The Otomotif College highlights automotive diversity at Otto Carnival

July 4, Petaling Jaya – On Saturday, June 30 2012, The Otomotif College (TOC) held an open day with a difference with its first ever Otto Carnival. Themed ‘Creating Champions’, the Otto Carnival is a chance for curious visitors to discover the exciting world of automotive and motorsports in a fun-filled atmosphere.

Some of the tuner cars on display at the TOC Otto Carnival.

The morning began in style with the arrival of a convoy custom tuner cars provided by Team Cyfer and Kuraz Events. These cars were opened up for public viewing for visitors to marvel at their pulse-pounding sound systems, custom decal and paintwork, and of course, high-performance modifications that range from racing clutches to sport suspensions and overhauled engines. Bright and bold, the tuner cars were undoubtedly attention-grabbing and offered visitors a rare look under the hood and the interior of a custom-modified car, no doubt taking the opportunity to snap up plenty of photos in the process.

The TOC Otto Carnival was a perfect setting for visitors to see for themselves first-hand, the facilities and automotive courses being offered.

Participants of the One FM fix-it challenge at the electronics simulator.

The Otomotif College was also the proving ground for the finalists from the One FM radio contest to test their car-fixing knowledge. It’s the battle of the sexes as the guys from DJ Jack’s team went up against DJ Jane’s gals in a two-vs-two challenge. The tasks contestants faced included oil change, wiring of the electronic simulator, and replacing a full set of tyres. The ladies were the eventual winners.Their calm disposition and organized manner led them to successfully edge out the guys.

One FM deejays Jack and Jane with the contest winners.

Malaysia’s drift queen Leona Chin and her teammate Faye Kusairi were the young and talented female racers from Team Ultra Racing who made their presence felt at the TOC Otto Carnival. Leona (whose cars were among those on display) captivated the crowd with a recollection of how her passion for motorsports began, and her challenging but fulfilling journey into the industry. Despite her young age, Leona has already chalked up nearly six years of racing experience in a variety of events, from drift to track racing to time trials. Leona is also a qualified driving instructor for high performance vehicles, including Lotus Club Malaysia, a testament to her already impressive resume. As one of the rare few ladies in a male-dominated sport, Leona is changing perceptions about the industry and paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps.  Leona stressed that a formal education was a necessary foundation. She is pleasantly surprised at how spacious and clean the TOC practical training area was, such meticulousness is crucial in the demanding motorsports industry, a radical departure from the greasy and dirty workshops of old. When asked about the mechanics of drifting, Leona used her hands and feet to demonstrate the actions required, drawing laughter as well as comprehension at the amount of willpower and concentration necessary for the sport. When asked to share some advice, Leona urges aspirants to practice hard, persevere in the face of adversity and build up a strong knowledge of a car’s inner workings to gain an upper hand in entering the industry.

Malaysia’s drift queen Leona Chin talks about life in motorsports.

Mr Calvin Kee, Customer Relations Manager from Hap Seng Star Autohaus Kinrara also delivered a career talk. Being an authorized dealer of Mercedes Benz in Malaysia, Mr Kee highlighted the myriad of professions within the automotive trade that qualified students can venture in and why their skill sets in automotive technology will always remain in constant demand.

TOC CEO Ms Adelaine Foo with Ms Sandra Karen from Make-A-Wish Malaysia.

The TOC Otto Carnival has been a fun-filled event. Automotive enthuasiasts had their chance to test their car-fixing skills and win attractive prizes like the TOC Car Care short courses worth RM2500 besides seeing deserving winners walk away with a cash prize of RM1000 each. Participants at the TOC Otto Carnival also saw Ms Adelaine Foo, CEO and Founder of TOC presenting their donation of RM11,000 raised during TOC’s recent Charity Carnical, to Ms Sandra Kirwan, Board Director of Make-A-Wish Malaysia.

For more information, about The Otomotif College, please visit TOC’s website at www.toc.edu.my or call 03-7960 883 for enquiries.

For more information about Leona Chin, visit http://www.leonachin.com/  or her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/GirlDrifterLeonaChin

For more information about Hap Seng Star, visit http://www.hapseng.mercedes-benz.com.my/content/malaysia/retailer/hapseng/en/home/passengercars/home/about_us.html