Malaysian 9-year-old Saw Jane Harn has achieved her dream of being the "first in the world." She emerged as the winner of the Hot Wheels x PROTON Kids Design Competition 2023, making her the first child to have her hand-drawn artwork featured on Hot Wheels die-cast packaging.
Her design will adorn the special edition Hot Wheels Proton Saga, set for nationwide release in 2024.
The collaboration between Hot Wheels and PROTON began in 2022 when they unveiled a prototype of the Hot Wheels 1:64 scale diecast, replicating the iconic 1985 Proton Saga, Malaysia's first national car. As part of Mattel Malaysia's 40th anniversary celebration, the Hot Wheels Proton Saga was introduced as an addition to the world's top-selling Hot Wheels singles collection, exclusively manufactured by Mattel Malaysia.
In 2023, Hot Wheels and PROTON took their collaboration further with the Hot Wheels x PROTON Kids Design Competition. Children between 4 and 12 years old were invited to participate by submitting blister card designs that captured the essence of "A Malaysian National Car." Among the 386 hopefuls who entered with patriotic-themed artwork, Saw Jane Harn, 9, Ezra Rehan Pal, 11, and Austin Goh Zi Hao, 11, secured the top three positions.
Hot Wheels has always encouraged children to embrace their challenger spirit, fostering confidence and skills to tackle the world. Murat Ariksoy, General Manager of Mattel South Asia, expressed their commitment to empowering the next generation through the competition, encouraging them to say, "Challenge Accepted!"
Saw Jane Harn's winning design beautifully incorporates elements of Malaysia's natural features and achievements, including the rhinoceros hornbill, hibiscus (the national bird and flower), and the National Monument.
The three winners, along with three consolation prize recipients, received cash prizes, Hot Wheels products, limited edition Hot Wheels merchandise, and an exclusive meet and greet experience with Matt Gabe, Hot Wheels Lead Packaging Designer, visiting from El Segundo.
The Hot Wheels Proton Saga Limited Edition, featuring Saw Jane Harn's design, will undergo a pre-production review for regulatory approvals before its anticipated launch in 2024.
The 40th Anniversary of Mattel Malaysia marked several firsts, including the collaboration with PROTON and the opportunity to bring Malaysia's national car in diecast form to a global audience, as well as the first time a Hot Wheels diecast packaging was designed by a child.
Car enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to the release of the Hot Wheels Proton Saga in over 150 countries in December 2023. In Malaysia, the limited edition Hot Wheels Proton Saga will be available for purchase in 2024 at leading toy specialty stores, departmental stores, hypermarkets, petrol kiosks, online, and convenience stores nationwide.
The successful partnership with PROTON and the celebration of the Saga's 38th anniversary, along with PROTON's 40th anniversary, have inspired the companies to seek further collaborations with like-minded partners who share their passion for Malaysia's car culture and love for automobiles.
For more information on the Hot Wheels X PROTON collaboration, visit https://www.facebook.com/hotwheels
