Kuala Lumpur. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia proudly concluded the Mercedes-Benz South East Asia II SkillsMaster Competition 2024, a landmark event that showcased the company’s commitment to service excellence and professional growth across the region. Alongside this prestigious competition, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia celebrated the graduation of 16 apprentices from its Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) Program. These dual milestones underscore the company’s dedication to advancing skill, innovation, and quality through comprehensive talent development in Malaysia and beyond.
Edmin Naidoo, Vice President of Customer Services, Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & SEA II, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the Mercedes-Benz Service Teams, stating, “I want to thank and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our Service Teams across the Southeast Asia II region. Each member plays a vital role in driving innovation, solving complex challenges, and consistently delivering exceptional service to our customers.”
He added, “At Mercedes-Benz, we are deeply committed to nurturing future talent and fostering a culture of excellence that spans every part of our operations. Initiatives like the South East Asia II SkillsMaster Competition and the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) Program are essential in empowering young Malaysians with the expertise needed to thrive in an ever-evolving automotive landscape. These programs not only enhance our technological and professional standards but also solidify our dedication to providing the Best Customer Experience, reflecting the high standards of Mercedes-Benz.”
The SkillsMaster competition is designed to boost morale and motivation among customer service staff, raising their skill levels to international standards, and ensuring that Mercedes-Benz remains a leader in luxury automotive service. This year’s competition saw 591 participants from 12 South East Asian markets competing across six key categories: Qualified Maintenance Technician (QMT), Qualified System Technician (QST), Certified Diagnosis Technician (CDT), Certified Service Advisor (CSA), Qualified Parts Process Specialist (QPPS) and Top End Customer Care (TECC).
Throughout the five-month programme, participants progressed through rigorous qualifying rounds that tested their technical proficiency, product expertise, and alignment with Mercedes-Benz’s high standards for safety, quality, and customer service. Each category assessed a broad range of skills, from technical know-how to organisational efficiency, ensuring that all service personnel met international benchmarks.
In addition to the SkillsMaster competition, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia continues to develop the next generation of automotive talent through its Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) Program, a flagship initiative dedicated to nurturing a highly skilled workforce for the automotive industry. These graduates, now globally certified, will join the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Customer Services network which currently supported by over 1,000 highly skilled service personnel across the country. Each graduate completed the program with credentials including the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles, the Malaysia Skills Certificate Level 3, and a Mercedes-Benz-specific High Voltage Qualification, positioning them at the forefront of automotive service excellence.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia invests approximately RM100,000 per student in the AMA Program, reflecting the brand’s commitment to developing top-tier automotive talent. Beyond the apprenticeship, a structured certification ladder allows these technicians to continue advancing their skills and knowledge with roles such as Certified Diagnosis Technician and Certified Service Advisor on offer.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s commitment to education is further demonstrated through its ongoing partnership with Montfort Boys Town (Montfort). The primary goal of this collaboration is to inspire Montfort students to pursue careers with Mercedes-Benz, particularly within its Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) Program. This partnership also empowers Montfort’s trainers with technical training, enabling them to share this expertise with their students and elevate their skills to industry standards.
| Winners | ||
| Category | Name | Retail partner |
| Qualified Maintenance Technician (QMT) | Mohamad Faiq Zakwan Mohd Farouk | Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad – Johor Bahru |
| Qualified System Technician (QST) | Tan Wei Chee | Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd – Kinrara |
| Certified Diagnosis Technician (CDT) | Kwan Teck Hwa | Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd – Setia Alam |
| Certified Service Advisor (CSA) | Jack Teo Kwee Siong | Cycle & Carriage Industries Pte Ltd, Singapore – MBC |
| Qualified Parts Process Specialist (QPPS) | Hui Wai Luen | Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd – Kinrara |
| Top End Customer Care (TECC) | Damon Wong Zih Yang | Cycle & Carriage Bintang (Northern) Sdn Bhd – Bukit Tengah |
