Khoo (ninth left) celebrating with his employees after winning the RM20,000 prize in the Best Team category. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Manufacturer’s PJ dealership bags grand prize of RM20,000
DEALERS and service providers battled it out at an automotive manufacturer’s headquarters in Shah Alam for top honours in the Toyota Skills Contest.
Participants fielded by their respective companies competed in nine categories that tested their abilities in areas ranging from customer relations to technical diagnosis, maintenance and repair.
The loudest cheers were heard when a 22-year-old authorised Toyota dealership, that also offers car service and does body and paint works, was declared the Best Team.
Laser Motor Petaling Jaya Group principal director Khoo Kay Chee said he was elated to receive the RM20,000 grand prize.
“This is the second time we have won in this category.
“Going forward, our goal is to not only win more awards but also win over more customers by exceeding their expectations,” said Khoo, adding that he would be organising a dinner to celebrate the win.
Participants from Khoo’s team emerged as champions in four of the nine categories.
They also placed second and received a consolation prize in two other categories.
Participants taking part in the General Service Technician Maintenance and Repair category in the Toyota Skills Contest held in Shah Alam.
In total, RM155,000 in cash prizes were awarded for the annual contest that’s been held since 1993.
Participants came from as far as Sarawak and Perlis.
Jong Chee Kiong from Sarawak, who was first runner-up in the customer relations category, said handling angry customers throughout his 11-year career gave him the confidence to take part.
Al-Bakri Apari from Perlis, who received a consolation prize in the sales advisor category, said the experience from having sold 500 Toyota cars in his nine-year career had prepared him for the contest.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd customer executive director Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain said over 600 personnel nationwide participated in the contest.
They included sales and service advisors, technicians, parts specialists as well as body and paint experts.
“The contest provides a platform for our people to showcase their skills and dedication for continuous improvement.
“By developing talents across sales, service and technical disciplines, we ensure that every Toyota interaction – from the showroom to the service bay – reflects quality, reliability and care.
“Ultimately, it supports our aspiration to be the best in town,” said Mohd Shamsor.
He added that while the company had classroom sessions and on-the-job training as part of its continuous learning framework, the skills contest took it a step further by transforming theory into practice.
“It recreates real-world service scenarios that test precision, teamwork and customer engagement under pressure.
“The spirit of competition makes learning more engaging and inspiring, empowering our people to go beyond their comfort zones.”
