PROTON POWERS THE 10KM MARATHON CATEGORY, JOINS ASPEN-KLIPPA AS PBIM’S TITLE SPONSORS
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PROTON contributes RM100,000 as official car partner and title sponsor for PBIM's 10KM category
GEORGE TOWN, 7 October 2025 – PROTON is joining forces as one of the sponsors for the Aspen–Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon 2025 (PBIM 2025), which will take place at the end of the year, as announced by the organising committee yesterday. The company has also joined PBIM 2025 as the official car partner and title sponsor of the 10KM category with a contribution of RM100,000, and will sponsor a brand-new Proton S70 as the lucky draw prize. Notably, PROTON’s e.MAS fleet will also serve as the official pace cars during the marathon.
The announcement of the sponsorship took place during a media session at Komtar Tower in George Town, Penang. The attendees were YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, YB Wong Hon Wai, Chairman of PBIM 2025 and Penang EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, Ir. Anilarasu Amaranaza, Aspen Group Managing Director and Ong Chee Wooi, Deputy Director and Head of Sales, PROTON.
The marathon will take place on December 14, 2025, and has to-date recorded over 20,000 registered participants across the full marathon, half marathon and 10KM categories. Registration will officially close at midnight on October 15, 2025, giving runners one final week to secure their slots before entries are finalised. The annual event continues to build on the strong success of previous editions, backed by the consistent support of its title sponsors, Penang-based developer Aspen and Klippa Shopping Centre.
Penang State Government foresees another record-breaking year with over 25,000 participants
Organised by the Penang State Government, PBIM has been instrumental in bringing iconic large-scale events to Seberang Perai, particularly Batu Kawan. The Penang State Government foresees another record-breaking year with over 25,000 participants versus last year’s 23,000 participants. The 2024 edition generated substantial economic spillover for the area, with hotels operating near full capacity, heightened footfall for F&B establishments, and increased business for transport, retail and service providers. The State Government sees this continued momentum as a model for strengthening tourism-driven economic activity beyond George Town.
“PBIM has become an iconic event that not only showcases Penang’s capability in hosting world-class sports tourism activities but also drives economic impact in Seberang Perai, particularly Batu Kawan. Aspen–Klippa has been instrumental in past successes, and with PROTON now joining, we see a strong example of how the Penang State Government and the private sector can work together to rebrand and expand iconic events to reach even greater heights,” said YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang.
“Aspen–Klippa’s continued support and the arrival of PROTON this year will further uplift the region’s profile and enhance the experience for runners. With more than 20,000 participants already registered and registration closing on 15 October, PBIM 2025 is set to further strengthen Penang’s sports tourism industry,” said YB Wong Hon Wai, Chairman of PBIM 2025 and Penang EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy.
Stronger collaboration and corporate partnerships drive PBIM's economic benefits for Penang
Additional details on logistics, prizes and race arrangements will be announced in the coming weeks. This year, the addition of new corporate partners further elevates the standing of Batu Kawan as a regional sports and tourism hub. The growing interest from the private sector demonstrates Penang’s ability to rebrand and expand iconic events through strong state–corporate collaboration.
The organiser continues to deliver significant impact to the tourism, hospitality, food & beverage, and retail economy in Penang. Corporate partnerships with Aspen, Klippa and PROTON underline the event’s position as an economic catalyst that benefits both the state and the business community.
“PROTON is honoured to partner with the Aspen–Klippa PBIM 2025 as the Official Car Partner and Title Sponsor of the 10KM run. Our contribution of RM100,000 and the sponsorship of the Proton S70 as the grand prize reflects our confidence in the event’s reach and impact. We believe PBIM offers a valuable platform for community engagement and brand collaboration in a growing and vibrant region like Batu Kawan,” said Mr. Ong Chee Wooi, Deputy Director and Head of Sales, PROTON.