UTAR, MESB, CRRC Dalian and CRRC Railway Vehicles(M) Sdn Bhd sign MoU

(From left) Wang, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Suhaini and Zhou displaying the signed MoU

UTAR, Majestic Engineering Sdn Bhd (MESB), CRRC Dalian Co. Ltd (CRRC Dalian) and CRRC Railway Vehicles (M) Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 3 July 2023.

The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, MESB Managing Director Mohamed Suhaini bin Abdullah, CRRC Dalian Overseas Department General Manager Zhou Chuanyi and CRRC Railway Vehicles (M) Sdn Bhd President/CEO Wang Gang. It was witnessed by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, MESB Chief Technical Officer Kartayasa Muhammad and CRRC Dalian Overseas Department Regional Director Zhou Huaiyu. Also specially invited to witness the signing ceremony was Malaysian Rail Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Hasry bin Harun.

Prof Dato’ Ewe, in his welcome speech, said, “Collaboration between industry and academia is essential for encouraging innovation and resolving problems faced by our society. Together, we can bring resources, knowledge, and practical experience to the table to develop cutting-edge innovations and solutions that will benefit not only our organisations but also the larger community. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering groundbreaking research, providing real-world learning experiences for our students, and creating lasting impact in the industry.”

Mohamed Suhaini said, “We hope, with this MoU signing, we could establish an immediate implementation plan in the form of discussions, correspondences, visits for formulation of R&D programmes, and sourcing for government grant to kick-start the project as soon as possible, in order to achieve our overall objective; and at the same time, meeting the government’s green aspiration and customers’ needs.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Mohamed Suhaini delivering their speeches

Zhou said, “This collaboration is not only about products and technology, but also about talent development. We look forward to jointly nurturing talents in the rail transportation industry through cooperation with UTAR. By fundamentally improving and enhancing the talent pool in Malaysia's rail transportation sector, we aim to contribute to its long-term development.”

Wang is confident that the collaboration between CRRC, Majestic Engineering, and UTAR will drive technological advancements in railway and energy. By integrating their expertise, they aim to combine railway technology with innovative energy solutions. With strong support from local partners, they are poised for great success in developing battery locomotives, and revolutionising sustainable transportation.

Hasry commented, “We do hope with more R&D programmes coming up, we are able to support the railway industry to the locals, and also enable our local industry to share knowledge and technology.” He emphasised that talents are very important to commence the development of the railway industry.

Zhou (left) and Wang delivering their speeches

Hasry emphasising the importance of the talents in railway industry

Under this MoU, UTAR, MESB, CRRC Dalian and CRRC Railway Vehicles (M) Sdn Bhd will join hands to conduct collaborative research and development for battery-operated locomotives and other areas, share expertise as speakers and advisors for conferences or seminars organised by the involved parties, facilitate industrial attachment for UTAR students, promote mutual visits for the staff members of the involved parties, and facilitate joint supervision of postgraduate and doctorate students.

Also present at the MoU signing ceremony were MESB Executive Director Wee Chong Kwan, MESB Corporate Advisor Albukhari Awang, CRRC Dalian Overseas Department Regional Director Zhou Huaiyu, KTM Berhad Chief Technical Officer Ir Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin and Technology Depository Agency Program Director Saifoel Hafsham Hamzah.

UTAR representatives included Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, LKC FES Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Head Assoc Prof Ir Dr Chang Yoong Choon, Centre for Railway Infrastructure and Engineering (CRIE) Chairperson Assoc Prof Ir Dr Chua Kein Huat, LKC FES academic Dr Ong Chuan Fang, LKC FES academic Dr Lee Yong Hong, Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, and CRIE Industry Research Advisor  Andrew Chong.

The signing ceremony ended with a souvenir exchange and a group photography session.

Seated, from left: Andrew, Prof Goi, Zhou Chuanyi, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Hasry, Suhaini, Wang, Nizam, Zhou Huaiyu

Standing, from left: Tan Zhiyong, Guang Deqiang, Zhao Yulei, Dr Lai, Kartayasa, Awang, Saifoel, Wee, Dr Chua, Dr Yap, Hoo Dick Sang, Elaine Chua Xin Rong, Dr Lee and Dr Ong