Kia Asia Pacific has bolstered its presence in Malaysia with the grand opening of the Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. This facility, the company’s fifth global training hub, joins others in Germany, Russia, the UAE, and the USA. The expansion underscores Kia’s confidence in Malaysia as a key strategic location in the Asia Pacific region, with Kuala Lumpur already serving as the regional headquarters for Kia Asia Pacific.
The new Training Centre is designed to drive innovation and enhance service standards across the APAC region. It aims to equip operational staff, sales teams, and aftersales personnel from subsidiaries and distributors with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving automotive landscape.
Kevin Ahn, President and CEO of Kia Asia Pacific, expressed the significance of the new facility, stating, “The opening of our Kia APAC Training Centre aligns with our philosophy of fostering a customer-centric and people-focused culture. This centre reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that we provide top-tier service that exceeds customer expectations.”
Ahn also highlighted Malaysia’s selection for the training hub, noting its strategic location and diverse talent pool. “Malaysia was chosen from our 34 markets in APAC due to its ability to meet the dynamic needs of the industry while keeping our teams at the cutting edge of technological advancements. The country’s strong language proficiency and available talent further solidified its place as the ideal site for our training hub,” he added.
The Training Centre is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including high-tech classrooms for theoretical instruction, fully operational workshops for hands-on training, and a computerised resource centre offering comprehensive information on Kia vehicles. Trainees also have access to virtual repair simulators and specialised tools such as Kia’s diagnostic equipment. Models like the EV6 and EV9, along with upcoming releases such as the EV5 and EV3, are available for practical training sessions.
Training methodologies at the Centre are aligned with the global standards set by Kia’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group. Located adjacent to the training facility is the Kia 3S Flagship Centre, which offers trainees real-world exposure, enhancing their learning experience. Upon completing the programs, participants receive certification from Kia Asia Pacific, affirming their expertise within the brand’s global network.
The Centre can host up to 80 trainees at a time, ensuring an interactive, personalised learning environment. Kia aims to train approximately 3,000 individuals annually, supporting operations in all 34 countries within the Asia Pacific region.
The launch of the Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre marks a significant step in Kia’s regional growth, reflecting its commitment to developing automotive expertise and fostering innovation. This state-of-the-art facility will cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals who will contribute to Kia’s ongoing success across the region. With Malaysia now playing a pivotal role in Kia’s global training network, the brand is well-positioned to continue delivering exceptional service and value to its customers.
For more information about Kia, visit www.kia.com.
