Hyundai Las Piñas’ rep wins Hyundai Technician Skills Championship

MANILA: Dave Chou of Chiongbian Group’s Hyundai Las Piñas outlet won the Hyundai Technician Skills Championship (HTSC) organized by the Aftersales Division of Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH).

The 36-year-old technician has been working for Hyundai since March 2016. This is Chou's first time joining the competition, yet his colleagues and trainers consider his victory not as beginner's luck but rather the fruit of his perseverance and hard work.

HTSC was launched to foster transformative education among service professionals to further enhance their technical skills, competency in engineering innovations, customer-care excellence, and sense of duty as a changemaker in daily business operations. Furthermore, it recognizes top Filipino talents and gives them an opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage.

This year is the first HTSC under the management of HMPH. 12 technicians from the 30 Hyundai dealer groups in the Philippines participated in the competition. They are Richard Nolos of Hyundai Alabang, Jessie Bautista of Hyundai Baliwag, Mon Peter Emil Rosaldo of Hyundai Batangas City, Rebbert Ouano of Hyundai Cebu North, Glendel Alimpangog of Hyundai Cebu South, Dioniso Carino of Hyundai Dagupan, Raymond Villasica of Hyundai Dumaguete, Dave Chou of Hyundai Las Piñas, John Carlo Salvaloza of Hyundai Makati, Dominic Paunilian of Hyundai San Pablo, William Caber of Hyundai Silang, and Rommel Bulacso of Hyundai Tarlac.

Last February, 38 candidates took online courses through the Hyundai Training Academy (HTA) portal. Their knowledge of the brand and proficiency in mechanical jobs were evaluated through a 50-question examination. The 12 with the highest remarks qualified for the in-person competition, which was held on April 14, at NYK Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

“Our local tagline ‘Innovate Everyday’ does not only focus on developing new-generation and advance Hyundai vehicles but it also serves as an inspiration for us to find new ways to improve overall car ownership experience by providing existing and soon-to-be Hyundai owners the aftersales care and expertise they deserve. We expect all participants will do their best and attempt to secure a perfect mark. We hope you carry this attitude and inspire your fellow team members to do the same,” HMPH Aftersales Directing Coordinator Young Uk Ko stated.

The qualifiers were divided into three groups for the multi-round event. They were assessed based on their work on the Hyundai Creta in three diagnostic categories: Engine, Electrical, and Chassis. They had to thoroughly analyze and troubleshoot the assigned units within specified time limits.

Members of the HMPH Aftersales Service team, led by their manager Raymond Joseph Macalindog, facilitated the activities. 90% of the points came from the practical test, while 10% came from the pre-qualification examination. The criteria for judging consisted of following the step-by-step process, diagnosing the correct issue, and repairing the system.

The best performers per category were first awarded by Ko, along with HMPH  Aftersales General Manager Eric Ortiz. Bautista won the Engine category, while Ouano won the Electrical Category. The Best in Chassis award went to Nolos.

Afterward, HMPH President Dongwook Lee and HMPH Managing Director Cecil Capacete were joined by Hyundai ASEAN Regional Headquarters Technical Training Manager Ngoi Chee Hien to announce the top three.

Chou got a score of 74.20 and received a P50,000 cash prize. He was followed by Bulasco with a score of 71.30 and a P30,000 cash prize. Carino ranked third, scoring 67.30 and a P20,000 cash prize.

“Today is a very significant occasion for HMPH as we are highlighting one of the key commitments of the Hyundai brand to its Filipino customers which is providing an exceptional and holistic car ownership experience. It is an honor to witness the commendable skillsets of our best technicians and their passion for the craft. Congratulations to our well-deserved winners! To Hyundai Las Piñas’ very own Dave Chou, our champion, we wish you good luck. Make us proud as you fly to Seoul and compete to show the world what Pinoys can do,” Capacete said.

As the national title holder, Chou will represent the Philippines at the 14th World Skills Olympics (WSO) that will be held in South Korea in October. All of the regional champions from more than 70 countries, including those from Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, will compete in this biennial competition, which was launched in 1995.

Photos from Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc.

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