KUALA LUMPUR: Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) to jointly explore strategies to enhance the development of entrepreneurship, education, and investment in automotive industry.
The MoU was signed by Hino managing director Atsushi Uchiyama and Mara director-general Datuk Azhar Abdul Manaf.
Also present to witness the signing were Mara chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Azizah Mohd Dun and Hino director Ahmad Yasmin Yahya.
Hino said it hopes to build a resilient portfolio in supporting the development of the local vendor network in automotive industry and implementing strategic investment activities among industry players.
This strategic partnership between Hino and Mara aims to develop a skilled workforce, especially in commercial vehicle maintenance, repair and operation (MRO).
Hino will also conduct research and development collaboration to enhance the growth in the automotive industry and to encourage sharing of knowledge and technology with Mara.
Azizah said, "This collaboration will not only benefit Mara and Hino, but it will help to enliven further the involvement of Bumiputera in the automotive industry, especially MRO, and at the same time help create more skilled manpower in the near future."
Uchiyama said Mara has been the company's loyal customer since the Hino was set up in Malaysia in 1977.
“This customer relationship has given multiple business adjacencies between Hino and Mara, particularly in the development of the automotive field and the improvement of bus network services.
“In Hino, good business is good customer relationships. We are delighted to collaborate in unlocking the opportunities and potential for the automotive industry in Malaysia, especially in rural areas,” he added.
