The new Proton Saga has earned international recognition by being awarded the 2026 Golden Osmanthus Industrial Design Award (GODA).
The A-segment sedan received the Product Award in the Smart Transportation category under the competition’s Asean Application Track.
Held in Nanning, Guangxi, China, the awards ceremony brought together industrial design entries assessed for their relevance, applicability and potential to meet the needs of markets across the region.
During a live judging session, Proton head of advanced design Norhelmey Lobb Saad Lobb presented the Saga to an international panel, highlighting its distinctive design philosophy, strong value proposition and relevance to its target markets.
The company’s perennial best-seller competed alongside regional automotive entries from manufacturers including Wuling and Dongfeng and aside from design, the panel also explored the model’s potential in left-hand-drive markets and its ability to remain competitive in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape.
The Asean Application Track places particular emphasis on designs adapted to the region’s climate, market demands, user behaviour and cultural practices.
It also considers product feasibility and commercialisation potential, making the recognition especially relevant to a model developed to serve customers in Malaysia and beyond.
This gives the Saga’s award a meaningful connection to the purchasing decisions of Malaysian motorists. Beyond visual appeal, the assessment considers how effectively a design responds to the people and markets it serves.
Proton chief designer Azlan Othman said, “The Golden Osmanthus Industrial Design Award for Smart Transportation is another milestone in the long and storied history of the Proton Saga, Malaysia’s first national vehicle."
"Through the years, Proton Design has evolved the styling details while remaining true to the spirit of the original and when combined with technological and safety updates, it ensures the Saga remains a relevant and very popular choice amongst Proton buyers.”
