Kluang: 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 announced that this renewed three-year collaboration, from October 2026 to July 2029, builds upon an agreement signed in 2019 and aims to fortify academia-industry ties to nurture talent in the country's rail sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prof Dr Mas Fawzi emphasized that the collaboration would offer 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," he stated. He further highlighted that this initiative supports UTHM's goal as a Global Technopreneur University 2030 (GTU2030), which aims to integrate knowledge, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in talent development to meet industry and societal needs.
The document exchange marking this collaboration was represented by Mas Fawzi for UTHM and KTMB's chief corporate officer Megat Khairulazhar Khairodin, aboard a KTMB chartered train traveling from Kluang Station to KL Sentral. This event coincided with the launch of Rel Merdeka 69 and the 69th National Month Celebration at UTHM.
Mas Fawzi also noted that the previous collaboration had significantly benefited students, particularly those enrolled in the Bachelor of Rail Transportation Engineering Technology with Honours program. Nearly 200 graduates have successfully met industry demands, with some finding employment opportunities in Singapore and Saudi Arabia. The exposure to KTMB's operations was instrumental for students in applying their academic knowledge, developing technical and professional skills, and understanding industry requirements before entering the workforce.
Additionally, UTHM and KTMB plan to explore joint research and development initiatives by leveraging UTHM's academic expertise and research facilities alongside KTMB's operational experience and industry data. This effort aims to develop practical solutions for technical challenges related to trains and rail infrastructure.
Megat Khairulazhar stated that the partnership would enable KTMB to utilize UTHM's expertise, technology, and research facilities to address operational and technical issues. The collaboration also includes academic consultation for diploma, bachelor's, and postgraduate programs in rail transportation engineering technology at KTM Academy (MyRA), as well as hosting industry forums, academic visits, and competency development activities. He added, "KTMB has also sent five staff members to pursue master's degrees in rail-related fields at UTHM."