More women needed in Malaysian auto industry

By CARSIFU | 8 December 2016


PETALING JAYA: The UK-based Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) urged Malaysian automotive companies to look into providing sponsorships and training programs to encourage women to join the automotive industry.

A survey conducted in the UK by the IMI revealed that 96 percent of women drivers want to see more women in car workshops and according to Forbes, women buy 52 percent of all new cars sold in the US, influence more than 85 percent of all car purchases and are the fastest growing segment of buyers for new and used cars.

“With women influencing the majority of automotive purchasing decisions and a huge number bringing their vehicles to service centers for maintenance and repair, this makes creating career opportunities for women in this industry even more imperative.

" To encourage women to join this primarily male-dominated workplace, companies need to put in place training programs and financial incentives catered to this group,” said Matthew Stuart, Senior Manager of IMI South-East Asia.

A high percentage of the few women who work in this industry operate backroom administrative functions or are relegated to the reception desk.

The IMI believes that more needs to be done for women to be aware that they can pursue career opportunities from technical, customer service to management positions in this sector.

Prasanna Vanugopal, General Manager of Tekat Automotive Academy (also known as Auto Terminal Training Sdn Bhd) started her career in the academy in 2009 at the age of 19 as a Business Development Officer.

Two years ago, she was appointed as Tekat’s General Manager and IMI Coordinator. Tekat is an IMI approved center and since 2005, has certified 787 candidates with IMI’s international automotive qualifications.

“Historically it has not been easy for women to step into this industry and stand out. But we have the communication and problem solving skills that can add value in this industry. Women can definitely excel and play a strong role in driving the future of this industry”, she said.

Vanugopal believes women should be made aware that a career in the automotive industry goes beyond the technical positions as they can also take up management and business roles.

Her advice to women is not to be afraid to venture into this industry as new technologies introduced in this sector in the past years have resulted in more career and growth opportunities.

 

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