UTAR launches "Empowering Rail" Training Series

Representatives from UTAR, KTMB and MyRA

UTAR Centre for Corporate and Community Development launched the “Empowering Rail” Training Series at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 20 May 2024, specifically for the personnel of the Malaysian Railway Academy (MyRA) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). After the launch, a training session was conducted for the staff of both MyRA and KTMB.

The training aimed to offer participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse curriculum covering pivotal topics in railway engineering. It also aimed at nurturing skilled professionals equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s railway landscape.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his opening remarks

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat said, “The ‘Empowering Rail’ Training Series stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in education and industry partnership. This initiative underscores the importance of continuous learning and professional development in ensuring the sustainability and advancement of our railway infrastructure.”

Tuan Haji Jamil delivering his speech

Tuan Haji Jamil bin Nan said, “In my opinion, this programme is highly beneficial for KTMB as it provides valuable knowledge to our staff. We indeed require expertise from other institutions, and we sincerely hope that the skills and insights gained from this training will contribute to the advancement of KTMB.”

The training, with an innovative 10-course series, aimed at enhancing expertise and advancing the standards of excellence within the industry. Scheduled to start from 20 May 2024, the training will take place at both UTAR Sungai Long and Kampar Campuses.

The training will offer curated course on Introduction to ETAP Software for Railway Power System Simulations, Introduction to ETRAX Software for Railway Power System Simulations Standby Power for Railway Systems, Application of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Technology in Railway Systems, Introduction to Power Quality Issues in Railway Systems, Power Electronic Application in Railway Systems, Introduction to Railway Electrification Systems, Industry 4.0 for Railway Industry, Energy Management and Energy Efficiency for Railway Systems and Integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Railway Transportation.

Leading the training as esteemed trainers are Centre for Railway Infrastructure and Engineering Chairperson Assoc Prof Ir Dr Chua Kein Huat, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Department of Laboratory Management and Safety Administration Head Assoc Prof Ir Dr Wong Jianhui, LKC FES academics Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Boon Han, Assoc Prof Ts Dr Chew Kuew Wai and Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Leong Kah Hon.

This initiative was built upon the solid foundation established by the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between UTAR and KTMB on 13 January 2023. The partnership underscored a shared commitment to advancing the nation’s railway infrastructure through education, innovation, and collaboration.

Also present at the launch were KTMB Chief Engineer Electrification Major Ir Ts Mohamad Asri bin Yusoff, UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, Dr Chua, Centre for Corporate and Community Development Director Ms Lim Guat Yen, Department of Consultancy and Commercialisation Manager En Hamrizal bin Haris and representatives from KTMB and MyRA.