The "Hi Proton" function is more than just a gimmick, it actually understands our unique Malaysian accents. That's something other voice commands struggle to pick up.

Ever since it was introduced in the Proton X70, the Geely Key User Interface (GKUI) has been integrated into all of Proton’s current line-up, from the Saga to the upcoming X50. But now, it seems that it will understand a third language besides Mandarin and English.

Sadly, it’s not Bahasa Malaysia but rather, Thai. According to an article published by Geely’s PR department, Proton has begun working on the Thai version of the GKUI.

The development team was presented with a library of words that were translated from Mandarin to English and then to Thai. Later on, a native Thai speaker was brought in to advise further on local culture and customs so the system can make better sense of what’s being said.

Anyway, before you start to pester Proton in coming up with one that can pick up Bahasa Malaysia, it would take quite a while. Then again, the team at Proton decided that English would be the language of choice for the Malaysian market because most of us can speak English.

If Proton wants to make it in Thailand with the X50, they would have to develop a voice command that can understand their language as English isn’t as widely spoken there.

So, maybe one day you could say “Hi Proton” and it could respond back in BM but for now we’ll just have to try controlling our laughter every time it says “Coming”.