New partnership

THE Otomotif College (TOC) and Automobiles Citroën have set up a partnership involving the French Ministry of Education and Brooklands Motors Sdn Bhd to establish a training centre for automotive after-sales professionals.

Named the Franco-Malaysian Training Centre Citroën-The Otomotif College (FMTCCT), the centre aims to modernise the training of technicians responsible for automotive maintenance and customer services in Malaysia, Hong Kong and other Asean countries.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, TOC chief executive officer Adelaine Foo shared that the partnership is part of a continuous effort by the college to provide opportunities for students to gain professional training and industrial recognition through active involvement with automotive companies.

“Through this partnership, we hope to bring automotive technology graduates closer to the industry’s requirements and expectations,” said Foo.

The trainees with Foo, de Lassus and Baréty (fifth, sixth and seventh from left, respectively) andother guests.

“It is an honour for TOC to be chosen by Citroën to be the higher education provider to train the human capital of today and tomorrow.

“TOC is committed to making this project a success,” Foo added.

Also present at the ceremony was Citroën Regional HQ (South and Southeast Asia and Hong Kong) regional general manager Benoit de Lassus.

“Today, we are going one step further in re-launching the Citroën brand. We are putting in place structures which will improve the quality of our networks in Malaysia and other Asean countries as well as give students the opportunity to develop their skills using our technology. We hope that some of them will become part of the Citroën network,” said de Lassus.

The guest of honour, French ambassador to Malaysia Marc Baréty, presented certificates of attendance to the first batch of trainees.

Among those who received certificates were Jason Morris, Jared T Gubot, Allan A. Cabiles, Hoon Zheng Fook, Yap Sze Siang, Wan Iskandar, Faizal Wahab, Kamaruddin Johar, Mohamad Sopie and Paul Stephen Theirsera.

Baréty complimented Citroën on its efforts to develop the human capital of the company.

“Citroën, Brooklands and TOC share the same vision about what vocational training should be like. I am sure TOC and its students will gain from this collaboration,” said Baréty.