China, October 2026 — Building a capable railway workforce requires technical training, practical experience and pathways that allow people from different backgrounds to enter the industry. Nureen Syamimi Zulkifli, a 22-year-old Malaysian from Alor Setar, Kedah, has completed specialised railway training in China through a programme designed to prepare young Malaysians for careers with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).
The fully sponsored East Coast Rail Link Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL) is jointly conducted by Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). Nureen trained at Liuzhou Railway Vocational Technical College, where her studies covered railway signalling and communications, safety procedures, shunting operations, and train reception and dispatching.
The programme combined classroom instruction with practical exercises, including physically demanding shunting activities and train operation procedures. Participants also faced the challenge of adapting to a different language and culture. Nureen learned Mandarin and passed the HSK3 Chinese proficiency examination, adding a language skill to her technical training.
Her experience highlights the importance of accessible training opportunities and broader participation in railway careers, particularly for women entering a traditionally male-dominated sector. For Malaysia, programmes that combine international technical exposure with industry-specific skills can help prepare workers for operational roles as the national railway network develops.
Following the completion of her training, Nureen is preparing to take up a position as an ECRL station duty officer. Her career path illustrates how workforce development initiatives can connect education with employment while supporting the operational needs of major rail infrastructure projects. As ECRL progresses towards service, developing a trained workforce will remain an important part of preparing the network for operation.
Source: The Star
Malaysian Railway Professional Highlights Talent Development And Career Opportunity
Journalism & Media
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Developing a skilled and diverse railway workforce is important as Malaysia continues to invest in rail infrastructure and technical capabilities. A profile published by The Star on 6 October 2026 features Nureen Syamimi Zulkifli, a young Malaysian woman whose journey into the railway industry highlights the role of family support, education and perseverance in building a professional career.
