The 4 th edition of the Malaysian UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge (UDEMC) concluded recently and Khairul Nafsha Bin Ishak, a truck driver with Setia Maju Jaya Logistik Sdn Bhd. has won the competition. This is the second year in a row that a driver from Setia Maju Jaya Logistik Sdn Bhd has managed to win the UDEMC competition here. Khairul will now represent Malaysia at the UDEMC Global Final competition in Japan next year.
In addition to winning the championship, Khairul, who is 36 years old, also scored the best marks in the “Best Driving Skill” category. Two other drivers won the other categories - Mohamed Firdaus Bin Shahrudin, 33 years old, from UPC Chemicals (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd won in the “Best Pre-Drive Inspection” category and Mohd Azli Bin Mohd Nor, 37 years old, from Tenaga Nasional Berhad won in the “Best Fuel Efficiency” category.
(From left) Jaclyn Loy, Chief Operating Officer, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd; Mohamed Firdaus Bin Shahrudin from UPC Chemicals (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, winner of 'Best Pre-Drive Inspection' category; Khairul Nafsha Bin Ishak from Setia Maju Jaya Logistik Sdn Bhd, Ultimate Driver (Champion) of UDEMC Malaysia Final 2019 and winner of 'Best Driving Skill' category; Mohd Azli Bin Mohd Nor from Tenaga Nasional Berhad, winner of 'Best Fuel Efficiency' category; and Steve Hedouin, Managing Director, UD Trucks Hub Malaysia.
Khairul Nafsha Bin Ishak’s win comes after preliminary competition rounds held over two months. The pre-competition rounds saw him battle it out with other truck drivers from all over Malaysia. The format of the competition simulates the actual truck operation cycle and assessing drivers in three key areas. These are the pre-driving inspection, fuel efficiency and safe driving, in addition to maneuvering and parking. Contestants compete by using the UD Quester heavy-duty truck and are measured on effectiveness in operational cost, the ability to reduce downtime and safe and skilled driving.
The UDEMC here is organised by UD Trucks Malaysia and its sole distributor partner in Malaysia, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE). the UDEMC is an annual competition which is part of UD Trucks’ vision for smart logistics. It is a friendly drivers competition aimed at increasing drivers’ competency through skills and knowledge enhancements and on maximizing the capability of the UD Quester heavy-duty truck.
The main purpose of the competition structure is to simulate a general transportation cycle and to visualize profitable operation through avoiding downtime, maintaining low-cost operation, preventing accidents and ensuring shorter trip time through efficient driving. All these will link
the driver’s skills to business reality. Of course, a competition for truck drivers is a good thing as it is another means of reward for them where they have do be extremely good (and competent). If they win, they get something that rewards them for their skill and knowledge aside from the usual monetary rewards....they get to meet other truckers and ultimately, meet others in Japan.
Steve Hedouin, Managing Director Hub Malaysia, UD Trucks said after the event, “At UD Trucks, we believe that societies depend on logistics to function and vice versa. In the midst of this, truck drivers are the enablers and the backbone of the industry. Thus, the UDEMC is designed with the driver in mind, demonstrating our commitment to improving driver education and motivation, while giving recognition to the unsung heroes of smart logistics.”
Jaclyn Loy, Chief Operating Officer, TCIE as co-organiser had added, ““UDEMC is one-of-its-kind competition that benefits both truck driver and company. Since we started few years ago, UDEMC has received very encouraging response from our customers. This is a sign that our brand promise of going the extra mile to provide optimum support to our clients in terms of driver improvement and aftermarket support are valuable and beneficial to them.”
Speaking at the finals, Khairul Nafsha stated that he had been a truck driver for about 11 years and first started driving UD Quester two years ago. He was asked about what he thought of the Quester,
“My experience driving UD Quester has been excellent as I find it powerful with great drivability because of its advanced technology and safety features. There is a Real Time Fuel Coach feature which I really like because it guides me to achieve better fuel consumption. With this, I use less fuel per trip and hence bring better profits for the company. The cabin is also spacious and comfortable, which helps reduce my fatigue during long distance assignments."
“For me as a truck driver who spends so much time on the road and away from my family, it’s important that I drive a reliable truck to help me accomplish my long-distance assignments and ensure the cargo delivery to customer is in good condition and on time. This will allow me to save costs in terms of time, energy and fuel. With consistent truck uptime, I am able to spend more time with my family too,”added Khairul.
As we have been stating about this sort of truck driving competition, it just isn't about monetary rewards. Those that participate in truck competition like these are also here for the monetary awards and for that once in a lifetime experience that money can't buy. Khairul stated that he is even more excited about his upcoming trip to Japan in the next few months for the UDEMC Global Final competition. For him, it would be his first trip overseas, and that will be something he will never, ever forget.
Khairul said, “This will be the first time ever that I am going overseas, and to represent Malaysia in this competition is truly an honor for me. I have gained so much learnings from UDEMC and acquired more knowledge and awareness of my role as a truck driver. There is a deeper sense of pride in me now. Definitely will share my fantastic experience with my other colleagues too.”
Khairul Nafsha Bin Ishak won an all-expense paid trip to Japan, Quester Parts & Service voucher worth RM2,000, RM500 for winning “Best Driving Skill” category and an exclusive driver training session for all the drivers from Setia Maju Jaya Logistik Sdn Bhd.
Mohamed Firdaus Bin Shahrudin from UPC Chemicals (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Mohd Azli Bin Mohd Nor from Tenaga Nasional Berhad walked away with Quester Parts & Service voucher worth RM500 each.
Lets wish Khairul all the best when he goes over to compete in Japan.
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