List of Judges
ADAM began his automotive journalism journey in 2013 with Cars, Bikes & Trucks in the New Sunday Times.
Since then, he has worn many hats—editor, content producer, and currently, editor at Zigwheels.my. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Adam delivers sharp, insightful commentary on cars, industry trends, and the evolving automotive landscape through his writing and videos.
Driving Enthusiast, Freelance Automotive
Journalist
With nearly a decade of experience,
Amirul has a passion for reviewing all
types of vehicles, from budget
hatchbacks to high-performance
sports cars.
As a judge for Malaysia Car of the
Year, he advocates for an award
system that benefits consumers while
recognizing committed
manufacturers.
He believes the 2025 Porsche 911
Carrera GTS T-Hybrid exemplifies
innovation through its hybrid
powertrain, prioritizing instant
response over traditional efficiency.
For his dream car, Amirul envisions a
fun-to-drive model with a responsive
chassis, efficient engine delivering
250-300hp, and either an 8-speed
auto or 6-speed manual transmission.
He is excited about the future of the
automotive industry, where cars
become safer and more integrated
into everyday life.
Journalist and Owner of Bigwheels Malaysia
Gokul is an ever-evolving automotive content
creator who is well-versed in Malaysia’s passenger
vehicle, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle
segments. Currently the owner of Bigwheels
Malaysia online portal and “Testpower” YouTube
channel, he previously served as an editor at
Topgear Malaysia, Carlist.my, Bikes Republic, Mail
Motor, as well as Cars, Bikes, Trucks (NST) just to
name a few.
Although Gokul began his career as an English
writer almost two decades ago, today, he is among
the very few automotive content creators who
produce automotive content in both Bahasa
Malaysia and English. He is also planning to
produce automotive content in Tamil language on
platforms such as TikTok in the near future to cater
to the Indian community in Malaysia.
Freelance Automotive Journalist
Jay Wong’s passion for cars ignited at
a young age when he encountered the
sleek BMW 3 Series (E30), further
deepened by witnessing the
impressive performance of the BMW
M1 (E26) at the Batu Tiga race circuit.
This early exposure to iconic vehicles
set him on a path to becoming a
freelance automotive journalist,
where he shares his enthusiasm and
insights through detailed reviews.
He views the Malaysia Car of the Year
(MCOTY) award not just as a trophy,
but as a symbol of excellence that
recognizes vehicles excelling in safety,
comfort, performance, and build
quality, while delivering strong value.
For Jay, the Toyota Prius represents
groundbreaking automotive
innovation, marking a shift toward
sustainability and reducing the carbon
footprint in the industry.
His ideal dream car would feature a
sleek design that balances modernity
with timeless style, a powerful yet
efficient engine, spacious comfort for
long drives, and a luxurious, tech
savvy interior that enhances both
performance and driving pleasure.
Senior Editor for the English editorial division at
KeyAuto.My
Automotive passion has been a
significant part of Nicholas’ life since
his first birthday, marked by a
ThunderCats Thundertank cake. His
encounter with the Ferrari Testarossa
and Lamborghini Countach
transformed his view of cars from
mere transportation to fashion and
potential.
With so many options in the
automotive world, he believes the
MCOTY judging highlights what truly
matters. He champions the 6th Gen
Honda Civic as a gold standard for
innovation, thanks to its timeless
design, customization, and benchmark
performance in the C-segment, all at
an accessible price.
Nicholas dreams of modernized
Testarossas or Countachs but is equally
thrilled by the idea of a Civic EK9
hatchback or a 5th Gen Volkswagen
Golf GTI equipped with modern
features and turbocharged or hybrid
engines. As a Senior Editor at
KeyAuto.My, he brings 15 years of
experience, including nearly six years
at the New Straits Times, where he
focused on automotive journalism. He
eagerly anticipates the future of
various powertrain platforms.
Senior Motoring Journalist, Editor of MotaAuto.com
CHIPS YAP has been reporting on the
motor industry for over 45 years,
covering a broad spectrum of topics
from industry developments to new
product evaluations. He has also acted
as consultant for foreign market
research companies who have drawn
on his extensive knowledge of the
local auto industry.
Though he initially studied
architecture, he realised that ‘writing
was more satisfying than drawing
lines’ and switched to journalism.
Upon returning from the UK, he
decided to specialise in the
automotive industry as he was also
interested in cars.
Over the 4 decades he has followed
and reported on the industry, he has
seen the evolution of cars and the
numerous innovations that have been
introduced. Having driven at least a
thousand different vehicles, he is in a
position to compare and see the
changes made over time.
While the Chinese cars of today offer
advanced features, he believes that the
Japanese automakers are the ones that
developed meaningful innovations
which shaped the modern automotive
industry.
“The industry will continue to
advance and innovate in many ways
and the era of EVs will bring new and
exciting technologies that will make
motoring even more enjoyable and
safe,” he says.
As a judge for the Malaysia Car of the
Year for many years, Chips feels that
the winners presented each year
provide consumers with a starting
point when they are shopping for new
models. They recognise the models
which have excelled in the different
segments of the broad spectrum of
products in the Malaysian market.
Managing Editor and Motoring Reporter
Minat terhadap kereta bermula apabila
saya pertama kali melihat Proton Satria
GTI ketika pada remaja. Ia menjadi
kegilaan peminat kenderaan ketika itu
yang suka reka bentuknya, selain
sebagai kereta sport kompak terbaik
yang pernah dihasilkan oleh Proton.
Sebagai juri MCOTY, anugerah
Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) saya
berpeluang memberi panduan kepada
pembeli untuk memilih kenderaan
yang terbaik dalam aspek teknologi,
keselamatan dan reka bentuk.
Anugerah ini menjadi penanda aras
bagi industri automotif untuk
meningkatkan usaha supaya terus
meneroka batasan teknologi sambil
memenuhi keperluan pengguna.
MCOTY mampu mencetus persaingan
yang positif dalam industri automotif.
Masa depan industri automotif sangat
menarik kerana teknologi seperti
kenderaan elektrik dan kenderaan
tanpa pemandu akan mengubah cara
kita bergerak.
Adanya perkembangan ini bukan
sahaja menjadikan kenderaan lebih
mesra alam, tetapi juga lebih selamat
dan mudah digunakan. Dengan
sokongan kerajaan dan teknologi
baharu, saya yakin industri ini akan
membawa banyak manfaat kepada
kita semua dan alam sekitar.
Appreciates that human mobility has been a key enabler of advancing civilization. An enthusiastic driver and rider for over five decades, still celebrating each journey as a delightful learning experience.
A mature petrolhead who loves the planet but
enjoys the sounds, shakes, and smells of ICE
vehicles. Reflects on and respects the
transformative transition towards vehicle
electrification and autonomous driving, seeing
it as significant as the invention of the wheel.
Ever optimistic that the industry, while
advancing towards Speed, Simplicity, and
Safety, will be guided by the principles of
Sustainability, Sensitivity, and Sensibility.
Editor, Chinese division at KeyAuto.my
With over a decade of experience in
journalism and four years dedicated
to the automotive industry, she has
built a diverse portfolio of work in the
field. Currently, she serves as the
Editor at KeyAuto.my, where she
explores all facets of the automotive
world. Before this, she honed her
expertise as an automotive journalist
with Oriental Daily News,
contributing to the automotive
column, and later as a writer for
MyWheels automotive platform.
As a judge for the Malaysian Car of the
Year (MCOTY) awards, she believes
the Car of the Year (COTY) plays a
significant role in both recognizing
the efforts of manufacturers and
providing valuable insights for
consumers.
By highlighting the year’s most
outstanding models, MCOTY helps
buyers make informed decisions while
encouraging carmakers to strive for
continuous innovation and excellence.
What excites her most about the future
of the automotive industry is the
rapidly evolving technological
landscape. She remains captivated by
the ceaseless evolution of technology
and automotive progress. Whether
test-driving the latest models or
uncovering trends shaping the
industry, she is driven by a deep
passion for sharing the stories behind
the machines that move us
Organising Chairman of the
Malaysia Car of the Year
Mobility Social Activist with social media platforms anchored under Yamin.com.my and
Mobility Media
Yamin Vong shares the credit for birth
of the Malaysia Car of the Year
Awards 22 years ago with his former
marketing director, Joseph Raj, who
said that automotive journalists
should give credit where credit was
due to the car makers who produced
the best cars in the world. As the
editor of one of Malaysia’s most
popular weekly car supplements in
the 2000’s, Yamin seized on this idea
for a Car of the Year awards
programme that would also guide
readers who had questions about the
cars that they needed and/or wanted
to buy.
He duly selected four of his colleagues
to join the panel of the first of
Malaysia’s longest continuous Car of
the Year awards programme. His
criteria for selection were full-time
employees who had at least 3 years
experience in automotive journalism,
including attending international car
launches, international auto shows,
and whose articles were timely,
persuasive, insightful and educational.
Today, Yamin is proud that the panel
of judges has grown in depth and
numbers to 12 including two from the
legal and medical professions. And of
this panel, beside himself, Yamin has
the honour of the membership of one
from the original panel of judges
Lawyer / Motoring Industry Advisor and Off Road Enthusiast
Also known as Harry Sidhu, lawyer,
writer, adventurer, photographer and
raconteur.
As a senior lawyer, he has advised
stakeholders in the motoring industry
for the last 34 years on various issues.
He has handled various litigation
regarding the merchantability of
vehicles which experience offered
him an in depth insight into the
much-touted “Lemon Law” for
vehicles that is being very often
written about of late, in the Malaysian
media. He believes that Malaysia does
not need a special Lemon Law Act, as
Malaysia has sufficient legislature in
place, that can accommodate the
“Lemon Law” with some minor
tweaking to the existing legislature. He
is more interested to see an increased
effort at enforcement of the laws.
A self-confessed car nut and
enthusiast, in his spare time, he has
been writing occasionally for the
motoring media for a long time. His
articles have appeared amongst others
in the Sunday Times‘s “Cars, Bikes &
Trucks”.
He is an avid sailor and has a keen
interest in boats and anything that
floats and the mechanics involved.
He also has a deep interest in anything
with wheels, be it 2 wheels,4 or more.
He has participated in a few
monumental off-road
transcontinental adventure trips,
including the 2010 Trans-Amazon 4×4
adventure in South America in the
sweltering Amazon jungles. He also
participated in the epic 2012 Trans
Asia 4X4 adventure to trace the
ancient winter silk route, driving from
the westernmost part of Asia to the
easternmost part of Asia.
Despite his core interest in ICE
technology, he recognises the
relentless EV movement, and its rapid
innovation, but remains sceptical of a
wholly holistic solution to Malaysia’s
transportation needs judging by its
current trajectory.
Editor/Founder of Careta.my
and automotive industry analyst.
Hezeri Samsuri has always had a deep
passion for cars, a love that began
with reading automotive magazines
during his youth. This early interest
sparked a curiosity about the
influence of media on consumer
opinions and ultimately set the stage
for his career.
With the automotive industry
constantly evolving, Hezeri believes
that the unbiased opinions of a neutral
party are invaluable in helping
consumers make informed decisions
amid the flood of new models and
paid content on social media. He
admires numerous cars, both past and
present, for their innovation and
impact on the industry. He cites the
Toyota Prius hybrid for
revolutionizing the market, Tesla for
drawing in car enthusiasts regardless
of their mechanical know-how, and
the Ford Ranger for redefining the
driving experience of pick-up trucks.
Hezeri firmly holds that there is no
such thing as a perfect car, as
perfection often equates to dullness.
Instead, he views a car’s flaws as its
defining characteristics, adding to its
unique charm and personality. While
the future of the automotive industry
seems to be steering towards electric
vehicles, Hezeri remains undecided
about the dominance of battery
electric vehicles (BEVs). He observes
that the real pinnacle of automotive
technology lies in autonomous
vehicles, though this could spell the
end for traditional car enthusiasts like
himself.
With over 34 years of experience in
automotive journalism, Hezeri’s
journey began during his days at
University Malaya, where he worked
as a stringer. Initially pursuing a career
in IT, his unyielding passion for
vehicles eventually led him to the
editorial realm. Hezeri’s career
includes stints with NST and TopGear,
transitioning into a TV programme for
RTM. Today, he leads his own titles,
Careta.my and the Tekan Habis
podcast, sharing his extensive
knowledge and insights with fellow car
enthusiasts.
Publisher, Managing Editor, Motoring
Journalist at autocarmalaysia.com,
Content creator and Co-food trekker
@TransitTemptations on Instagram.
Lisa has been a motoring journalist for
over 12 years, writing and editing
various car and motorbike
publications. Lisa is the Publisher and
Managing Editor of Autocar Malaysia
Singapore (formerly known as
Autocar ASEAN) and is the only
female motoring media owner in the
country.
Lisa’s interest in driving began at three
when she was given an electric car for
her birthday. Cars and driving are a
family interest which Lisa shares with
her sisters and father.
As one of the judges, Lisa believes that
the Malaysia Car of the Year should
combine looks, features, innovation
and technology, especially safety,
within an affordable price range.
The car that best represents
innovation in the automotive industry
is the Ford Model T. The first mass
produced car changed the landscape
of motorised personal mobility.
Similarly, the advent of electric
vehicles has made the automotive
market more competitive. In Malaysia,
the numerous new brands have sped
up the introduction of new, advanced
automotive innovations and
technology and elevated car buyers’
expectations.
Lisa’s dream car would be solar
powered, autonomous and
maintenance-free. The long list of
essential equipment would include
matrix laser headlights, LED tail lamps,
keyless entry, walk-away auto locks,
auto-fold mirrors, hot and cold
ventilated seats and a fridge. It would
also be capable of zero-to-a-hundred
in sub-four seconds and be magically
restocked with her favourite snacks
and chilled carbonated water every
day because hydration is important.
Managing Editor Electronikar and Fast TV
With nearly three decades of
automotive journalism expertise,
Shamsul Yunos has been a steadfast
voice in Malaysia’s motoring
landscape since 1994. Beginning his
career at the New Straits Times,
where he served as News Editor for
the Cars, Bikes and Trucks pullout in
the early 2000s, he played a pivotal
role in establishing the prestigious
NST-Car of the Year awards. Today,
he continues to share his insights
through his weekly column in the
same publication.
As a founding member of the
Malaysia Car of the Year panel,
Shamsul has witnessed first hand the
automotive industry’s dramatic
evolution.
Currently, he hosts Fast TV and
Electronikar, platforms dedicated to
exploring the transition to renewable
energy in transportation.
As an independent automotive
journalist, his work focuses on
helping consumers navigate the
significant transformation in mobility,
particularly as the industry shifts
toward electrification and sustainable
solutions.
His unique perspective, shaped by
years of front-line experience in
automotive journalism, continues to
provide valuable insights during this
pivotal period of automotive
innovation and environmental
consciousness.
Adam Aubrey
ADAM began his automotive journalism journey in 2013 with Cars, Bikes & Trucks in the New Sunday Times.
Since then, he has worn many hats—editor, content producer, and currently, editor at Zigwheels.my. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Adam delivers sharp, insightful commentary on cars, industry trends, and the evolving automotive landscape through his writing and videos.
Amirul Hazmi
Driving Enthusiast, Freelance Automotive Journalist
With nearly a decade of experience, Amirul has a passion for reviewing all types of vehicles, from budget hatchbacks to high-performance sports cars.
As a judge for Malaysia Car of the Year, he advocates for an award system that benefits consumers while recognizing committed manufacturers.
He believes the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid exemplifies innovation through its hybrid powertrain, prioritizing instant response over traditional efficiency.
For his dream car, Amirul envisions a fun-to-drive model with a responsive chassis, efficient engine delivering 250-300hp, and either an 8 speed auto or 6-speed manual transmission.
He is excited about the future of the automotive industry, where cars become safer and more integrated into everyday life.
Chips Yap
Senior Motoring Journalist, Editor of MotaAuto.com
CHIPS YAP has been reporting on the motor industry for over 45 years, covering a broad spectrum of topics from industry developments to new product evaluations. He has also acted as consultant for foreign market research companies who have drawn on his extensive knowledge of the local auto industry.
Though he initially studied architecture, he realised that ‘writing was more satisfying than drawing lines’ and switched to journalism. Upon returning from the UK, he decided to specialise in the automotive industry as he was also interested in cars.
Over the 4 decades he has followed and reported on the industry, he has seen the evolution of cars and the numerous innovations that have been introduced. Having driven at least a thousand different vehicles, he is in a position to compare and see the changes made over time.
While the Chinese cars of today offer advanced features, he believes that the Japanese automakers are the ones that developed meaningful innovations which shaped the modern automotive industry.
“The industry will continue to advance and innovate in many ways and the era of EVs will bring new and exciting technologies that will make motoring even more enjoyable and safe,” he says.
As a judge for the Malaysia Car of the Year for many years, Chips feels that the winners presented each year provide consumers with a starting point when they are shopping for new models. They recognise the models which have excelled in the different segments of the broad spectrum of products in the Malaysian market.
Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin PJN
Appreciates that human mobility has been a key enabler of advancing civilization. An enthusiastic driver and rider for over five decades, still celebrating each journey as a delightful learning experience.
A mature petrolhead who loves the planet but enjoys the sounds, shakes, and smells of ICE vehicles. Reflects on and respects the transformative transition towards vehicle electrification and autonomous driving, seeing it as significant as the invention of the wheel. Ever optimistic that the industry, while advancing towards Speed, Simplicity, and Safety, will be guided by the principles of Sustainability, Sensitivity, and Sensibility.
Erywan Nor Shal
Managing Editor and Motoring Reporter
Minat terhadap kereta bermula apabilasaya pertama kali melihat Proton Satria GTI ketika pada remaja. Ia menjadi kegilaan peminat kenderaan ketika itu yang suka reka bentuknya, selain sebagai kereta sport kompak terbaik yang pernah dihasilkan oleh Proton.
Sebagai juri MCOTY, anugerah Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) saya berpeluang memberi panduan kepada pembeli untuk memilih kenderaan yang terbaik dalam aspek teknologi, keselamatan dan reka bentuk.
Anugerah ini menjadi penanda aras bagi industri automotif untuk meningkatkan usaha supaya terus meneroka batasan teknologi sambil memenuhi keperluan pengguna.
MCOTY mampu mencetus persaingan yang positif dalam industri automotif.
Masa depan industri automotif sangat menarik kerana teknologi seperti kenderaan elektrik dan kenderaan tanpa pemandu akan mengubah cara
kita bergerak.
Adanya perkembangan ini bukan sahaja menjadikan kenderaan lebih mesra alam, tetapi juga lebih selamat
dan mudah digunakan. Dengan sokongan kerajaan dan teknologi baharu, saya yakin industri ini akan
membawa banyak manfaat kepada kita semua dan alam sekitar.
Gogulakannan Kandiah
Journalist and Owner of Bigwheels Malaysia
Gokul is an ever-evolving automotive content creator who is well-versed in Malaysia’s passenger vehicle, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle segments. Currently the owner of Bigwheels Malaysia online portal and “Testpower” YouTube channel, he previously served as an editor at
Topgear Malaysia, Carlist.my, Bikes Republic, Mail Motor, as well as Cars, Bikes, Trucks (NST) just to name a few.
Although Gokul began his career as an English writer almost two decades ago, today, he is among the very few automotive content creators who produce automotive content in both Bahasa Malaysia and English. He is also planning to produce automotive content in Tamil language on platforms such as TikTok in the near future to cater to the Indian community in Malaysia.
Harjinder Singh
Lawyer / Motoring Industry Advisor and Off Road Enthusiast
Also known as Harry Sidhu, lawyer, writer, adventurer, photographer and raconteur.
As a senior lawyer, he has advised stakeholders in the motoring industry for the last 34 years on various issues. He has handled various litigation regarding the merchantability of vehicles which experience offered him an in depth insight into the much-touted “Lemon Law” for vehicles that is being very often written about of late, in the Malaysian media. He believes that Malaysia does not need a special Lemon Law Act, as Malaysia has sufficient legislature in place, that can accommodate the “Lemon Law” with some minor tweaking to the existing legislature. He is more interested to see an increased effort at enforcement of the laws.
A self-confessed car nut and enthusiast, in his spare time, he has been writing occasionally for the motoring media for a long time. His articles have appeared amongst others in the Sunday Times‘s “Cars, Bikes & Trucks”.
He is an avid sailor and has a keen interest in boats and anything that floats and the mechanics involved. He also has a deep interest in anything with wheels, be it 2 wheels,4 or more. He has participated in a few monumental off-road transcontinental adventure trips, including the 2010 Trans-Amazon 4×4 adventure in South America in the sweltering Amazon jungles. He also participated in the epic 2012 Trans Asia 4X4 adventure to trace the ancient winter silk route, driving from the westernmost part of Asia to the easternmost part of Asia.
Despite his core interest in ICE technology, he recognises the relentless EV movement, and its rapid innovation, but remains sceptical of a wholly holistic solution to Malaysia’s transportation needs judging by its current trajectory.
Hezeri Samsuri
Editor/Founder of Careta.my
and automotive industry analyst.
Hezeri Samsuri has always had a deep passion for cars, a love that began with reading automotive magazines during his youth. This early interest sparked a curiosity about the influence of media on consumer opinions and ultimately set the stage for his career.
With the automotive industry constantly evolving, Hezeri believes that the unbiased opinions of a neutral party are invaluable in helping consumers make informed decisions amid the flood of new models and paid content on social media. He admires numerous cars, both past and present, for their innovation and
impact on the industry. He cites the Toyota Prius hybrid for revolutionizing the market, Tesla for drawing in car enthusiasts regardless of their mechanical know-how, and the Ford Ranger for redefining the driving experience of pick-up trucks.
Hezeri firmly holds that there is no such thing as a perfect car, as perfection often equates to dullness. Instead, he views a car’s flaws as its defining characteristics, adding to its unique charm and personality. While the future of the automotive industry seems to be steering towards electric vehicles, Hezeri remains undecided about the dominance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). He observes that the real pinnacle of automotive technology lies in autonomous
vehicles, though this could spell the end for traditional car enthusiasts like himself.
With over 34 years of experience in automotive journalism, Hezeri’s journey began during his days at University Malaya, where he worked as a stringer. Initially pursuing a career in IT, his unyielding passion for vehicles eventually led him to the editorial realm. Hezeri’s career includes stints with NST and TopGear, transitioning into a TV programme for RTM. Today, he leads his own titles, Careta.my and the Tekan Habis podcast, sharing his extensive knowledge and insights with fellow car enthusiasts.
Jay Wong
Freelance Automotive Journalist
Jay Wong’s passion for cars ignited at a young age when he encountered the sleek BMW 3 Series (E30), further deepened by witnessing the impressive performance of the BMW M1 (E26) at the Batu Tiga race circuit. This early exposure to iconic vehicles set him on a path to becoming a freelance automotive journalist, where he shares his enthusiasm and insights through detailed reviews.
He views the Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) award not just as a trophy, but as a symbol of excellence that recognizes vehicles excelling in safety, comfort, performance, and build quality, while delivering strong value.
For Jay, the Toyota Prius represents groundbreaking automotive innovation, marking a shift toward sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint in the industry.
His ideal dream car would feature a sleek design that balances modernity with timeless style, a powerful yet efficient engine, spacious comfort for long drives, and a luxurious, tech savvy interior that enhances both performance and driving pleasure.
Lisa Kuok
Publisher, Managing Editor, Motoring
Journalist at autocarmalaysia.com, Content creator and Co-food trekker @TransitTemptations on Instagram.
Lisa has been a motoring journalist for over 12 years, writing and editing various car and motorbike publications. Lisa is the Publisher and Managing Editor of Autocar Malaysia Singapore (formerly known asAutocar ASEAN) and is the only female motoring media owner in the country.
Lisa’s interest in driving began at three when she was given an electric car for her birthday. Cars and driving are a family interest which Lisa shares with her sisters and father.
As one of the judges, Lisa believes that the Malaysia Car of the Year should combine looks, features, innovation and technology, especially safety, within an affordable price range.
The car that best represents innovation in the automotive industry is the Ford Model T. The first mass produced car changed the landscape
of motorised personal mobility.
Similarly, the advent of electric vehicles has made the automotive market more competitive. In Malaysia, the numerous new brands have sped up the introduction of new, advanced automotive innovations and technology and elevated car buyers’ expectations.
Lisa’s dream car would be solar powered, autonomous and maintenance-free. The long list of essential equipment would include matrix laser headlights, LED tail lamps, keyless entry, walk-away auto locks, auto-fold mirrors, hot and cold ventilated seats and a fridge. It would also be capable of zero-to-a-hundred in sub-four seconds and be magically restocked with her favourite snacks and chilled carbonated water every
day because hydration is important.
Nicholas King
Senior Editor for the English editorial division at
KeyAuto.My
Automotive passion has been a significant part of Nicholas’ life since his first birthday, marked by a ThunderCats Thundertank cake. His encounter with the Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach transformed his view of cars from mere transportation to fashion and potential.
With so many options in the automotive world, he believes the MCOTY judging highlights what truly matters. He champions the 6th Gen Honda Civic as a gold standard for innovation, thanks to its timeless design, customization, and benchmark performance in the C-segment, all at an accessible price.
Nicholas dreams of modernized Testarossas or Countachs but is equally thrilled by the idea of a Civic EK9 hatchback or a 5th Gen Volkswagen Golf GTI equipped with modern features and turbocharged or hybrid engines. As a Senior Editor at KeyAuto.My, he brings 15 years of experience, including nearly six years at the New Straits Times, where he focused on automotive journalism. He eagerly anticipates the future of various powertrain platforms.
Shamsul Bahari Mohd Yunos
Managing Editor Electronikar and Fast TV
With nearly three decades of automotive journalism expertise, Shamsul Yunos has been a steadfast voice in Malaysia’s motoring landscape since 1994. Beginning his career at the New Straits Times, where he served as News Editor for the Cars, Bikes and Trucks pullout in the early 2000s, he played a pivotal role in establishing the prestigious NST-Car of the Year awards. Today, he continues to share his insights through his weekly column in the same publication.
As a founding member of the Malaysia Car of the Year panel, Shamsul has witnessed first hand the automotive industry’s dramatic evolution.
Currently, he hosts Fast TV and Electronikar, platforms dedicated to exploring the transition to renewable energy in transportation.
As an independent automotive journalist, his work focuses on helping consumers navigate the significant transformation in mobility, particularly as the industry shifts toward electrification and sustainable solutions.
His unique perspective, shaped by years of front-line experience in automotive journalism, continues to provide valuable insights during this pivotal period of automotive innovation and environmental consciousness.
Tee Yee Cheing
Editor, Chinese division at KeyAuto.my
With over a decade of experience in journalism and four years dedicated to the automotive industry, she has built a diverse portfolio of work in the field. Currently, she serves as the Editor at KeyAuto.my, where she explores all facets of the automotive world. Before this, she honed her expertise as an automotive journalist with Oriental Daily News, contributing to the automotive column, and later as a writer for MyWheels automotive platform.
As a judge for the Malaysian Car of the Year (MCOTY) awards, she believes the Car of the Year (COTY) plays a significant role in both recognizing the efforts of manufacturers and providing valuable insights for consumers. By highlighting the year’s most outstanding models, MCOTY helps buyers make informed decisions while encouraging carmakers to strive for continuous innovation and excellence.
What excites her most about the future of the automotive industry is the rapidly evolving technological landscape. She remains captivated by the ceaseless evolution of technology and automotive progress. Whether test-driving the latest models or uncovering trends shaping the industry, she is driven by a deep passion for sharing the stories behind the machines that move us
Yamin Vong
Organising Chairman of the
Malaysia Car of the Year
Mobility Social Activist with social media platforms anchored under Yamin.com.my and
Mobility Media
Yamin Vong shares the credit for birth of the Malaysia Car of the Year Awards 22 years ago with his former marketing director, Joseph Raj, who said that automotive journalists should give credit where credit was due to the car makers who produced the best cars in the world. As the editor of one of Malaysia’s most
popular weekly car supplements in the 2000’s, Yamin seized on this idea for a Car of the Year awards programme that would also guide readers who had questions about the cars that they needed and/or wanted to buy.
He duly selected four of his colleagues to join the panel of the first of Malaysia’s longest continuous Car of the Year awards programme. His criteria for selection were full-time employees who had at least 3 years experience in automotive journalism, including attending international car launches, international auto shows, and whose articles were timely, persuasive, insightful and educational.
Today, Yamin is proud that the panel of judges has grown in depth and numbers to 12 including two from the legal and medical professions. And of this panel, beside himself, Yamin has the honour of the membership of one from the original panel of judges
