KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge (UDEMC), an annual truck driving competition organized by UD Trucks and its sole distributor partner Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE), is back after three years of absence and has found its 2022 champion.
Mohamad Hanif bin Md Nor, a truck driver for seven years from ASAC Logistic Sdn Bhd, was crowned this year's Malaysian winner after beating nine other finalists in the final leg of the competition held in TCIE branch in Ipoh, Perak.
He also won the "Best Pre-Drive Inspection" category title in addition to winning the overall champion title.
As the best UDEMC driver from this market he qualifies for the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge Global Final which will be held in October at the UD Experience Center in Ageo, Japan.
The venue is where finalists from various countries will convene to compete for the global championship and coveted title of UD Trucks' Ultimate Driver.
"I'm very happy to have won the UDEMC and really looking forward to represent Malaysia in the global finals in Japan. It is truly great that UD Trucks provides such an invaluable opportunity to us who drive the UD Quester.
"This experience has definitely encouraged us all to be better drivers through deeper understanding and commitment to safety and professionalism. I'll perform my best in Japan and hope to bring back the global trophy," he added.
The UDEMC is carried out as a friendly skills-based competition which simulates three relevant transport cycles. Drivers compete by taking part in both classroom and field tests ranging from vehicle pre-drive inspection, fuel efficient and safe driving, and maneuvering and parking skills.
Meanwhile, two other sub-categories in the UDEMC was won by Mohammad Aripuddin Bin Dahlan from Naza Transport Sdn Bhd for "Best Driving Skills" and Simon Joshua A/L Chandra Sakaran from Syarikat Jasa Selamat Sdn Bhd won for "Best Fuel Efficiency".
Winners received a trophy and UD Quester truck scale model. Additionally, the champion's company ASAC Logistic Sdn Bhd received a Quester service voucher worth RM2,388 and exclusive driver training, while the sub-category winning companies received a Quester service voucher worth RM588.
TCIE executive director Say Teck Ming said the one of the reasons the UDEMC means a lot to its customers and drivers is that it ocuses on building positive mind set as much as it is on technical driving ability.
He added that the competition also encourages drivers to think more commercially by highlighting the trade-offs between speed, delivery time, fuel efficiency, safety and smooth driving.
"We know that many of them were very excited that this competition is back this year after three consecutive years of absence due to the pandemic situation.
"Our goal is to help our customers attract good drivers in a challenging industry that faces a lack of skilled drivers. Platform such as the UDEMC develops each driver to be an ultimate driver by helping them to acquire the right skills, knowledge and commitment to safety, fuel efficiency, care about the truck, the cargo and the environment.
"The UDEMC motivates drivers and promote truck driving as a job to be proud of as it is at the heart of smart logistics. It also serves as a symbol for UD Trucks' going the extra mile for our customers' success and our commitment in supporting all aspects of smart logistics," Say added.
UD Trucks Malaysia managing director Steve Hedouin said the UDEMC symbolizes the extension of the "Gemba" spirit - which means creating value at the actual place in Japanese.
By inspiring and encouraging UD Quester truck drivers to do a great job and be skilled drivers, Steve hopes all UD Quester truck drivers will embrace this spirit through value creation for the entire smart logistics process.
"It (UDEMC) delivers more than just a competition for truck drivers. It is devised as a platform to help enhance the linkage between drivers' skills with business reality when it first started in 2016. It does so by increasing driver competency, knowledge, and handling capability of the heavy-duty UD Quester."
"UD Trucks' vision is to build trucks and services that provide greater solutions for smart logistics which the world needs today. Our company combines the proud heritage of Japanese craftsmanship, cutting-edge trucking technology and the Gemba spirit which is inherent in the UD work philosophy," Steve added.
