BMW Group supports 500 refugees with social and professional intergration

Anette Farrenkopf, CEO of the Jobcenter in Munich; Milagros Caiña-Andree, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG; Manfred Schoch, Chairman of the General Works Council of BMW AG and Dr Markus Schmitz, CEO Regional Directorate Bavaria Federal Employment Agency with WORK HERE participants und their BMW mentors. (11/2015)

BMW has something called a refugee initiative. They have something called 'WORK HERE!'. This is a nine week practical work programme to help qualified refugees with social and professional integration over in Germany. It is organised by BMW in conjunction with the Federal Employment Agency of Germany. The BMW Group’s “WORK HERE!” training programme teaches skills that will give refugees better prospects in Germany and help them start a new life. The goal is for around 500 refugees to participate in practical work training and entry qualification.

Anyway, the point being made here is that large companies can help society achieve greatness. If a country's government allows refugees from say, Syria, you need a plan on what these people are allowed to do in that country. This is a good initiative where the displaced people can contribute to their newly adopted country. 

Now the Government of Malaysia has supposedly stated that they will allow in 2000 Syrian refugees in the near future. Is there a game plan like this initiative by BMW? Whatever the case is, this story by BMW deserves a pat on the back. Kudos to BMW for this corporate social responsibility action.

PRESS RELEASE

BMW Group supports 500 refugees with social and professional intergration

20.11.2015

Munich. Culture, language, work: Understanding Germany in all its complexity is the aim of the BMW Group refugee initiative “WORK HERE!” The nine-week practical work programme to help qualified refugees with social and professional integration organised in conjunction with the Federal Employment Agency Munich and the Jobcenter Munich got underway on 16 November 2015. The project started out with 40 refugees at the Munich location and will be expanded to other BMW sites in 2016. The BMW Group is also expanding its six-month programme of entry qualification for production mechanics. An additional 20 places in Munich will be offered to refugees under the age of 25 from January 2016, while the number of places will also be increased at other BMW Group locations. The goal is for around 500 refugees to participate in practical work training and entry qualification.

Intercultural training programme

The BMW Group’s “WORK HERE!” training programme teaches skills that will give refugees better prospects in Germany and help them start a new life. The programme comprises two practice-based project phases: Throughout the three-week orientation phase and subsequent six-week practical training, participants are mentored by BMW Group employees. For up to six hours a day, refugees learn about work processes in different departments, including development, sales and marketing, human resources, finance, production and IT. This is supplemented by a daily language class and a specially-developed training programme to teach essential intercultural and social skills.

Participants are also provided with lunch and are trained according to their individual needs, such as attending computer courses. At the end of the nine weeks, each participant receives a certificate documenting the qualifications gained.

Milagros Caiña-Andree, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Human Resources: “It is only natural for us to help integrate people who were forced to leave their home and come here. People from more than 100 different countries work together very successfully every day at the BMW Group in Germany alone. For us, integrating people from different cultures is something we do every day, and an important concern that we promote both inside and outside the company. The same applies to solid vocational and professional training, which is one of the cornerstones of our success. I am particularly happy that we are able to put several of our core competences to use to offer people better prospects.”  

Expansion to other locations with a total of 500 participants

In early 2016, the programme will be expanded to other BMW plant sites and branches across Germany. Four sessions per location per year are currently planned. By the end of 2016, the initiative will therefore have supported the social and professional integration of around 500 refugees in total.

Chairman of the General Works Council of BMW AG Manfred Schoch explained: “Cooperation and collegiality between different nationalities and cultures is a matter of course for our employees. I am delighted to see that helping others is also natural for many of them. I am proud that so many of our employees have committed themselves as mentors and, on top of their job, are helping create prospects for those who had none and who left their homes for that reason.”

Expansion of the entry qualification programme

In addition to practical work training, the BMW Group is also enabling refugees under the age of 25 to participate in a six-month programme to earn a vocational entry qualification (EQ). Starting in January 2016, the programme for commercial and technical apprenticeships will be expanded at the Munich location, and an additional trainer assigned. This means that up to 40 young people without an apprenticeship – instead of 18 previously – will be able to earn an entry qualification at the Munich location next year. The number of places will also be increased at other BMW Group sites. EQ participants with the necessary technical and personal aptitude will then have the opportunity to apply for a vocational training course. The aim of the entry qualification – which was developed by businesses and is supported by the Federal Employment Agency – is to provide the technical foundation necessary to qualify for an apprenticeship.

Dr Markus Schmitz, CEO, Regional Directorate Bavaria Federal Employment Agency (GE), confirmed: “A key element of social participation is professional integration into our world of work. That is why it is so important to integrate displaced people with previous professional experience who are likely to remain in the country into training and labour markets as quickly as possible. Many refugees arrive here without their diplomas and are unable to document their professional skills on paper. It is crucial that these people are able to demonstrate their skills in conditions that are as close to reality as possible. We believe that the combination of learning the language, skill assessment, qualification and all-round support is the key to success. All of these components come together in the “WORK HERE!” project. We are particularly delighted to realise a project like this with the BMW Group. This approach may not create the specialists of tomorrow, but perhaps those of the near future. It is a long process that requires staying power.”

Anette Farrenkopf, CEO of the Jobcenter in Munich: “Opportunities for refugees are being created by courageous employers willing to chart new territory. The “WORK HERE!” project is a tremendous opportunity for many refugees who are Jobcenter clients. They can gain professional experience, test themselves and receive a certificate for the professional skills they already have – which is a huge advantage when looking for a job. We hope that other employers follow the BMW Group’s example and open their doors to refugees.”

BMW Group initiatives at a glance

The BMW Group has been involved in a large number of long-term initiatives to promote intercultural exchange and integration into everyday working life for many years. For example, the Germany-wide “Joblinge” initiative launched by the BMW Group’s Eberhard von Kuenheim Foundation and The Boston Consulting Group in 2007 helps unemployed youth find their first job. The company has responded to recent developments by expanding the programme to young refugees from January 2016. Since February 2015, the one-year programme “Lifetalk” has provided young people in Munich from a migrant background with a platform for exchange and learning important social skills. Through visits to the company, young people gain initial insights into everyday working life at the BMW Group. The company’s Intercultural Innovation Award has also contributed to intercultural integration at international level since 2011: Together with the UN Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), the BMW Group pays tribute to innovative initiatives worldwide to promote intercultural understanding.

The BMW Group employs more than 121,000 people worldwide, including 86,000 in Germany. People from 108 countries work together on a daily basis at the company’s German locations alone. Intercultural understanding and social integration are therefore among the BMW Group’s core competences.

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Caltex Fuel Your School creates impact for students in Negeri Sembilan

 10th from left: Pn. Nor Baizura Kamaruddin, Student Affairs Supervisor of Seremban School District,  11th from left: Mokhtar Ali Ismail, Policy, Government & Public  Affairs Manager, 12th from left En. Pkharuddin Bin Hj. Ghazali, Deputy Director of Education, Education Department of Negeri Sembilan and 13th from left:Jeffrey Perera, Managing Director of MyKasih Foundation with Caltex retailers, teachers and students of the winning schools in Negeri Sembilan

After finishing off with schools in Melaka, Caltex has now completed its annual community campaign in Negeri Sembilan, the land of masak lomak cili api. Caltex Fuel Your School in partnership with MyKasih Foundation. In its fourth consecutive year, the Campaign had once again further raised the awareness in driving change and providing equal self-development with proper classroom facilities for students of high need schools in Negeri Sembilan and Malacca by enhancing a better environment and further promoting the learning of Science, Technology, English and Mathematics.

Remember folks, it is always a good thing to give back to society, especially our rural folk who somehow lag behind when it comes to education and the necessary tools to compete.

6th from left: Pn. Nor Baizura Kamaruddin, Student Affairs Supervisor of Seremban School District, 7th from left: Jeffrey Perera, Managing Director of MyKasih Foundation, 8th from left: En. Pkharuddin Bin Hj. Ghazali, Deputy Director of Education, Education Department of Negeri Sembilan,  9th from left: Mokhtar Ali Ismail, Policy, Government & Public Affairs Manager along with teachers of the winning schools in Negeri Sembilan

  PRESS RELEASE
Caltex Fuel Your School creates impact for students in Negeri Sembilan

(L-R): Mokhtar Ali Ismail, Policy, Government & Public Affairs Manager, Pn. Nor Baizura Kamaruddin, Student Affairs Supervisor of Seremban School District, En. Pkharuddin Bin Hj. Ghazali, Deputy Director of Education, Education Department of Negeri Sembilan  and Jeffrey Perera, Managing Director of MyKasih Foundation officially closing the Caltex  Fuel Your School campaign in Negeri Sembilan

NEGERI SEMBILAN, 20 Nov. 2015: Chevron Malaysia Limited, which carries the retail brand

Caltex®, successfully completed its annual community campaign, Caltex Fuel Your School in partnership

with MyKasih Foundation. In its fourth consecutive year, the Campaign had once again further raised the

awareness in driving change and providing equal self-development with proper classroom facilities for

students of high need schools in Negeri Sembilan and Malacca by enhancing a better environment and

further promoting the learning of Science, Technology, English and Mathematics.

“By reaching out to schools in Malaysia one state at a time, we are glad that the Caltex Fuel Your School

campaign has made a difference and this is especially important for high need schools as more than 50

percent of the students are from low income households. In line with our global initiative, Chevron’s

Energy for Learning, this community campaign truly helps to support learning-based programmes –

whether it’s acquiring new knowledge, gaining new skills or exposing individuals to different ways of

thinking,” said Policy, Government & Public Affairs Manager, Mokhtar Ali Ismail.

This year, out of 25 classroom projects funded for Negeri Sembilan, Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampong Parit

and Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Seremban struck the most wins and were awarded with

learning materials worth RM20,000 each. The submissions contributed to a 60 percent increase in project

submissions compared to the overall campaign last year.

“I was overjoyed when our school was informed that four of our submitted projects were selected and will

be receiving learning materials to further enhance the classroom experience for our students. I applaud the

teachers of this school who passionately worked so hard to win the Caltex Fuel Your School campaign. It

is like a dream come true and this is the best thing that’s ever happened – together with the teachers, we

are now able to provide a better learning environment for our students. Thank you, Chevron for making

this possible,” expressed Mr. Mohd Sahib Rahmat, school principal from Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampong

Parit.


The learning materials awarded to all winning projects of participating schools in both Negeri Sembilan

and Malacca created an impact reaching a total of 1,241 students. In Negeri Sembilan itself, the

Campaign had reached out to more than 300 students with the support of Caltex® users who purchased

petrol using the Caltex® JOURNEY Card from 15 October to 14 November with RM2 pledged to the

classroom projects. Funds generated were channeled towards purchasing materials such as computer

notebooks, projectors, interactive white boards, electronic dictionaries and laboratory equipment, to name

a few.

Present at the closing ceremony of the Caltex Fuel Your School campaign, Managing Director of

MyKasih Foundation, Jeffrey Perera said, “We applaud the concerted effort by all parties involved in

making the Fuel Your School campaign a success in Negeri Sembilan. We are truly grateful for the

opportunity to work with Chevron once again to create a nurturing environment for students in pursuit for

knowledge. We look forward to supporting community learning initiatives through our partnership with

Chevron.”

The Caltex Fuel Your School campaign is part of Chevron’s Energy for Learning – a global initiative

which encourages partnerships with local communities, government bodies or non-profit organisations to

expand learning opportunities as well as to support the development of both the social and economic

vitality of these communities.

“For the fourth consecutive year, we are very pleased with the project submissions and the campaign that

is helping to drive more and more schools to participate. We hope to continue this community effort and

extend it to more states in the coming years,” added Mokhtar at the closing ceremony of the Caltex Fuel

Your School campaign in Malacca.

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Industry News: Ford Malaysia announces promising sales numbers for September retail sales

Ford today announced September retail sales in Malaysia of 844 units, driven by continued demand for the Ranger (above - which has been recently facelifted) and Fiesta (below).The September result helped drive third quarter sales up 34 percent from the previous quarter to 2,691 units, as the Ford brand continues to gain momentum. 

The Ford Ranger pickup continued as Ford’s best-selling vehicle in Malaysia with September retail sales of 643 units. Overall third quarter Ranger sales jumped 51 percent from the previous quarter to 1,993 units. Year-to-date Ranger sales have now risen 14 percent to 6,814 units.

 Somehow this is news that goes against the current trend of a softening market. If the product is good, then even in trying times, good results can still be achieved. There should be some added momentum for Ford this next couple of months owing to the launch of the upgraded Ford Ranger last week .

PRESS RELEASE
Ranger and Fiesta Drive Ford’s September and Third Quarter Sales in Malaysia 

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 15, 2015 – Ford today announced September retail sales in Malaysia of 844 units, driven by continued demand for the Ranger and Fiesta.

The September result helped drive third quarter sales up 34 percent from the previous quarter to 2,691 units, as the Ford brand continues to gain momentum.

The class-defining Ranger pickup continued as Ford’s best-selling nameplate in Malaysia with September retail sales of 643 units. Overall third quarter Ranger sales jumped 51 percent from the previous quarter to 1,993 units. Year-to-date Ranger sales have now risen 14 percent to 6,814 units.

Ranger offers an unmatched combination of power, payload capacity, towing and water-wading capabilities, as well as a range of active and passive safety features, including up to a market-leading six airbags.

Ford expects the new Ranger – which was launched on October 9 and is now available in all showrooms nationwide – to give overall sales an extra boost through the end of the year.

“We look forward to reaching even more customers with the new Ranger, which builds on its reputation as the most capable, powerful and smartest pickup in Malaysia,” said David Westerman, managing director, Malaysia and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.

The sporty Fiesta contributed sales of 95 units in September, helping drive third quarter sales up 33 percent from the previous quarter to 322 units.

The Fiesta offers the most comprehensive safety package in its class, including up to seven airbags, and comes packed with smart technologies, including Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity system that lets drivers make phone calls and control their in-car entertainment system hands-free, using voice commands.

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Hyundai Motor is the 39th biggest brand in the WORLD

Hyundai is currently the fourth largest vehicle manufacturer in the world. Hyundai operates the world's largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility in Ulsan, South Korea, which has an annual production capacity of 1.6 million units. The company employs about 75,000 people worldwide. Hyundai vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 6,000 dealerships and showrooms. The company first started in 1967 as an assembler. It is now the 39th biggest brand in the world and the 7th biggest automobile brand in the world according to Interbrand.

 It built and designed its first car in 1975. In the 1980s it first started exporting cars to North America. In the 1990s Hyundai set up a plant in India and it is now its center for small car production. It is the 7th most notable car brand according to Interbrand and is worth USD$11.3Billion.

Makes you wonder how they've done so well in about 47 years (with a self designed car coming at least a decade later) compared to say a brand with 32years old. Maybe its time to look east again, but further north this time.

PRESS RELEASE
Hyundai Motor Reputation Once Again Acknowledged By Interbrand

October 5, 2015 – Hyundai Motor is the world’s 39th biggest brand according to new results just published by global brand specialists Interbrand. Recording an 8.5% growth in brand value since last year to $11.3bn, the Korean company is also the automotive industry’s seventh largest brand. Over the past decade Hyundai Motor has grown its value by more than $7bn, rising 36 places to sit among some of the biggest names on the planet.

Embarking on an intensive period of change, fuelled by inventive and emotional brand marketing, Hyundai Motor has boosted significantly its brand awareness with customers. Creating an enhanced profile across the areas of culture, sport, corporate social responsibility and through its new, high quality products, Hyundai Motor has advanced its caring outlook to connect with customers around the world.

Acknowledging the achievement, Mike Rocha, Global Brand Valuation Director, Interbrand said, “Despite a hyper-competitive environment, Hyundai has managed to enhance its global presence through a remarkable refinement of its products and brand spaces. Hyundai Motor's continuous commitment to providing an extraordinary customer experience at every opportunity is helping to position the global carmaker as a truly differentiated brand in many markets across the globe.”

Won Hong Cho, Chief Marketing Officer, Hyundai Motor said, “In 2015, our Modern Premium brand direction has become more visible, and even more exciting initiatives are soon to follow. Looking into the future, we see ourselves playing a central role in redefining mobility and shaping it with humanity at heart. To get there, we pledge to become a truly caring company, not just one people like for the cars it makes, but one that is beloved for what it stands for.”

Focusing on ultimate customer satisfaction through a caring approach, Hyundai Motor has recently digitalised its sales process and is exploring new ways to interact with customers to become a valued partner in their lives. Its design-driven, premium quality vehicles reflect the brand’s Modern Premium direction, while a new Global Dealer Space Identity ensures the brand experience is maximised at every stage in the customer journey.

Hyundai Motor rankings over past decade (Interbrand):
Year / Overall ranking / Brand value ($bn)
2015 39 11.3
2014 40 10.4
2013 43 9.0
2012 53 7.5
2011 61 6.0
2010 65 5.0
2009 69 4.6
2008 72 4.8
2007 72 4.5
2006 75 4.1

2015 automotive top 10
Year / Company / Brand value ($bn)
1 Toyota 49.0
2 BMW 37.2
3 Mercedes-Benz 36.7
4 Honda 22.9
5 VW 12.5
6 Ford 11.5
7 Hyundai 11.3
8 Audi 10.3
9 Nissan 9.0
10 Porsche 8.0

Interbrand’s rankings are calculated using companies’ financial balance sheets combined with marketing activities, while also reflecting each brand’s potential profit.

-Ends-

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INDUSTRY NEWS: METALEX 2015 - ASEAN's largest metal working exhibition Press Conference and Panel Discussion

(From L to R) Ms Sirirat Sungvichai, Project Manager, Reed Tradex Company, Dato’ Ir. Haji Noor Azmi Bin Jaafar, Executive Director, Dellyod Venture Berhad, Mr Somkiat Chupukcharoen, President, Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association, Mr John Lee, Chairman of International Business Committee, Federation of Malaysia Manufacturers, H.E Mr Damrong Kraikruan, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, Mr Ir A. K Woo, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturer Council Member, Dr. Yeoh Oon Tean, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturer. 


Today I attended a press conference held at the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers which saw the attendance of HE Mr. Damrong Kraikruan Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia. The purpose of the event was the promotion of METALEX 2015 which is to be held in Bangkok on the 18th to the 21st of November 2015. METALEX 2015 is  ASEAN’s largest Metal working exhibition is among the most prominent exhibition that offers updated technology and networking and sourcing opportunities. Coincidently, I had just returned from Thailand and I get to attend something to do with Thailand again. 


Ms Sirirat Sungvichai, Project Manager Reed Tradex Company described the exhibition as an opportunity to find solutions from more than 70,000 manufacturers, discover new ways of upgrading productivity from over 4,000 new metalworking machinery, technologies, and solutions on exhibit and live demonstrations by over 2,700 brands from 50 countries including 9 International Pavilions and the largest gathering of Japanese brands and technologies in ASEAN.

Anyway, what was interesting at today's event was the keynote speech by HE, the Ambassador of Thailand and the Panel Discussion on the subject of the Synergy of Malaysia and Thai Auto Parts Makers to Drive Beyond ASEAN Borders. This forum consisted of Dato’ Ir. Haji Noor Azmi Bin Jaafar, Executive Director, Dellyod Venture Berhad, Mr Somkiat Chupukcharoen, President, Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association, Mr John Lee, Chairman of International Business Committee, Federation of Malaysia Manufacturers and Mr. Sittisak Anuntaprayoon Managing Director, Reed Tradex Company.

Dato’ Ir. Haji Noor Azmi Bin Jaafar,  Executive Director of Delloyd Ventures Berhad said that Japanese car makers’ relocation to Malaysia contributed to the growth of the auto industry because they were followed by smaller Japanese component suppliers ever since the mid 1980s when Proton was established. Malaysian companies became partners to and supplied manpower and resources to assist those Japanese component makers growing into a major industry today.  He suggested that Malaysia needs to differentiate itself from other ASEAN countries in order to attract particular types of business suited to its strengths. Malaysia’s strengths today are in high-quality workforce, R&D know-how and full government support.  This means moving to hybrid, energy efficient / electric cars and to high-end, expensive cars as well as the fact that Malaysia has a passenger car market, compared to say, Thailand which has a pick-up truck market and Indonesia which is more of a MPV market. Each should specialise in components in each field and do cross trading in the long run.

Mr. Somkiat Chupukcharoen President, Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association said that Thailand had a similar growth curve building up its vehicle production capacity to 2.46 million vehicles today (with over 1.2million of this going for the export market - compare this to about 1 million of so vehicles being produced in Malaysia).  Today the push is for eco cars, big bike, trucks and buses with GPS fleet control, and vehicles with UN ECE standard for roll over and seat anchorage and is fast moving to become a green automotive production base by 2021.  Thailand has a good access to automotive parts market in ASEAN because of its long term relationship with leading vehicle brands in ASEAN.  Thailand has been strengthening its network in the ASEAN automotive markets and this is a strength which Thailand can build upon with its allies in Malaysia.

Mr. Sittisak Anuntaprayoon Managing Director, Reed Tradex Company showed how the METALEX Metal Community can help Malaysian metal working industry to grow.  By providing Infinite Solutions for the Metalworking Industry, METALEX is launching technologies new to Asia in many products and price ranges so that entrepreneurs can choose the equipment that best suit their operation and pocket and provide that  the technology they need to push forward in the market. The technologies are all gathered in a single site, so the buyer need not go to many different places to choose the best and most appropriate product. In this case, Dato Ir Haji Noor Azmi added that in the mould and die casting technologies, Thailand companies have perfected their technology compared to even Malaysia. He also believes that Malaysian companies cold actually learn from their Thai counterparts in order to expand regionally and then globally.

It was quite an interesting discussion where one could get an insight on the workings of actual behind the scenes of auto manufacturers at work. Granted, the final product or the car themselves are interesting. But the stories that are told behind the scenes are pretty unique nonetheless. I could sit and have teh tarik for hours if I were to discuss this.

Anyway, the event today was for the promotion of METALEX 2015 scheduled to be held on 18-21 November 2015 in Bangkok. Automotive Industry Players do take note.

 For immediate release
PRESS RELEASE

METALEX 2015 to be held 18-21 November at BITEC Bangkok, Thailand, will bring opportunities for Infinite Solutions for Metal Working Industry throughout ASEAN.

(From L to R) Mr Sittisak Anuntaprayoon, Managing Director, Reed Tradex Company, Dato’ Ir Haji Noor Azmi, Executive Director, Delloyd Ventures Berhad, Mr John Lee, Chairman of International Business Committee, Federation of Malaysia Manufacturers, Mr Somkiat Chupukcharoen, President, Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association during the panel discussion in The Synergy of Malaysian and Thai Auto Parts Makers to Drive Beyond Border. 

At the Press Conference held at the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, 22nd September 2015, HE Mr. Damrong Kraikruan Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia sets the tone with his keynote speech The Collaboration between Thailand and Malaysia in AEC - that the Thai government is keen to promote trade and services between the two countries including product sourcing, fairs and establishing networks to expand business opportunities. Thus METALEX 2015 - ASEAN’s largest Metal working exhibition is among the most prominent exhibition that offers updated technology and networking and sourcing opportunities.

In Infinite Solutions for Metalworking Industry at METALEX 2015,  Ms Sirirat Sungvichai, Project Manager Reed Tradex Company described the exhibition as an opportunity to find solutions from more than 70,000 manufacturers, discover new ways of upgrading productivity from over 4,000 new metalworking machinery, technologies, and solutions on exhibit and live demonstrations by over 2,700 brands from 50 countries including 9 International Pavilions and the largest gathering of Japanese brands and technologies in ASEAN.  METALEX 2015 offers Malaysian entrepreneurs opportunity to network with Japanese investors before AEC, and complete solutions for high-precision production processes. Supporting industries engaged in metal working will find essential technologies to improve manufacturing.  New technologies will trigger ideas for new industrial directions and for upgrading production lines.

Many educational conferences and seminars are offered such "METALEX Congress," "METALEX Nano Forum" and "Metallurgy Forum.” Supporting Industries -- collaborations among supporting industries in ASEAN countries to empower new standards for global competitiveness. Before the dawn of AEC -- getting ready for imminent change, improve your capability to meet new challenges.

METALEX Congress 2015 brings leaders to offer visions and guidelines to share cutting edge ideas, experience and best practices.  The METALEX Nano Forum 2015 also offers the interested participants the latest development in Nano manufacturing to update you with the latest innovations.

Networking opportunities abound: At METALEX 2015 is the largest gathering for Japanese investors and industrialists eager to expand business in ASEAN. BUILD Marketplace is a platform for Japanese industries to source industrial parts from local suppliers in ASEAN.

To experience the exhibition packed with excitements, Malaysian visitors are welcomed to join the exclusive business delegation with complimentary accommodation provided. Abundance of activities comprise of Factory Visit to leading auto parts manufacturer, Business Matching
Meetings and networking reception await you at METALEX 2015.


At the Panel Discussion on the Synergy of Malaysia and Thai Auto Parts Makers to Drive Beyond ASEAN Border,  Dato’ Ir. Haji Noor Azmi Bin Jaafar,  Executive Director, Delloyd Ventures Berhad said that Japanese car makers’ relocation to Malaysia contributed to the growth of the auto industry because they were followed by smaller Japanese component suppliers. Malaysian companies became partners to and supplied manpower and resources to assist those Japanese component makers growing into a major industry today.  He suggested that Malaysia needs to differentiate itself from other ASEAN countries in order to attract particular types of business suited to its strengths. Malaysia’s strengths today are in high-quality workforce, R&D know-how and full government support.  This means moving to hybrid, energy efficient / electric cars and to high-end, expensive cars.
                                                                                                           
Mr. Somkiat Chupukcharoen President, Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association said that Thailand had a similar growth curve building up its vehicle production capacity to 2.46 million vehicles today.  Today the push is for eco cars, big bike, trucks and buses with GPS fleet control, and vehicles with UN ECE standard for roll over and seat anchorage and is fast moving to become a green automotive production base by 2021.  Thailand has a good access to automotive parts market in ASEAN because of its long term relationship with leading vehicle brands in ASEAN.  Thailand has been strengthening its network in the ASEAN automotive markets and this is a strength which Thailand can build upon with its allies in Malaysia.

Mr. Sittisak Anuntaprayoon Managing Director, Reed Tradex Company showed how the METALEX Metal Community can help Malaysian metal working industry to grow.  By providing Infinite Solutions for the Metalworking Industry, METALEX is launching technologies new to Asia in many products and price ranges so that entrepreneurs can choose the equipment that best suit their operation and pocket and provide that  the technology they need to push forward in the market. The technologies are all gathered in a single site, so the buyer need not go to many different places to choose the best and most appropriate product.

Again METALEX Community organizes roadshows to countries within the region to invite quality buyers, members of metal working industry associations, automotive associations, autopart makers and subcontracting industry associations, mold and die makers etc. They all help to improve manufacturing quality and to provide networking opportunity for all participants.

Mr. Sittisak invites all interested entrepreneurs in metal working industry to visit METALEX 2015 from 18-21November, 2015 at BITEC, Bangkok.

For more information visit at  www.metalex.co.th

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Industry News: 58 of Volkswagen's sales consultants get the Volkswagen International Basic Training certification

Volkswagen Malaysia had announced that 58 of its sales consultants graduated from the International Basic Training (IBT) certification. Held for the third year, the IBT included 15 days of classroom training designed to develop sales competence and to provide knowledge of brand and history, and Volkswagen’s technology. What this basically means is that these people would actually be able to get a sales job with Volkswagen sales outlets any where around the world due to its global certification.

It is also these sort of technical qualifications that Malaysians need to have aside from just the usual diplomas or degrees to get the chance to work elsewhere. A global outreach is very important these days. It gives you a chance to go elsewhere if you think that the grass is greener on the other side.

PRESS RELEASE

VOLKSWAGEN CERTIFIED 58 SALES CONSULTANTS

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 August 2015 – Volkswagen Malaysia is pleased to announce that 58 of its sales consultants graduated from the International Basic Training (IBT) certification.

Held for the third year, the IBT included 15 days of classroom training designed to develop sales competence and to provide knowledge of brand and history, and Volkswagen’s technology. Having completed the training, these candidates were then examined in all these area which not only consist of written exam but also video analysis and role plays. The scoring was done by a panel of judges comprising of the region managers and dealer sales managers.

“At Volkswagen, we are focused in training and development to provide better career opportunity to our employees. We first introduced the IBT certification in 2013 to further enhance the knowledge of our team of sales consultants. Today, we are very proud of our 58 graduates this year and are confident that their learnings will enable them to better serve our customers,” says Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.

This group of graduates joins 85 other IBT certified sales consultants nationwide. These consultants are all trained and examined by a panel of experienced trainers from the Volkswagen sales training department and the dealer sales management for.

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Industry News: TOC VENTURES INTO MYANMAR - AUTOMOTIVE COURSES TO KICKSTART MMIVT IN 2016

TOC Automotive College Founder & CEO, Adelaine Foo and TOC Training Director, Allan Cabiles exchanging MoU with representatives from Viva Global Education (VGE), witnessed by MATRADE CEO, Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud at Menara MATRADE in Kuala Lumpur 

Recently I received news from the good people of the TOC (The Automotive College that they were spreading their wings to Myanmar. Our homegrown automotive school had sign a MoU with Viva Global Education Sdn Bhd towards forming something called the Malaysia-Myanmar Institute of Vocational Training (MMIVT) in Yangon.

Viva Global Education will be partnering with Myanmar’s Ministry of Science & Technology to obtain an operating license for the MMIVT and Myanmar’s National Skill Standards Authority (NSSA) under the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security to establish competency standards and create training programmes endorsed by the NSSA.

Definitely good to hear our local companies going abroad and establishing footholds elsewhere. It goes to show that we have got to think and go global in the long run. Of course, this isn't TOC's first foray overseas. They already have a training centre over in Gold Coast, Australia.

PRESS RELEASE

Academic Partners from UCSI University, Clara International Aesthetic College, TOC Automotive College and Tunku Abdul Rahman University College  in a group photo after the MoU Sigining Ceremony with Viva Global Education.

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 June 2015 – TOC Automotive College (TOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Viva Global Education Sdn Bhd (VGE) on Thursday towards establishing the Malaysia-Myanmar Institute of Vocational Training (MMIVT) in Yangon.

TOC, a globally acknowledged automotive college will be offering first class vocational courses through the institution of an automotive training facility to fill the void for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Myanmar.

The objective is to provide technical and management skills crucially required by the Myanmar’s budding workforce to find employment in the numerous locally and foreign owned companies in Myanmar.

Founder & Chief Executive Officer of TOC, Adelaine Foo says: “We are very pleased to be collaborating with VGE and MATRADE to cater the needs of Myanmar’s flourishing industry through extending our technical expertise.

“TOC is certain that the training facility, comprising of our locally and internationally recognized automotive courses will help kick start the MMIVT pilot programme by first quarter of next year with a positive impact,” she added.

The MMIVT is a privately funded TVET provider, supported by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) through its International Cross Border Partnership Programme.

Targeting an enrolment of 900 students during its first year of commencement by 2016, VGE is collaborating with TOC amongst other education partners including USCI University, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College and Clara International Aesthetic College.

At its inception, MMIVT would be offering courses in Automotive Technology, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Accounting & Finance and Beauty & Wellness.

Meanwhile, MATRADE CEO, Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud is confident that MMIVT can be a catalyst for a collaborative platform for Malaysia and Myanmar to have a closer business and economic relationship.

“I am positive that MMIVT will contribute particularly in human capital development of the country by filling-in the needs for technical skills development, particularly for the young population of Myanmar,” Dzulkifli said in his speech before witnessing the MoU signing ceremony in Menara MATRADE, Kuala Lumpur.

VGE will be partnering with Myanmar’s Ministry of Science & Technology to obtain an operating license for the MMIVT and Myanmar’s National Skill Standards Authority (NSSA) under the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security to establish competency standards and create training programmes endorsed by the NSSA.

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