In line with the global transformation of rail transport, the rail sector in Malaysia is also very rapidly developing as contained in the Land Public Transport Master Plan (NLPTMP). Mega projects like High Speed Rail (HSR) and East Coast Rail Route (ECRL), increased infrastructure and Light Rail Transit (LRT) services , Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), KTM Commuter, Express Rail Link (ERL), Electric Train Service (ETS) KTM, Monorail, Fast Transit System (RTS) Malaysia-Singapore, and Inter-city Rails involved many parties like Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, MyHSR, KTMB, MRL, ERL Sdn. Bhd., SPAD, SCOMI, MiGHT, TDA, MRT Corp., Global Rail and CMC Engineering and etc.

As noted in ’Malaysian Rail Supporting Industry Roadmap 2030’ issued by Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), the outburst of the rail transport industry needs now requires extensive engagement from rail, research and training centers and academia to help the country provide local expertise and reduce dependence on external expertise.

So far there has not been a center in Malaysia which is a reference knowledge, training and research in the field of rail transport, although some have tried to establish it in their respective organizations. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Higher Education took the initiative to create ICoE-Rel in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Human Resources.

The result of “Discussion on the Proposed Establishment of Center of Excellence For Railway Industry” chaired by YBhg. Datuk Nik Ali bin Mat Yunus Deputy Secretary General (Development) on 6th March 2017 at the Ministry of Higher Education (MOE) has chosen UTHM as the Center for Excellence in Rail Industry. This is because only UTHM has an existing rail transport academic program and related expertise.

Following the meeting, several series of ICoE-Rel establishment meetings were held at the MOE to launch its establishment.

On 16th May 2017, ICoE-Rel UTHM Business Model Conference with the TDA (Technology Depository Agency) agency under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia in the ICOE-Railway Preparation Setup Meeting chaired by YBhg. Datuk Nik Ali Bin Mat Yunus Deputy Secretary General (Development).
On 25th May 2017 UTHM was involved in the “Discussion on CoE-TVET Training Program following the implementation of the ECRL project” at Putrajaya Marriot Hotel on May 25, 2017 chaired by YB Dato’ Seri Idris Bin Jusoh, Minister of High Education.
On 2nd June 2017, a budget proposal presentation for the establishment of ICOE-Railway UTHM with TDA in the Fund Management Technical Committee Meeting Center Of Excellence Industry-Industry Center Of Excellence (ICOE) 2017 chaired by YBhg. Datuk Nik Ali Bin Mat Yunus Deputy Secretary General (Development).

HEAD OF ICOE RAIL :

PROFESSOR DR. KHALID HASNAN

Industry Centre of Excellence for Railway (ICOE RAIL)
Institute Integrated Engineering (I2E)
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
86400 Parit Raja , Batu Pahat ,
Malaysia.
Email : khalid@uthm.edu.my

Telephone : 06-9742163
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/uthmrailway/