Thursday, November 20, 2014

LLumar 2014 Asia Pacific Tint-Off Competition - 16 Teams from 14 Countries Take Part. Team from South Korea Wins


Yesterday I attended a tinting competition organized by LLumar automotive window films and its Malaysian distributor Tint Auto (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd . Yes, there is such an event and it was participated by 16 teams from 14 countries. The extra three teams came from China, which as you know is a huge country and warrants extra coverage (as well as sales numbers too).

Anyway, whilst the only cars provided were Volkswagen Passats by VW distributor F.A Wagen it was still an international themed events with tint experts from Oman, Singapore, China and South Korea as well as our own Malaysia to name a few.



I had asked the guys from LLumar's manufacturers Eastman Chemical Company about what they actually hoped to accomplish with such a competition and according to them the competition allowed its organizers and competitors to observe and learn each others techniques in carrying out the vehicle tinting process. And to my surprise there were.

Y.B. Datuk IR. Dr. Wee Ka Siong, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (in the middle) posing
for a group picture together with Champion Ju Jungcheol from South Korea, 1st
Loke Choon from Malaysia and 2nd runner-up Zheng Shihai from China

The team from South Korea won the event (and its USD3,000 prize money) and it seems they actually brought some new film application techniques to the table. Not very interesting you may say but imagine bringing more precision to the laying of film as well as a lack of air bubbles (which is the bane of any film installation). What will now happen is that the technique will be analysed and then it could become the standard to what should be done when we install our own tints on our cars and other vehicles.

I also asked about the current situation in Malaysia regarding the JPJ's (Malaysian RTD) latest rulings on tint levels. Tint Auto's CEO Mr Michael Tan mentioned that LLumar can supply any level required and while the new rulings allow a higher level of tint, he noted that people are still cautious with what was allowed and what was not. There is still a wait and see attitude overall. Of course, we would still see those brave ones who would just do first and then see what happens.

Oh, the Malaysian team which participated came second. Looks like our guys can tint cars properly. 


PRESS RELEASE

Winners of the Asia Pacific 2014 Tint-Off Competition in Malaysia Announced!
Y.B. Datuk IR. Dr. Wee Ka Siong (centre), Minister in the Prime Minister’s
Department, Michael Tan (first from left), Chief Executive Officer, Tint Auto (M) Sdn. Bhd., Dr. 
Jim Ziegler (second from left), Regional Business Director, Eastman Chemical, Datuk Kelvin 
Teoh (second from right), Group Chairman, Tint Auto (M) Sdn. Bhd., Mark Gershenson (first 
from right), Director, Global LLumar Brand Management Eastman Chemical at the Asia Pacific 
2014 Tint-Off Championship

Sunway Kuala Lumpur, November 20, 2014 – Automotive window film installers from across the Asia

Pacific region revved up their game at the Asia Pacific 2014 Tint-Off Championship, organized by U.S-

based Eastman Chemical Company, the manufacturer of LLumar® automotive window films, and its sole

distributor in Malaysia, Tint Auto (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, that was held yesterday at the Sunway Convention

Centre.


The tinting competition which took place in the afternoon, pinnacled at the Gala Dinner during the night

where contestants from three countries were announced as the top three winners for this year.

Mr. Ju Jongcheol, a professional installer from South Korea took the Championship title as this year’s

most professional and best automotive window film installer in the region. Completing the skillful task with

a score of 95 points, he defeated 15 other participants from around the Asia Pacific, Australasia and

Middle East regions.


Mr Lim Loke Choon from Malaysia emerged as the second place winner with a score of 94 points and Mr

Zheng Shihai from China took the third place with a score of 93 points.

“This challenge really puts your skills as professional automotive window film installers to the test,” said

Mr Ju Jongcheol, the Asia Pacific 2014 Tint-Off Champion. “It was definitely a close competition as there

were several highly capable and skillful professionals, but I am proud to win the Championship title. This

is truly a sweet victory! Thank you LLumar and Tint-Auto (M) for the opportunity!”


Officially launched by Y.B. Datuk IR. Dr. Wee Ka Siong (Minister in Prime Minister’s Office), the

Championship event began with high-energy performances that created excitement prior to a formal

briefing session on the competition rules for all contestants.


Each contestant was given a competition bay that included a Volkswagen Passat and a supply of high-

quality AIR series of automotive window film from LLumar which, with its nano-ceramic technology and

high protection from ultra violet rays yet enhanced visibility, has gained high traction in the Malaysian

market.


The competition underscored the importance of skills and pride for a job well done. Amid roaring cheers

from supporters and spectators, contestants exhibited energetic enthusiasm in their quests to complete

the perfect tint job within the stipulated timeframe.


Dr. Jim Ziegler, Regional Business Director of Eastman Chemical, Performance Films business unit said,

“As one of the leading producers of high-quality, aftermarket window films and high-value precision-

coated film and film components, LLumar® is enthusiastic and passionate about bringing installers of

LLumar  automotive window film from around the Asia Pacific, Australia and Middle East regions together

in this exciting event.”

“The car tinting industry is one of the most important peripheral sectors of the automotive category. This

international competition provided an opportunity for installers to raise standards, exchange best

practices and network during a fun event, while we recognize and award the best professional skills in the

business.”


Using LLumar automotive window film, contestants were seen striving for perfection during the

competition. Winners were judged on factors including tidiness of installation, cleanliness of

vehicle/handover readiness, and quality of application (gaps, edge cuts and visible damages).

“Installing car window film may look easy, but it isn’t,” said Mr Michael Tan, CEO of Tint Auto (M) Sdn.

Bhd.  “Experience, good skills and high-quality film are pre-requisites to ensuring long-lasting protection

of the car and benefits to its owner. A flawless installation will ensure that no dirt or other contaminates

are left behind, which could destroy the chance of winning the competition. LLumar is recognized for its

wide product selection and strong brand name, especially for safety and security film which is trusted by

many car owners in Malaysia. This competition selects the best installer of the products.”


“LLumar automotive window films are known and trusted by the numerous automotive brands for their

quality and proprietary scratch-resistant coating. Furthermore, today’s gadget-equipped drivers would

also be glad to know that these state-of-the-art nano technology films do not interfere with cell phones,

radio reception, radar detectors, or global positioning systems,” added Dr. Ziegler.

The competition started 14 years ago in the United States (U.S.) when the U.S.-based manufacturer of

LLumar professional window films began sponsoring and organizing international tint-off conferences and

competitions. The success of the U.S. competition led to a spin-off in the Asia Pacific region, with the first

Championship being held in Shenzhen, China in 2011 and the second Championship held in Jakarta,

Indonesia in 2012. Thus, this Championship was held for the third time in the region and first time in

Malaysia.


A total of 16 teams from countries including Malaysia, China, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan,

Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman took part in the

competition.


The judges for the competition include experts from Eastman Chemical Company: Danny Wong Kam

Lam, Regional MTS Manager; Richard Dill, Quality Assurance Manager; and Charlie Zhao Li, Technical

Training Team Leader.


About LLumar® Window Films

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of high performance films for automotive and

architectural applications, LLumar window film is one of the brands under Eastman Chemical Company.

LLumar window films are proudly made in the U.S.A. and distributed to nearly 100 countries. Production

capabilities include color dyeing, sputtering, metallizing, solution coating, laminating, and slitting. Eastman

Chemical Company is proud to have one of the largest and most integrated window and performance-

coated film manufacturing sites in the world. The flagship factory is located in Martinsville, Virginia. To

help ensure the products are of the highest quality, the window films are inspected using advanced

testing equipment and procedures. The company is proud to be an ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

(Certificate #FM 35957). Numerous independent testing associations validate the quality and

performance of window films. Verified by independent laboratories in accordance with accepted testing

methods, LLumar meets criteria established by the industry’s most respected organizations, including

ANSI, General Services Administration, National Fenestration Rating Council, and current European

standards. Eastman Chemical Company is also proud to be associated with the world’s leading industry

associations, including the International Window Film Association.

About Eastman Chemical Company (Eastman)

Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items

people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver

innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-

driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive

end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on

creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves

customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2013 revenues of approximately $9.4 billion. The

company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,000 people

around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

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