The MTR Academy (MTRA) – a fully owned subsidiary of the MTR Corporation – partnered with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Beijing Jiaotong University to launch a railway transport development programme, with the aim of fostering railway development in countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
The programme, titled “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport”, ran from April 7 to 19 in Hong Kong and Beijing, featuring a series of events including lectures, workshops, and seminars where railway experts and scholars shared insights and the most recent industry advancements. More than 40 participants from 13 countries and regions, including Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, took part in the programme.
Focusing on the theme of “Sustainable Rail Transport: Planning, Operations, and New Technologies”, the programme comprehensively addressed the entire lifecycle of railway development - from planning and construction, to operations and management.
Topics such as digitalization, automation, green energy, and Transit-Oriented Development were also emphasized, while the MTR Corporation highlighted its “Rail plus Community” integrated development model, showcasing its role in fostering sustainable urban growth.
The programme also provided a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and talent cultivation among railway industry professionals.
“By combining academic excellence from leading universities with invaluable industry expertise from railway operator, this programme provided participants with an in-depth exploration of railway planning, operations, and cutting-edge technologies, said Dr Mark Ho, Dean of MTRA.
Dr Ho added that the programme has served as a platform for professionals, government authorities, and academic researchers to exchange ideas, advance railway development, and raise industry standards.
Throughout the programme, participants visited several railway operators, facilities and academic institutions in both Beijing and Hong Kong, including the Ho Tung Lau Depot, one of the depots for the MTR East Rail Line in the special administrative region.
During the visit to the depot, participants gained insight into the daily operations of Hong Kong’s urban railway system and had a glimpse of the MTR Corporation’s “Smart Railway” initiatives that reflect the Corporation’s aspiration and applications in digitalization, AI integration, and innovative technologies. They also engaged in discussions with the depot staff, exploring the challenges and solutions involved in maintaining efficient train services.
Another stop on the programme in Hong Kong was the MTR Tai Wai Training Centre. Participants observed demonstrations of the Cab Simulator and Virtual Reality training modules designed to enhance technical skills. These technologies and innovations enable staff to experience tasks and scenarios in an immersive and safe way that promote learning engagement and effectiveness, which eventually boost the quality and safety of railway operations.
Tanawan Sutantaviboon, a railway professional from Thailand, expressed her appreciation for the insights and case studies provided by the programme, saying she believes that these exchanges will help the industry develop greener and more connected transport networks. It is important to learn from regions with diverse backgrounds so as to implement effective strategies locally, she added.
Malaysian participant Faris Faizal highlighted the programme’s comprehensive coverage in railway operations and network development. He praised the knowledge-sharing platform for facilitating industry advancement and expressed enthusiasm for applying concepts learned from the programme to improve his country’s railway infrastructure.
Since its establishment in 2016, MTRA has been dedicated to nurturing railway professionals through various training programs that leverage the expertise of MTR Corporation in railway operations and management.
MTRA has also strived to elevate industry standards and has brought together stakeholders from countries and regions that took part in the BRI through various events to exchange ideas and collaborate on advancing future growth.
gabylin@chinadailyhk.com
