Kia Asia Pacific has made a significant leap in its regional presence with the grand opening of the Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. This state-of-the-art facility is the fifth global training hub for the automaker, joining established centres in Germany, Russia, the UAE, and the USA. The centre serves as a testament to Kia’s confidence in Malaysia’s pivotal role as a hub for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, where Kuala Lumpur functions as the regional headquarters.
The Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre is designed to drive innovation and raise service standards across the region. It will offer a range of training programmes aimed at operational staff, sales teams, and aftersales personnel. The focus is on automotive training excellence, providing comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for the ever-evolving automotive industry.
Kevin Ahn, President and CEO of Kia Asia Pacific, highlighted the strategic importance of the centre: “The opening of our Kia APAC Training Centre aligns with our company’s philosophy of fostering a customer-centric and people-focused culture. This training centre represents our commitment to continuous improvements, ensuring we deliver top-quality service that exceeds customer expectations.”
Ahn further emphasised Malaysia’s selection as the site for the new training hub, stating that the country’s strategic location, diverse talent pool, and language proficiency made it the ideal choice. “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,” he said.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The 10,000-square-foot training centre features cutting-edge facilities, including high-tech display classrooms for theoretical instruction, workshops for hands-on practice, and a computerised resource centre for detailed Kia vehicle information. Advanced tools such as Kia diagnostic equipment and virtual repair simulators ensure trainees are well-equipped to handle real-world automotive challenges. Kia’s latest flagship models, including the EV6 and EV9, and upcoming models like the EV5 and EV3, are also available for hands-on training.
The centre’s proximity to the Kia 3S Flagship Centre further enhances the learning experience, offering trainees exposure to real-world customer service scenarios. Upon completing their training, participants will receive certification from Kia Asia Pacific, validating their skills and expertise within the global Kia network.
The centre can accommodate up to 80 trainees at any given time, ensuring personalised attention and interactive learning experiences. Kia aims to train up to 3,000 people annually to support its operations across all 34 countries in the Asia Pacific region.
A Milestone in Kia’s Regional Growth
With an investment of RM3 million, the Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre mirrors the global standards set by parent company Hyundai Motor Group. The opening of this facility marks a significant milestone in Kia’s continued growth within the region. As the brand elevates its training standards and expertise, it is set to cultivate a new generation of skilled automotive professionals who will contribute to Kia’s success in APAC.
The launch of the training centre underscores Kia’s dedication to delivering exceptional service and innovation. With Malaysia now a key player in Kia’s global training network, the automaker is well-positioned to enhance its service quality and further solidify its footprint in the region.
