SHAH ALAM: Kia Asia Pacific has revved up its presence in Malaysia with the grand opening of the Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre in Glenmarie here today.
This marks Kia’s fifth global training hub, following sites located in Germany, Russia, the UAE, and the United States.
This expansion on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur underscores Kia Asia Pacific’s confidence in Malaysia as a key hub in the Asia Pacific region.
Kia Asia Pacific is the regional headquarters for the Asia Pacific. It manages 34 countries in the region and is based in Kuala Lumpur.
Kia said the new training centre is poised to lead the way in fostering a culture of innovation and exemplary service throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The centre will also help train subsidiaries and distributors’ operational staff, sales and aftersales.
Sim sitting in the EV5 that was previewed today.
The centre offers a range of advanced facilities.
These include high-tech display classrooms for theoretical teaching, full-fledged workshops for practical sessions, a computerised resource centre for Kia vehicle information, virtual repair simulators, and specialised tools such as Kia diagnostic equipment.
The latest Kia models including EV6 and EV9, and upcoming models such as EV5 and EV3 are also available for hands-on training.
The centre's advanced facilities and training methodologies mirror the global standards set by its parent company, Hyundai Motor Group.
Located next to the centre is the Kia 3S flagship showroom, providing trainees with direct exposure to real-world scenarios to enhance their learning experience.
Upon completion of courses, participants will receive certification from Kia Asia Pacific, validating their skills and expertise within Kia’s global networks.
The centre can accommodate up to 80 trainees at any given time, ensuring an optimal learning environment with personalised attention and interactive experiences.
The automotive brand aims to train up to 3,000 people annually to support all 34 countries within the Asia Pacific region. All trainees are required to have a good grasp of the English language.
“Malaysia was selected out of our 34 markets in APAC (the Asia Pacific) 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.”
The EV5 was previewed at the opening of the centre.
Present at its opening was Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
Ahn delivering his speech.
