SIBU: The tyre industry today is facing unprecedented challenges as well as opportunities in an environment of rapid regional and global economic changes.
As such, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, pointed out that industry players must keep pace with the times and be bold in making breakthroughs in order to sustain growth.
“We can no longer rely solely on price wars as a competitive strategy, for not only does it erode the interests of industry players, but it also does not guarantee long-term growth.
“True competitiveness lies in raising technological standards, enhancing service quality, ensuring safety and professionalism, and providing consumers with real value.
“At the same time, marketing models must gradually expand from traditional offline practices to online platforms, in line with the developments of the era,” he said in his speech read out by Bawang Assan Assemblyman, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, at the Sarawak Tyre Dealers and Retreaders Association’s (STDRA’s) 45th anniversary celebration banquet held in a prominent hotel here on Saturday night (August 30).
The Bintulu Member of Parliament also reminded the industry players that in facing increasingly complex consumer demands and stricter service standards, only through continuous learning, constant innovation, and the effective use of digital technology and smart management can they maintain competitiveness and open up broader growth opportunities in the face of new challenges.
Furthermore, he stressed that the long-term development of any industry relies heavily on talent.
He added that the tyre industry does not only need more skilled technical personnel, but it also requires the active participation and commitment of the younger generation.
“Therefore, I encourage the association to further strengthen training and exchanges in the future, organise more courses, and even work hand in hand with educational institutions and government departments to nurture new talents.
“Only with a continuous flow of new talent can the industry be inherited, strengthened, and sustainably developed.
“I firmly believe that the association will continue to play a leading role – progressing steadily through unity and cooperation, excelling amid challenges, and courageously exploring new models and directions – to drive the tyre industry towards a future of greater dynamism, innovation, and attractiveness,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he also said the association’s journey of 45 years is by no means achieved but due to the result of the continuous dedication, perseverance, and sacrifices of successive generations of committee members and association members.
Since its establishment, the association has taken on the mission of uniting the industry and driving its growth, he said, adding, it has not only strengthened ties among its members but also actively engaged with society, the market, and the government, ensuring that the tyre industry holds a rightful place in Sarawaks economic landscape.
Tiong is truly gratified that the association has, throughout its journey, remained steadfast in practising business integrity, improving service quality, fostering industry networking, advancing professionalism, and contributing silently but meaningfully to the local economy.
He hoped that the association will continue to uphold the spirit of service, remain true to their mission, and harness the strength of teamwork to bring the association to greater heights.
“May the association not only continue to serve as a strong pillar for the industry but also stand as a role model for society.
“I sincerely wish the association continued success, the tyre industry ever flourishing. Let us move forward hand in hand to embrace a brighter future together,” Tiong, who is also Dudong Assembyman, added.
On Tiong’s behalf, Wong announced a grant of RM20,000 for STDRA to run its activities.
During the event, STDRA also made a contribution of RM3,000 for Destiny of Children Association Sibu (DCAS) to run its centre.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee; Malaysia Association of Tyre Retreaders & Dealers Societies (MATRDS) President, Goh Kiang Weng; STDRA’s Chairman, Lim King Hong; and organising chairman, Ngieng Hock Teck.
