KUALA LUMPUR: Saw Jane Harn, 9, from Penang, has been named the winner of the Hot Wheels x Proton Kids Design Competition 2023, and is set to be the first kid to see her hand-drawn artwork on Hot Wheels die-cast packaging.
The winning design will be printed on the special edition Hot Wheels Proton Saga, available for purchase nationwide in 2024.
Saw was among the over 386 hopefuls aged 4-12 years old who submitted their entries to a blister card design contest that captured the essence of “A Malaysian National Car” to be featured in a special edition of the Hot Wheels Proton Saga.
Saw (centre) showing her winning entry with Gabe (left) and Proton Head of Advanced Design Norhelmey Lobb.
Her design captures and celebrates a range of Malaysia’s natural features and achievements, from the rhinoceros hornbill and hibiscus to the country’s national bird and flower, and the National Monument.
Aside from Saw, the other top finalists were Ezra Rehan Pal and Austin Goh Zi Hao, both 11.
The challenge’s top three design creators, plus three consolation prize winners, went home with cash prizes, Hot Wheels products, limited edition Hot Wheels merchandise, and an exclusive meet and greet experience with Hot Wheels Lead Packaging Designer Matt Gabe who was visiting from El Segundo, California.
Gabe said the competition had been a great way to see first-hand what impact car culture has had on participants and get a glimpse into their creative minds.
“At Hot Wheels, we’re always designing with kids in mind,” Gabe said.
“Just as Mattel Malaysia celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022, Proton also celebrated its 40th anniversary on May 7 this year,” said Proton deputy chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah.
“Meanwhile, the Saga just turned 38 on July 9, so the Hot Wheels Proton Saga is an apt way to celebrate these milestones in our company’s history,” he said.
