KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) are strengthening their strategic cooperation in rail technology through work-based learning (WBL), joint research, competency development and industry expertise sharing.
UTHM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mas Fawzi Mohd Ali said the three-year collaboration, from October 2026 to July 2029, continues an agreement signed in 2019 and strengthens academia-industry ties in developing talent for the country’s rail sector.
He said the collaboration would give UTHM students direct exposure to rail operations, technology and industry challenges through WBL.
“WBL allows UTHM and KTMB to work together in areas such as research and expertise sharing, while giving students a better understanding of rail operations, technology and real-world industry challenges.
“It also supports UTHM’s aspiration as a Global Technopreneur University 2030 (GTU2030), which focuses on integrating knowledge, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in talent development and meeting the needs of industry and society,” he told Bernama after the document exchange.
Mas Fawzi represented UTHM while KTMB was represented by its chief corporate officer Megat Khairulazhar Khairodin. The exchange took place aboard a KTMB chartered train travelling from Kluang Station to KL Sentral in conjunction with the launch of Rel Merdeka 69 and the 69th National Month Celebration at UTHM.
Mas Fawzi said the previous collaboration had benefited students, particularly those in the Bachelor of Rail Transportation Engineering Technology with Honours programme, with nearly 200 graduates now meeting industry needs, including some working in Singapore and Saudi Arabia.
He said the students’ exposure to KTMB’s operations enabled them to apply their academic knowledge, develop technical and professional skills and understand industry requirements before entering the workforce.
UTHM and KTMB will also explore joint research and development by combining UTHM’s academic expertise and research facilities with KTMB’s operational experience and industry data to develop practical solutions to technical challenges involving trains and rail infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Megat Khairulazhar said the partnership would allow KTMB to tap UTHM’s expertise, technology and research facilities to address operational and technical issues.
He said the collaboration also covers academic consultation for diploma, bachelor’s and postgraduate programmes in rail transportation engineering technology at KTM Academy (MyRA), as well as industry forums, academic visits and competency development activities.
“KTMB has also sent five staff members to pursue master’s degrees in rail-related fields at UTHM,” he added.
-- BERNAMA