Expanding Contributions to Workforce Competency Development, DAIKIN Inaugurates First Center of Excellence at a Vocational Training Center

PT Daikin Airconditioning Indonesia (DAIKIN) officially inaugurated its Center of Excellence at the Center for Vocational Training and Productivity (BBPVP) Bekasi today (September 24). Named the DAIKIN Center of Excellence, this inauguration marks an expansion of DAIKIN’s commitment to enhancing the competency of Indonesian workers, particularly in HVAC expertise.

“Its establishment reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability and expanding contributions toward developing Indonesia’s workforce competency,” stated Budi Mulia, Director of PT Daikin Airconditioning Indonesia, during the inauguration. According to Budi Mulia, this initiative represents DAIKIN’s first Center of Excellence established within a vocational training institution or government-run training center.

As part of the company’s social initiative in human resources development, the DAIKIN Center of Excellence is designed to sustain and strengthen DAIKIN’s existing collaborations with various educational and vocational training institutions, specifically in HVAC expertise. These collaborations encompass curriculum enhancement, industry certification for instructors and students, guest training sessions led by DAIKIN experts, and internship programs.

To further enhance collaboration, the physical manifestation of the DAIKIN Center of Excellence is a dedicated practical training room focused on HVAC instruction. Inside, DAIKIN has installed various air conditioning units mounted on specially designed racks to facilitate hands-on training related to HVAC equipment. Activities include installation procedures, AC troubleshooting, and refrigerant recovery.

Since its initial launch two years ago, DAIKIN Centers of Excellence have been established and are currently operating in seven vocational high schools across Indonesia. “With the establishment of the DAIKIN Center of Excellence at BBPVP Bekasi as the first at a government training center, it will strengthen our efforts to further contribute to the development of Indonesia’s workforce competency,” said Budi Mulia.

The physical setup at BBPVP Bekasi occupies two specialized rooms within the facility’s refrigeration workshop building. One room features a lineup of DAIKIN residential air conditioners and SkyAir units, which are designed for light commercial buildings and are commonly selected for business spaces such as restaurants or cafes.

The other room is dedicated to teaching and practical training for commercial building air conditioning systems. This space houses a complete VRV unit set, which serves as DAIKIN’s flagship solution for commercial applications, including office buildings and business centers.

To reinforce this as a sustainable extension of previous collaborations, DAIKIN will support scheduled training programs throughout the year, alongside industry certification testing for both instructors and students. “We are continuing all the positive outcomes achieved through prior collaborations. Furthermore, the introduction of dedicated instructional and practical spaces, along with their complete equipment, will significantly enhance the quality of training delivery,” added Budi Mulia.

Elaborating on the choice of BBPVP Bekasi for this inaugural government training center initiative, Budi Mulia noted that it stands as the largest central technical implementation unit under the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia. Its primary mandate is to deliver competency-based training to upskill the workforce and job seekers.

Given its strategic position, BBPVP Bekasi not only serves as a training hub for local workers and job seekers but also acts as a reference center for upgrading the competency of instructors from vocational training centers across Indonesia.

With the support of the DAIKIN Center of Excellence at this premier HVAC expert training hub, Budi Mulia expressed hope that it will positively influence the broader development of instructor and student competencies, extending its reach to various regions across Indonesia. “We anticipate that its presence will create a positive ripple effect, helping to distribute skilled HVAC professionals more evenly throughout the country,” he stated.

According to Budi Mulia, this aligns with the substantial and continuously growing demand for HVAC specialists driven by Indonesia’s ongoing infrastructure and economic development. Even reflecting solely on DAIKIN’s own growth trajectory in Indonesia, the need for qualified HVAC professionals remains exceptionally high.

Recognized globally as an HVAC specialist with over a century of reputation and having operated in Indonesia for more than 50 years, DAIKIN is known as a leading provider of HVAC solutions in the country. In executing its business operations, DAIKIN maintains 16 representative offices across various regions in Indonesia, supported by approximately 1,400 dealer business partners who facilitate product distribution and service delivery.

Continuing the discussion on the demand for refrigeration and HVAC experts, Budi Mulia added that since last July, DAIKIN has begun marketing the AC Nusantara, marking DAIKIN’s first domestically produced residential air conditioner manufactured at its plant in Cikarang, West Java. As Indonesia’s first fully integrated residential AC factory processing raw materials into finished products, the facility supports approximately 2,500 employees.

“The demand for human resources will continue to grow when considering the needs of the entire industry,” Budi Mulia remarked. He emphasized that the requirement for HVAC specialists extends beyond manufacturers and brand owners. Moreover, professionals with these specialized competencies are critically needed by business partners and independent enterprises operating within the sector.

Building on this significant potential for human resource development, Budi Mulia stated that enhancing skills and technical proficiency will be key to cultivating a competitive workforce. This synergy, he noted, will ultimately foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the industry and the DAIKIN Center of Excellence.

Commenting on the inauguration, Yose Rizal, Head of BBPVP Bekasi, welcomed the establishment of the DAIKIN Center of Excellence. “We highly appreciate DAIKIN’s collaboration in contributing to the advancement of workforce skills and expertise, particularly in the HVAC field, through the introduction of this Center of Excellence at BBPVP Bekasi,” said Yose Rizal.

He further explained that the DAIKIN Center of Excellence serves as a strong implementation of the government-promoted Link and Match program, which encourages closer cooperation between educational institutions and the industrial sector. Beyond technological support, DAIKIN’s involvement also extends to curriculum development and training alignment, ensuring greater relevance to industry requirements.

“As the HVAC industry continues to evolve, it necessitates the continuous advancement of related knowledge and expertise. Creating and maintaining high-level competencies that align with industry demands requires sustained effort. It is our hope that this synergy will remain strong and continue to develop in the years ahead,” concluded Yose Rizal.