Railway researcher wins Best Oral Presentation Award at IEEE IAS 2025

Hurrah for the endeavours and countless hours researchers have dedicated to making technology increasingly convenient and accessible to global society. Whether in engineering, medicine, environmental science, or information technology, the tireless pursuit of knowledge and innovation has transformed the world in unimaginable yet innovative ways.

It is in this spirit of excellence and impact that Chairperson of the UTAR Centre for Railway Infrastructure and Engineering, Assoc Prof Ir Dr Chua Kein Huat, dedicated his efforts to uncovering the intricacies of railway systems. His recent work earned him the Best Oral Presentation Award in the Transportation Systems Track at the 2025 IEEE IAS (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Industry Applications Society) Annual Meeting Incorporating the Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Asia Conference, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of global railway technology.

The 2025 IEEE IAS Annual Meeting was organised from 15 to 20 June 2025 in New Taipei City.

Dr Chua’s award-winning research, titled Impact of Track Elevation and Curvature on Regenerative Braking Energy Recovery in DC Third Rail Systems, investigated the amount of regenerative braking energy (RBE) recovered in relation to factors such as track elevation and track curvature in a DC third rail system. Dr Chua and his team found that track elevation had the most significant impact on overall train energy consumption, paving the way for innovative solutions in the design and optimisation of energy-efficient railway infrastructure.

“By improving energy recapture, this work helps railways reduce power consumption, lower operational costs, and decrease carbon emissions. For society, this means more sustainable urban and intercity transit with reduced environmental impact. For the rail industry, it enhances the cost-effectiveness of electrified networks, supporting the transition to greener transportation infrastructure,” explained Dr Chua, reflecting on the impact of an optimised RBE recovery system in electric rail systems.

In addition, adding the prestigious 2025 IEEE IAS Annual Meeting to his growing list of international recognitions not only broadened Dr Chua’s global perspectives but also inspired further meaningful research in his continued pursuit of sustainable and energy-efficient solutions within the railway sector.

He remarked, “Winning this award was both humbling and exhilarating. It validated the hard work behind my research and reinforced my passion for transportation systems. The conference was an enriching experience, offering exposure to cutting-edge advancements, opportunities to exchange insights with experts, and avenues to collaborate on solutions for future mobility challenges.”

As the world shifts towards more sustainable infrastructure, milestones such as Dr Chua’s achievement at the 2025 IEEE IAS Annual Meeting help drive development and reaffirm the vital role of engineering research in addressing global mobility challenges. Through such accomplishments, the path towards greener, smarter infrastructure becomes ever more achievable.

IEEE IAS Annual Meeting

Launched in the 1960s, the IEEE IAS Annual Meeting has long been a premier global platform for practicing engineers, researchers, and technical experts to present and discuss current developments and future trends in the applications of electrical technology—driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of industrial electrical systems worldwide.

This year, the meeting featured a diverse array of research tracks and attracted submissions of more than 300 research papers from across the globe, highlighting its importance as a vital platform to advancing electrical and electronic engineering in various industrial and commercial settings.