How TÜV SÜD is elevating safety standards in Malaysia

TÜV SÜD celebrated 20 years in Malaysia in 2023, and its journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to safety, security, and sustainability solutions for over 150 years. In Malaysia, TÜV SÜD has played a crucial role in shaping industry standards, providing certification, and offering comprehensive testing and inspection services to support businesses in meeting international benchmarks. The company has adapted and evolved to meet the changing needs and demands of the Malaysian market.

Before the year ended, MGCC visited the TÜV SÜD team in their Shah Alam office to commemorate their 10^th membership anniversary with MGCC.

One of the key topics discussed was the company’s journey in bringing the subject of safety to the forefront for Malaysian companies. When asked whether it was challenging for them, Emre Buyukkalfa, General Manager of TÜV SÜD in Malaysia, said introducing Malaysian companies to safety standards was difficult at first due to varying levels of awareness and regulatory compliance. “We avoid using the term ‘educate’ but rather, we implemented targeted awareness campaigns, seminars, and workshops to highlight the benefits of standards and compliance, such as improved product quality and global market access,” he told MGCC.

“We tailored our strategies to fit industry-specific needs and utilised technology, including online platforms and webinars, to enhance accessibility,” Buyukkalfa said.

During the pandemic, TÜV SÜD’s expertise shone through when it supported the medical industry by testing personal protective equipment (PPE), among other medical devices. This significantly accelerated the need for safety and underscored the importance of its services. The pandemic served as a powerful catalyst that drove the critical importance of safety measures, especially on medical devices.

“The global demand for medical devices emphasised the importance of adhering to safety standards to protect both healthcare workers and the public. Therefore, TÜV SÜD’s expertise and capabilities became crucial in ensuring the safety and efficacy of these critical products,” he said.

Another trend that businesses cannot ignore is ESG, a growing area in which firms like TÜV SÜD offer their solutions. TÜV SÜD has proactively partnered with businesses to offer services such as environmental impact assessments, energy efficiency audits and sustainable practices certifications.

“As ESG becomes a key consideration for businesses and investors, there is a growing demand for TÜV SÜD’s expertise in assessing and enhancing sustainability initiatives,” Buyukkalfa said.

“Companies increasingly recognise the importance of integrating sustainability into their operations to meet consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.”

In addition to medical devices and sustainability, TÜV SÜD supports a wide range of sectors including road safety, rail power supply services, aerospace, mechanical testing and many others.

As part of the visit, the MGCC team led by Executive Director Daniel Bernbeck presented TÜV SÜD with a 10-year membership certificate to commemorate the company’s incredible milestone. Here’s to another 10 years!

This article is part of a special series for MGCC members who have been with us for 10, 20 and 30 years.