The biannual Scania Driver Competition (SDC) is now officially on and as with each edition, it is now even more challenging than before with tougher rules and scenarios that are designed to make Scania truck and bus drivers better equipped with skills to match the demands of the commercial vehicle industry.
The latest edition is known as the SDC Southeast Asia 2016-2017 (SDC-SEA) edition as it will, for the first time, welcome participants from Myanmar and the Philippines and put to the test 10 drivers from Malaysia, 6 from Singapore, 2 from Philippines and 2 from Myanmar in the finals.
The theme for the inaugural SDC-SEA is ‘Face the Challenge’ and as always, the focus will be the driver as the single most important asset of any truck and bus owner and even more so for fleet operators.
“As a leading provider of sustainable transport solutions for our customers’ profitability, Scania continues to elevate the skills and status of drivers in the area of safety, fuel economy and environmentally-friendly driving through SDC,” stated Marie Sjödin Enström, Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia.
Once again, Michelin Malaysia is the Official Sponsor for the competition. Michelin as the official tyre supplier for all Scania Malaysia trucks and buses believes that Scania and Michelin is a perfect match for heavy load capacity performance, fuel economy and safety.
Acknowledging the value of the competition, the Road Safety Department of Malaysia (JKJR), the Road Transport Department of Malaysia (JPJ) and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS) will again be the Official Partners.
The ever supportive Swedish Embassy will also be doing what it can to promote this event as one of the partners as well.
The SDC-SEA 2016-2017 JBTC Edition
Just like in the previous editions, a mini SDC will be held and this time it will be at the Johor Bus, Truck and Components Expo on 12-14 August, 2016 at the Danga City Mall, Johor Bahru.
Open to the public, anyone with a standard car driving license can experience what it is like to face the challenge of a bus or truck driver in a secured and enclosed environment. The purpose of this test & drive is to generate public appreciation of the challenging environment that truck and bus driver faces everyday. Participants of the SDC-SEA can also test and practice their skills before the main event to win prizes!
How to apply
There will be 2 stages – Application Stage (objective and subjective theory questions) and the National Finals Stage to determine the champion of the truck and bus categories.
The Application stage will commence on 1 August 2016 and the closing date to submit applications is 31 May 2017.
Participants will be required to answer questions on road transport laws and regulations, alternative fuels, fuel-efficient and safe driving, load securing, occupational risks and health, and emergency procedures.
The Practical Finals will have all 10 shortlisted finalists vying for the total prize worth up to RM50,000 which includes a RM10,000 cash prize and a trophy for the champion, plus RM5,000 service vouchers for the company owners.
Applicants can download a form from the Scania Malaysia website and either drop their submission form at the branches (SDC box) or submit it to smyenquires@scania.com or online submission. Each applicant will also get a Free SDC t-shirt.
What started off as a local initiative to improve truck and bus drivers’ skills in Sweden is now a global movement that has attracted more than 200,000 contestants in over 50 countries.
