From left: Mr Ma, Prof Han, YB Tuan Loke, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dr Chua and Forum Advisor Mr Eugene Tan Hock Lim with the participants at the forum
On 6 August 2025, Kuala Lumpur became the focal point of regional transport cooperation as the ASEAN-China International Rail Transit Forum 2025 convened at the ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Jointly organised by UTAR, Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU), the Urban Rapid Rail Transit Journal, UTAR’s Centre for Railway Infrastructure and Engineering (CRIE) and Centre for Sustainable Mobility Technologies (CSMT), the forum drew policymakers, industry leaders, and academics from across ASEAN and China. Gold sponsorship was provided by Tianma Bearing (TMB) and China Railway Signal & Communication Co., Ltd. (CRSC).
From left: Prof Han, Mr Eugene Tan, YB Tuan Loke, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dr Chua and Mr Ma
YB Tuan Loke
Themed Rail Interconnection Development – Deepening China–Malaysia Rail Transportation Technology and Industry Cooperation, the forum was officiated by Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, YB Tuan Loke Siew Fook, witnessed by First Secretary of the Embassy of The People's Republic of China in Malaysia Mr Ma Yongfa, Chairperson of ASEAN-China International Rail Transit Forum 2025, Assoc Prof Ir Dr Chua Kein Huat, Advisor of ASEAN-China International Rail Transit Forum 2025, Mr Eugene Tan Hock Lim, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Director of TOD Institute of Beijing Jiaotong University Prof Dr Han Baoming. In his address, he underscored the urgency of accelerating sustainable rail initiatives in alignment with the National Energy Transition Roadmap. “Rail is not just an option—it is an economic imperative,” he asserted, highlighting its low carbon footprint and operational efficiency. He urged delegates to ‘leave with one concrete pilot project, one technology transfer idea, and one research collaboration to pursue in the coming year.’
Prof Dato’ Ewe
Prof Dato’ Ewe welcomed participants and affirmed the University’s role in uniting academia, industry, and the government. “This forum is a testament to how international academic collaboration can create real-world impact,” he said, adding, “It symbolises the spirit of collaboration that UTAR embraces, where academic excellence meets industry relevance, and where international ties bring local benefits.”
Prof Han
Prof Han commended ASEAN’s progress in regional integration and called for deeper cooperation in standard-setting and innovation. “Centred on rail connectivity, this forum aims to deepen collaboration between China and ASEAN in technological innovation, industrial synergy, and talent development. We must not only share our best practices but also co-create future solutions,” he remarked.
Dr Sharoul (left) and Puan Sharul Azwa (right)
The forum featured a rich programme of keynote sessions from leaders in Malaysia’s and China’s rail sectors. Among them, Dr Sharoul Jambari of the Technology Depository Agency outlined strategies for industrial collaboration under Malaysia’s Industrial Collaboration Programme, while Puan Sharul Azwa Abd Rani of Prasarana discussed integrated urban transport planning and the organisation’s sustainability initiatives. Prof Han elaborated on China’s advancements in “smart”, “green” and “integrated” rail systems, and subsequent sessions explored the East Coast Rail Link, multi-standard rail innovations in Chongqing, and Sarawak’s Kuching Urban Transport System. A moderated panel discussion brought together experts from Chongqing Rail Transit Group, The University of Hong Kong, KTMB, TDA, and Sarawak Metro to debate challenges and opportunities for regional rail growth.
The delegates at KTM Berhad (top) and Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (bottom)
On 7 August 2025, the delegation embarked on a series of technical tours, beginning with KTM Berhad (KTMB). Hosted by Ir Ahmad Nizam, KTMB’s Chief Technical Officer, participants were given an in-depth overview of the national rail operator’s infrastructure modernisation plans, signalling upgrades, and maintenance strategies aimed at improving operational reliability and passenger comfort. Site visits to control centres and rolling stock facilities provided first-hand insights into the integration of digital technologies in rail operations.
The tour continued at Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, where the delegation was welcomed by senior executives from the Planning and Strategy Department. Presentations detailed the organisation’s role in managing the Klang Valley’s light rail, monorail, and bus networks, as well as its ongoing projects such as the LRT Shah Alam and the RTS Link. A guided tour of operations control centres and maintenance depots demonstrated Prasarana’s adoption of smart mobility solutions, including energy-efficient trains and enhanced customer experience measures.
A group photo to commemorate the closing forum
On 8 August 2025, the programme concluded with a visit to UTAR Sungai Long Campus. Here, delegates toured CRIE’s research facilities and engaged in discussions with faculty members on collaborative research in rail electrification, vibration mitigation, and AI-powered traffic management. The visit not only showcased UTAR’s research strengths but also reaffirmed its role as a hub for industry-relevant innovation and talent development in Malaysia’s rail sector.
The ASEAN-China International Rail Transit Forum 2025, complemented by these technical and academic engagements, reinforced the importance of partnerships that blend policy dialogue, operational expertise, and research collaboration. By combining strategic discussion with hands-on exposure, the event advanced the shared goal of building an integrated, sustainable, and future-ready rail ecosystem for the ASEAN-China region.
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