue our initiatives to raise the level of technological awareness and knowledge of Malaysians.”
To maximise the facilities on offer, PROTON DX actively welcomes collaborations from local companies in search for a platform to conduct events and workshops promoting STEM awareness and education among young Malaysians, as well as other activities designed to bring local communities together.
PROTON DX also welcomes visitors of all ages to enjoy a resourceful visit to the centre.
Visitors get to learn about ACO Tech’s technologies and products, and experience engaging activities available in PROTON DX such as the Virtual Cockpit, a virtual drive in a purpose built enclosed theatre-like dome to experience smart mobility.
PROTON DX is also able to model a bespoke virtual cockpit experience for partners at trade shows such as E-Mobility Asia.
PROTON DX has a carefully laid out floor plan that allows it to be a space for community engagements such as networking sessions and barista classes by PROTON DX’s very own certified barista.
The centre, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, has a space spanning over 5,000 square feet that can fit around 40 guests comfortably at any given time, including a private VIP lounge equipped with an 86-inch TV for meetings.
The centre opens daily from 10am to 10pm and is located at Ground Floor, Quill City Mall, 1018, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
