Kia Asia Pacific, whose headquarter is located right here in Kuala Lumpur, has opened its first Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The new location is Kia’s fifth global training hub, following those in Germany, Russia, UAE, and the USA.
The opening of the training centre in Glenmarie marks the brand’s confidence in Malaysia as a pivotal hub in the APAC region, Kia says in a statement, adding that it will “lead the way in fostering a culture of innovation and exemplary service throughout the APAC region”.
The new Kia APAC training centre will be used to “embellish” operational staff from its subsidiaries and distributors, alongside sales and aftersales training via the Automotive Training Excellence programme, equipping them with “all-encompassing skills and knowledge” needed in the ever-evolving automotive industry.
“Malaysia was selected out of our 34 markets in APAC for its strategic location, allowing us to meet the evolving needs of the industry while keeping our teams at the forefront of technological advancements,” said Kia Asia Pacific President and CEO, Kevin Ahn. “Malaysia’s diverse talent pool and strong language proficiency further affirm it as the ideal choice for our training hub.”
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Capable of accommodating up to 80 trainees at any given time, the new Kia APAC Training Centre is equipped with a range of advanced facilities, including high-tech display classrooms for theoretical teaching, full-fledged workshops for practical sessions, virtual repair simulators, a computerised resource centre for Kia vehicle information, and specialised tools such as Kia diagnostic equipment.
Trainees will also have access to Kia’s flagship models including the EV6 and EV9, as well as upcoming models such as the EV5 and EV3, for hands-on training at the centre.
Located next to the Glenmarie Kia 3S Flagship Centre, trainees will also have direct exposure to real-world scenarios to enhance their learning experience. Kia adds that all training modules and methodologies used at the centre mirror the global standards set by Kia’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group.
Upon completion, participants will receive certification from Kia Asia Pacific, validating their skills and expertise within Kia’s global networks. The company aims to train up to 3,000 people annually to support all 34 countries within the Asia Pacific region.
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