HTSC was formed to promote transformative education among service professionals. Serving as a means to further develop both their technical skills, competence when it comes to engineering advancements, and customer-care excellence, sense of duty as a changemaker in daily business operations. Moreover, it acknowledges the country’s top talents and provides them an opportunity to shine at an international stage.

This year is the first under the management of HMPH and was participated by 12 technicians across the thirty 30 Hyundai dealer groups in the country namely:

• Richard Nolos (Alabang)
• Jessie Bautista (Baliwag)
• Mon Peter Emil Rosaldo (Batangas)
• Rebbert Ouano (Cebu North)
• Glendel Alimpangog (Cebu South)
• Dioniso Carino (Dagupan)
• Raymond Villasica (Dumaguete)
• Dave Ann Louie Chou (Las Piñas)
• John Carlo Salvaloza (Makati)
• Dominic Paunilian (San Pablo)
• William Caber (Silang)
• Rommel Bulacso (Tarlac)

Last February 2023, 38 candidates underwent a series of online courses through the Hyundai Training Academy (HTA) portal. It concluded with a 50-question exam where their know-how of the brand and mastery of mechanical jobs were assessed. The 12 with the highest remarks moved on to the in-person contest that took place last April 14 at NYK Sto. Tomas Batangas.

“Our local tagline ‘Innovate Everyday’ does not only focus on developing new-generation and advance Hyundai vehicles but it also serves as an inspiration for us to find new ways to improve overall car ownership experience by providing existing and soon-to-be Hyundai owners the Aftersales care and expertise they deserve. We expect all participants will do their best and attempt to secure a perfect mark. We hope you carry this attitude and inspire your fellow team members to do the same,” according to Young Uk Ko, HMPH Directing Coordinator for Aftersales.

The qualifiers were divided into three groups of four individuals for the multi-round event. They worked on HMPH’s new subcompact crossover SUV, the Creta, and were evaluated based on three diagnostic areas: Engine, Electrical, and Chassis. Within specified time limits, each had to successfully analyze and trouble-shoot the designated units.

Members from HMPH’s Aftersales Service team, headed by their manager Raymond Joseph Macalindog, facilitated the activities. Points were tallied on a ratio of 90 percent practical test and 10 percent pre-qualification exam score. Whereas the criteria for judging comprised of following the step-by-step procedures, diagnosing the correct issue, and repairing the system.

Winners were awarded on the same day, starting with the best performers per category. Ko, along with HMPH General Manager for Aftersales, Eric Ortiz, took the stage to recognize the following:

• Best in Engine: Jessie Bautista, Hyundai Baliwag Bulacan
• Best in Electrical: Rebbert Ouano, Hyundai Cebu North
• Best in Chassis: Richard Nolos, Hyundai Alabang

Thereafter, Dongwook Lee, HMPH President and Cecil Capacete, HMPH Managing Director, were joined by Ngoi Chee Hien, ASEAN Regional Headquarters Technical Training Manager, to reveal and congratulate the Top 3:

• Champion: Dave Ann Louie Chou, Hyundai Las Pinas (Score: 74.2)
• 1st Runner Up: Rommel Bulacso, Hyundai Tarlac (Score: 71.3)
• 2nd Runner Up :Dionicio Carino, Hyundai Dagupan Pangasinan (Score: 67.3)

“Today is a very significant occasion for HMPH as we are highlighting one of the key commitments of the Hyundai brand to its Filipino customers which is providing an exceptional and holistic car ownership experience,” says Cecil Capacete, HMPH Managing Director. “It is an honor to witness the commendable skillsets of our best technicians and their passion for the craft. Congratulations to our well-deserved winners! To Hyundai Las Piñas’ very own Dave Chou, our champion, we wish you good luck. Make us proud as you fly to Seoul and compete to show the world what Pinoys can do.”

As the national title holder, Dave becomes the official representative of the Philippines who will head to South Korea for the 14th World Skills Olympics (WSO) set in October. This biennial competition which started in 1995, will be attended by all regional winners from over 70 countries coming from Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America.