The RAIL TED Symposium on Rail Technology and Development 2021 which was jointly organised by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), Malaysia Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) on 2 December 2021, was held at MIGHT Partnership Hub, Cyberjaya. The event was supported by National Rail Centre of Excellence (NRCOE).

Themed, ‘Driving the Competitiveness of an Integrated, Affordable, Reliable and Smooth Urban Public Rail for First and Last Mile Mobility’, the international symposium highlighted  technology and local business through a special programme comprising talk and showcases. This programme strives to support industrial development and promote the competitiveness of an integrated, affordable, reliable and smooth  public transport for the benefit of the nation.

The symposium aimed to showcase and exhibit Malaysian rail industry capabilities in design, engineering, constructions, operations and maintenance as well as highlight last miles connectivity through micron mobility in increasing passenger’s experience. Apart from that, it emphasised rail as an important component and key catalyst in Transit Oriented-Development and unveiled how different modes of rail complement and complete passenger travel experience. It also highlighted the relevance of digital transformation and ticketing systems in realising seamless journeys in urban rail public transport.

Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia Dato’ Henry Sum Agong representing Minister of Transport Malaysia Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong said during his keynote address, “I would like to congratulate MIGHT and UTAR for their commendable effort to continuously push Malaysia’s high technology agenda on the rail industry. I hope they will continue to have efforts to prosper the nation by adding value to the rail industry in Malaysia. This symposium is especially timely as the rail industry has recently experienced a re-awakening and is embraced with great enthusiasm among industry players and the general population alike in managing the day-to-day and embracing the economy social impact post-Covid-19.”

He added, “The 12th Malaysia plan is anchored on three key terms, namely resetting the economy, strengthening security, well-being and inclusivity, and advancing sustainability. The plan focuses on completing the dots by having a complete system that achieves last-mile connectivity to ensure a sustainable ecosystem that coexists with other modes of transportation in transit-oriented development. At the same time, it must focus on local empowerment through localisation to secure local ownership for technology adoption as well as upholding our sustainable development goals.”

Datuk Dr Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, President of Malaysia Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC) said, “In order to be competitive, we need to have high capabilities, high competencies and high connectedness and look at the rail industry development on the same page so that we can work together for the betterment of the country. The future success of our rail sector must be by design, not by accident. It has to be structured and systematic. MARIC supports truly aligned with the government’s 12th Malaysia plan of public transportation which focuses on four categories; last connectivity to port, transit-oriented development, micron mobility and Putrajaya monorail. These plans will be essential in growing local capabilities and will enable more export activities of our end-to-end rail systems. We can do more and overcome many challenges and I believe under the leadership and stewardship of the ministry of transport, we will continue to grow strength by strength. I hope participants will learn new things, make new friends and make a pledge to help the country, to make the rail sector development as successful as it can be and make Malaysia on par with the other countries’ rail giants,” as he welcomed the participants.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat remarked, “Today will indeed be an interesting day and one that I hope will bring new ideas, interactive discussions and possible avenues for further research and development in rail technology and its development in the country. With the coming together of all such expertise and exhibits, this symposium will hopefully be a catalyst to encourage further interests among youths and students to study rail engineering and technology so that the nation can progress even faster for an integrated national rail network. It is also important that interdisciplinary research continue to be conducted in railway infrastructure, traction power, railway structure design, maintenance and condition monitoring, railway asset management, socio-economic issues, materials for vibration and noise control, sustainable energy and environmental issues to ensure progress and sustainability. This symposium will be a launchpad and a great platform for all participants and speakers to network and to keep abreast of the latest inventions, resources, and developments in the rail industry.”

The symposium continued with a series of presentations by Serba Dinamik Holdings Berhad Dato’ Dr Ir Ts Mohd Abdul Karim Abdullah with his presentation titled, “Rail Service Transformation Calls for Digital Transformation”, Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) Adam Abu Hanipah with his presentation titled, “Transit-Oriented Development” and NRCOE Hasry Harun with his presentation titled, “Rail Industry Standards Towards Year 2030”. Apart from that, China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) presented a virtual presentation on “Last Mile Connectivity & Micron Mobility” and Perbadanan Putrajaya Ts Ir Muhammad Masrizal bin Saad presented on “The Plan in Revitalising Putrajaya with a Train System”.

Established on 14 June 2017, CRIE is responsible for expanding the technology and human capital development of railway infrastructure and engineering in Malaysia. CRIE conducted its first and second symposium on railway infrastructure and engineering in 2018 and 2021 respectively.

To find out more about RAIL TED2021, click here.