Daily TribuneThrough national, regional and global contests, dealer associates advance their technical and service skills
Photographs Courtesy of Honda Cars Philippines | HONDA Cars Philippines representatives at the recently held Skills Contest in Malaysia
ELIJAH Villan moves on to the World Skills Contest in Japan this October.
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. has achieved a significant accomplishment, clinching the top spot in the Honda Asia and Oceania Skills Contest, specifically in the Service Advisor category.
This prestigious event, held in the historical city of Malacca, Malaysia, gathered talented service associates from nine countries, each determined to showcase their expertise in the realm of after-sales services.
The Honda Skills Contest is much more than just a competition — it's a global initiative that seeks to emphasize service excellence, build the technical prowess of dealer associates and align with the best practices from around the world.
This year's competition took place at the facilities of Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. on 17 May, and was an awe-inspiring display of talent, dedication, and commitment to service quality.
The contest is divided into three main categories: General Repair, Periodic Maintenance and Service Advisor.
From the Philippines, four skilled individuals stood out in their respective categories:
Out of the three main categories in the contest, the Philippines shone brightest in the Service Advisor category. In this area, associates are tasked with demonstrating proficiency in service reception and delivery processes, which includes advanced diagnostics, repair recommendations, vehicle release and booking of subsequent maintenance visits.
Moreover, this category offered a glimpse into the utilization of cutting-edge technology that empowers the associates to accurately identify vehicle issues and propose appropriate solutions.
This is where Elijah Dave Villan, an associate from Honda Cars Makati Inc., distinguished himself from his international peers.
Villan, a seven-year veteran of HCMI, began his journey in 2016 as a technician.
He emerged as the Service Advisor category champion, proudly raising the Philippine flag high and embodying the spirit of Filipino excellence.
His victory is a testament to his skill, dedication and the exceptional training and support provided by HCMI.
Rie Miyake, president of Honda Cars Philippines Inc., praises the initiative.
"The skills competition is among Honda's initiatives to ensure superior customer satisfaction through our Dealers and their dedicated staff who are our partners. Through national, regional, and global contests, dealer associates advance their technical and service skills. The program also gives them more joy at work because it widens their perspective on the importance of what they do, and how they genuinely help promote quality and safety while providing service," he said.
Following this regional success, HCPI has now set its sights on a bigger stage. As the champion in the Asia and Oceania segment of the competition, HCPI has been selected to represent the region in the Honda World Skills Contest, which will take place in Japan in October.
The Honda World Skills Contest serves as a global platform for Honda's most skilled service associates to demonstrate their technical and customer service capabilities. It offers a unique opportunity to share knowledge and experience, encouraging all participants to strive for even greater levels of service excellence.
Miyake sends out a congratulatory message.
"Congratulations to all the participants, and to Mr. Elijah Dave Villan of Honda Cars Makati for advancing in the Honda World Skills Contest," he said.
