Shah Alam, 20 October 2014 – Deputy Minister of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Datuk Ir. Hj. Hamim Samuri, today presented the Quality Environment/5S Certificates to representatives of all 45 locations in UMW that succeeded in the certification for another year. During the event held at the UMW Auditorium, he also presented the 5S Excellence Award and the Kobetsu Kaizen Award“It is commendable for UMW Corporation to address Continuous Improvement Programme as a strategic initiative to enhance operational performance. I hope UMW can share best practices achieved and lessons learnt from this initiative to vendors and other Small and Medium Enterprises, and inspire them to push for higher productivity” the Deputy Minister said in his speech.
Continuous Improvement Programmme (CIP)
Continuous Improvement Programme (CIP) is a strategic move that has been designed and implemented throughout the UMW Group of companies to heighten excellent work culture and generate benefits from various enhancement & improvement initiatives. CIP consists of 4 main programmes, namely, 5S, Kobetsu Kaizen, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Lean Manufacturing, scheduled for completion within a 6-year time schedule.
Since the launch of the programme in 2011, two model companies, UMW Industrial Power Sdn. Bhd. and UMW Oilpipe Services Sdn. Bhd. have implemented 5S activities. The objective of the 5S programme is not only to realise a conducive working environment, but also to reduce cost and to be recognised and certified by the Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC). UMW later made history in 2013 with a record of 45 locations certified with MPC QE/5S certification, the highest for any organisation in Malaysia.
“The first initiative, 5S, has facilitated in maturing the platform of continuous improvement culture. The objective of 5S implementation last year was to create a territorial wave, gain foothold and create awareness on the benefits and positive impact of the 5S programme at UMW. This has made the field more conducive for the Kaizen programme to take place,” said Datuk Syed Hisham bin Syed Wazir, President & Group CEO, UMW Holdings Berhad during the award ceremony and Kobetsu Kaizen celebration.
UMW plans to further expand and introduce the 5S programme to its other subsidiaries including their overseas operations in Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China. It also plans to increase the number of Kobetsu Kaizen groups from 78 currently to a minimum of 130 groups next year in order to gain more tangible benefits for the UMW Group.
About UMW
The UMW Group is an international conglomerate that develops industries, manages partnerships and facilitates growth. It is involved in four core businesses – Automotive, Equipment, Manufacturing & Engineering, and Oil & Gas.
Adopting its rallying call – Beyond Boundaries®, UMW is set to become a truly world-class organisation, knowing that a world class brand never forgets its responsibility to society. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is something that the Company wants to do, not because it has to.
