An MOU between Hyundai, Komoco Motors and ITE Singapore paves the way for future EV technicians

Singapore - At the opening of Komoco Motors' new Electric Vehicle (EV) Service Centre, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hyundai Motor Company, Komoco Motors and the Singapore Institute of Technical Education (ITE) has been signed, paving the way for the next five years training the future generation of EV technicians and specialists.

The MOU between the three entities was signed by Mr Sung Nam Kim- VP and head of Global Channel & Service Sub-Division at Hyundai, Mr Teo Hock Seng - Executive Chairman of Komoco Motors Pte Ltd and Ms Low Khah Gek - CEO of ITE Singapore, with Mr Hong Bum Jung, CEO of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre in Singapore and guest of honor Mr Ng Lang, Chief Executive of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in attendance.

The Hyundai-Komoco-ITE memorandum of understanding is the first of its kind in the industry where a manufacturer, distributor and educator have joined hands.

As part of the 5-year plan between all three parties, up to 10 ITE students per year will be selected for an internship program with Hyundai in South Korea and Komoco Motors to gain the necessary knowledge and technical knowhow needed for maintaining the future generations of BEVs in Singapore. Up to three scholarships and five book prizes will also be awarded to outstanding students annually, and ITE lecturers from the institute's automotive department will be attached to both Hyundai and Komoco Motors for learning opportunities.

The joint partnership is intended to create a pool of skilled technicians that will foster Hyundai Motor's sustainable mobility initiatives and advanced automotive technologies. As per Singapore's Green Plan, Hyundai Motor and Komoco are committed to helping the local land transport authority in its goal to achieve all clean energy vehicle registrations by 2030.

“There has been a robust growth of the EV industry in Singapore as regulations, technology and consumer behaviour continue to accelerate toward green mobility. This tripartite partnership would enable us to refresh and enhance our automotive training capabilities, and contribute to the workforce by supplying a steady stream of trained technicians equipped with the knowledge and skillsets to take on EV repair and maintenance jobs”, said Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO of ITE.

“Our idea of future mobility is based on the strong commitment that we give to society and Hyundai Motor Company will play a pivotal role in global society’s transition to clean energy,” said Sung Nam Kim of Hyundai Motor. “And to prepare such future, many efforts between industries & countries are required. Starting with MOU between Hyundai Motor, ITE and Komoco, we believe foundation for organic cooperation will be established and we all together will build a better future.”

As a testament to Komoco’s commitment to an electrified future, the local distributor has also been selected by Hyundai Motor Group to run the Korean brand’s first dedicated EV service centre in the world, located within Komoco Motors' facility at 253 Alexandra Road. At present, there are eight dedicated vehicle bays at the new 800sqm EV Service Centre, which has full-length windows, for customers to have a clear view of EV Specialists working on their vehicles. Each client will have a dedicated EV Specialist, for better engagement.

Mr Teo Hock Seng, Executive Chairman of Komoco Motors, added: "It is a sign of Hyundai's deep trust and longstanding partnership that Komoco has been entrusted with building this EV Service Centre. This Centre will demonstrate how viable this new technology is. It will show our customers that we are here for them. EV ownership is not just about making a purchase decision, it is about the brand and distributor walking alongside our clients to embrace and trust this new technology. This is tomorrow's standard in the automotive world but Hyundai and Komoco are already ready today."

Photos Clifford Chow