TOTAL CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF TOTAL BWF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2015

The world clas competition that caps 2015 is an important event for badminton enthusiasts and nationalistic supporters around the country.

Jakarta, Indonesia (10 August 2015) – Today, PT. TOTAL Oil Indonesia, the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) and Badminton World Federation (BWF) jointly inaugurate the official kick-off of the year’s biggest badminton tournament, TOTAL BWF World Championships 2015. Matches start today, August 10 until the final round on August 16, just one day ahead of Indonesia’s 70th Independence Day Anniversary.

The TOTAL-BWF partnership, announced early this year, showcases the commitment of the energy giant TOTAL to supporting BWF’s major championships for three years from 2015 to 2018. Taking place in Indonesia, TOTAL BWF World Championships 2015 marks an exciting start of TOTAL’s inaugural year as a sponsor. Indonesia is recognized around the world as the home of the world’s top badminton athletes.

"The sponsorship is a breakthrough for TOTAL, as this is our first time engagement in a field other than motosports where our branding has been traditionally rooted,” says Christopher Kasidi General Manager Retail & Marketing, TOTAL Oil Indonesia.

"Badminton is such a huge part of Indonesia. Our excellence in this sport defines who we are to the world. This echoes TOTAL’s spirit as an energy producer, as we endeavor to offer innovative products such as TOTAL QUARTZ lubricants that have superior performance, advanced techology with precision and excellent durability, the kind of durability that is needed in sports like badminton,” he adds.

Corporate Communications Manager, Total Marketing & Services Asia Pasific Maria Lourdes Espina explains TOTAL’s reason to focus on badminton and expand its presence in the Asia Pacific. “As a company that believes in equal opportunity, local integration, and continued innovation, we see the perfect link between TOTAL’s values  and the values in badminton.”

TOTAL will also sponsor TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Final and TOTAL BWF Sudirman Cup as well as BWF Metlife World Superseries, where TOTAL will be the official sponsor in China, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Throughout the tournament, media reporters and visitors alike are welcome to visit TOTAL’s comfortable booth located at Istora Senayan, Jakarta. Indonesia’s own badminton star athletes Tommy Sugiarto and Greysia Polii will be at the booth for media interview on August 13 and 14, respectively. The booth is equipped with high-speed WiFi for the convenience of reporters and other visitors.

In the spirit of Indonesia’s 70th year of independence and to encourage the Indonesian people to show their support to the nation’s athletes, TOTAL invites everyone to express their support via media social through: 1) Selfie Contest; anyone can upload their selfies taken around Istora Senayan with the hashtag #TOTALMerahPutih; 2) TOTAL Badminton Trivia Quiz that tests participants’ badminton knowledge. TOTAL Indonesia offers exciting prizes for the lucky winners.

 “TOTAL Indonesia hopes that badminton in Indonesia will continue to be bigger and generate more world champions who will inspire young athletes to pursue their dream of competing in international tournaments. More than just a sport, badminton embodies the essence of our character of durability. Translated into our daily lives, it empowers us to build our future,” Kasidi concludes.