Proton has officially launched its revolutionary voice command feature that recognises and processes commands in Bahasa Melayu, marking a world first in automotive technology. Introduced alongside the all-new Proton X50, this system is part of Proton’s push to enhance smart mobility features for Malaysian drivers.
Initially teased during the launch of the Proton e.MAS 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7) in 2024, the system, now named “Aisyah” was completed within seven months, significantly ahead of the original one-year development schedule. It complements the existing English-language voice assistant, giving the Proton X50 a dual-language voice control system, a first in the industry.
The development phase, which spanned from October 2024 to May 2025, saw Proton working closely with ACO Tech to gather and process 4,000 different voice command phrases each in Bahasa Melayu and English. This immense undertaking reportedly took up over 336,000 man-hours in collaborative effort.
To train the AI to understand natural speech, especially variations of Bahasa Melayu, Proton compiled a balanced dataset consisting of over 200 voice samples from both male and female speakers. The result is a system that understands both direct and colloquial commands such as “buka tingkap” and “bukakan tingkap”, with equal accuracy.
Even more impressively, Proton confirmed that the system can pick up on regional Malaysian accents, including strong dialects like Kelantanese, which was successfully demonstrated during the launch.
The Aisyah voice assistant makes its debut in the new Proton X50 but is expected to be introduced across more Proton models over time. As it supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, the system will continually improve and grow its command base automatically without requiring manual updates.
Currently, Aisyah is optimised to respond more accurately to female voices. However, Proton and ACO Tech are actively working to expand its capability to recognise male voices and are exploring multilingual and dialectal support including potential enhancements for “Manglish” commands in the future.
The all-new Proton X50 is available in three trims, with prices ranging between RM89,800 and RM113,300. Beyond the voice tech upgrade, the model also features notable mechanical and design improvements.
Under the hood, the previous three-cylinder engine has been replaced with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, delivering 181 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), allowing the SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds.
Inside, the X50 now mirrors the modern aesthetics of the eMAS 7. It features a revamped dashboard layout anchored by a massive 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new 8.88-inch letterbox-style digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel, offering a more refined digital driving experience.
