INDUSTRY NEWS: Volvo Trucks advances talent development with Technical Education Programme (TEP) for TAFE College

Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia and Tan Sri Dato G Vadiveloo, Chief Executive Officer, TAFE College, Seremban signing the collaboration.

One of the most important things in nation building is the development of human capital. I sometimes think that this is very rarely done in this country. You can tell this from the fact that over the last fifteen or so years there have been no real technological or innovative breakthroughs here. You could put the blame on various factors including the lack of a proper education vision by the government as well as the lack of private institutions and individuals who have the monetary strength but somehow are so 'kedekut' or stingy to help develop others. 


So these days, aside from road safety issues, I do like the fact that automotive industry players like Volvo Trucks over here have started technical initiatives that would develop more skilled workers for our nation. Volvo Trucks Malaysia have entered into a collaboration with TAFE College Seremban (TCS) for a student Technical Education Programme (TEP) in a mission to help build a more skilful technical talent pool for Malaysia’s growing commercial vehicle industry. This would also provide the people trained a guaranteed job once they graduate. It works out well for everyone.

PRESS RELEASE
Volvo Trucks advances talent development with 
Technical Education Programme (TEP) for TAFE College

Carol Tong, Vice President, Human Resources, Volvo Malaysia; Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia; Tan Sri Dato G Vadiveloo, Chief Executive Officer, TAFE College Seremban; and Vijayalakshmi Krishnan, Principle, TAFE College Seremban in a group photo after the signing of the collaboration.

Shah Alam, 20 August 2015: Volvo Trucks (Volvo), which operates under Volvo Malaysia, today announced that it has entered into a collaboration with TAFE College Seremban (TCS) for a student Technical Education Programme (TEP) in a mission to help build a more skilful technical talent pool for Malaysia’s growing commercial vehicle industry.

The collaboration is the first of its kind formed between Volvo and TCS. The Technical Education Programme, which started recently in July 2015, seeks to transfer world-class knowledge to local students, increase talent pool and meet the demands of business and industry.

Under the programme, Volvo will be conducting ‘Train the Trainer’ sessions for TCS’ lecturers, so that they in turn will teach the students about commercial vehicles. Volvo will also conduct lectures on technical and soft skills to prepare the students for the working environment and to increase the number of skilled workers in Malaysia and ultimately, offer internships and employment opportunities for qualified and certified students upon graduation.

“Volvo is highly keen on supporting local talent development for the industry. Our role in this technical education programme is to facilitate this through knowledge transfer and industrial training to develop highly skilled and qualified talents. The need for quality aftermarket service in the automotive industry is increasing, and so is the demand for competent and skilful employees”, said Mats Nilsson, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia at the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Volvo and TCS earlier this month.

“We recognize the importance of motivating youths in mechanical engineering careers and we want to drive the next generation towards strengthening the nation through this field. As such, Volvo is glad to present qualified TCS’ students with internships stints and employment opportunities upon graduation, where they will have the prospects to work and gain experience at our 11 dealerships across Malaysia,” added Nilsson.

The collaboration will also see Volvo providing periodic quality assurance assessments on the lecturers to ensure that its global quality standards are delivered through the coursework.

“At TAFE College, we emphasize on a career-focused education right at the foundation and diploma levels and offer skills training programmes to help nurture each of our student to be an adaptable graduate who is able to make a seamless transition into the working world,” said Tan Sri Dato G Vadiveloo, Chief Executive Officer of TAFE College, Seremban.

Tan Sri Dato G Vadiveloo also said that TCS’ courses were designed to produce self-motivated individuals capable of applying skills and knowledge in a systematic and integrated manner. The support by Volvo Trucks will give the students invaluable opportunities to gain knowledge on par with global standards, thus playing a big role in further motivating them and increasing their marketability, he added.

In addition, TCS is also dedicating a designated Volvo Corner at the college premises – which consists of prototype engines, a sleeper cab, genuine parts, and a Volvo training truck, which will be used to conduct hands-on practical lessons. The students are tasked with the responsibility of setting up and maintaining the section.

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Truck and Bus News: Volvo Trucks Opens Newly Upgraded Dealership in Prai

His Excellency Mr Bengt Carlsson (second from left) and Mats Nilsson (seventh from left) with Volvo customers Tanjong Express Sdn Bhd and Kumpulan Samastar Sdn Bhd, during the truck handover ceremony at the launch of the newly upgraded Volvo Prai dealership

The newly upgraded Volvo Prai dealership recently opened its doors to customers in the northern region, strengthening the brand’s presence in Malaysia and elevating its aftermarket support to a higher level. Officiated by the Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr Bengt Carlsson, Volvo’s Prai dealership upgrade follows the introduction of its two recently upgraded facilities in Sibu and Ipoh earlier this year.

Situated strategically in the Prai Industrial Zone, the new facility sits on a 2.9-acre land (11,7035 sq. metres) and has a built-up area of over 2,932 sq. metres (31,555 sq. feet). It now boasts 10 work bays and can service up to 15 to 20 trucks per day – a 50 percent increase in capacity. Other services available at this dealership include a wash bay, tyre alignment and balancing, mobile four-post lifter for preventive maintenance check, and the latest tools and equipment set-up to diagnose vehicles and conduct quality repair.

The upgrading of Volvo’s Prai dealership is part of the Swedish giant’s RM 75 million investment and strategic implementation of its Dealer Operating Standard (DOS) Enhancement Programme. Encompassing a total of 7 dealership upgrades which started aggressively in 2014, the aim of this programme is to raise the bar in customer care and to ensure that all dealership processes comply with the Volvo standards of quality products and services. These standards comprise elements such as good productivity, service quality, improved customer satisfaction, and environmental care.

Press Information

Volvo’s new Prai dealership – bigger, better and ready to serve customers in the northern region  

Lim Eng Loon, General Manager, Peninsular Malaysia, Volvo Malaysia, His Excellency Mr Bengt Carlsson, Swedish Ambassador to Malaysia, Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia, Mahadevan Santhanasamy, Dealer Manager, Northern Region, Volvo Malaysia

Newly upgraded Prai dealership opens for business, proves to be another testament of Volvo’s continuous effort in network expansion

PRAI, 6 July 2015 – The newly upgraded Volvo Prai dealership recently opened its doors to customers in the northern region, strengthening the brand’s presence in Malaysia and elevating its aftermarket support to a higher level.

Officiated by the Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr Bengt Carlsson in an evening function in the presence of long-time customers and members of the press, Volvo’s Prai dealership upgrade follows the introduction of its two recently upgraded facilities in Sibu and Ipoh earlier this year.

The upgrading of Volvo’s Prai dealership is part of the Swedish giant’s RM 75 million investment and strategic implementation of its Dealer Operating Standard (DOS) Enhancement Programme. Encompassing a total of 7 dealership upgrades which started aggressively in 2014, the aim of this programme is to raise the bar in customer care and to ensure that all dealership processes comply with the Volvo standards of quality products and services. These standards comprise elements such as good productivity, service quality, improved customer satisfaction, and environmental care.

“Our Prai dealership has undergone significant upgrades in terms of space and facilities with an investment of RM 8.5 million. Investments like this are crucial for the further development of Volvo in Malaysia. The launch of this 3S centre demonstrates Volvo’s commitment in providing Malaysians a closer reach to our total brand and ownership experience. It reflects on our expanding presence in the northern part of Malaysia and also mirrors our growth strategy,” said Mats Nilsson, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia.

“Our workforce of 14 dedicated personnel supported by our global network, are ready to offer customers the highest level of service standards and care in the transport industry. I am confident that the new Prai dealership will increase customer satisfaction significantly”, added Nilsson.

Situated strategically in the Prai Industrial Zone, the new facility sits on a 2.9-acre land (11,7035 sq. metres) and has a built-up area of over 2,932 sq. metres (31,555 sq. feet). Its location along the main road ensures good visibility for truck drivers.

It now boasts 10 work bays and can service up to 15 to 20 trucks per day – a 50 percent increase in capacity. Other services available at this dealership include a wash bay, tyre alignment and balancing, mobile four-post lifter for preventive maintenance check, and the latest tools and equipment set-up to diagnose vehicles and conduct quality repair.

In addition to providing quality aftermarket service for the vehicles, the facility is also designed with the truck drivers in mind. A driver lounge with overnight facility which is equipped with Astro and wifi connectivity, shower and prayers room as well as complimentary lunch and beverages (upon request) are also available to ensure that drivers’ are well rested in order to perform at an optimum level.

“Safety on the road is of paramount importance to us at Volvo. Based on our driver training programme which we have been offering to our customers and which allows us to train and speak with thousands of truck drivers in Malaysia, we found that fatigue management is a constant  challenge for them. Our overnight facility will allow tired drivers to get a good night’s sleep while their truck is being check on at our dealership here”, remarked Nilsson.

The opening of the new dealership was also marked by a symbolic truck key handover ceremony to two of Volvo’s long-term customers, Tanjong Express Sdn Bhd and Samastar Sdn Bhd, whom recently placed new orders for trucks. Both companies respectively reiterated their confidence in Volvo’s products as well as aftermarket services, and affirms their continued partnership with the Swedish truck maker – which is currently the leading brand in the European heavy-duty segment.

The commemoration of Volvo newly upgraded Prai dealership additionally saw the company’s bus division, Volvo Buses Malaysia, handing over its latest chassis range B7R to Siang Yun Transportation Sdn Bhd.

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