Malaysia, August 2026 – Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) are strengthening cooperation in rail technology through work-based learning, joint research, competency development and industry knowledge sharing. The three-year collaboration will run from October 2026 to July 2029, extending an agreement first established in 2019.
The renewed partnership will give UTHM students greater exposure to railway operations, technology and real-world industry challenges through work-based learning (WBL). Previous cooperation has supported the university’s Bachelor of Rail Transportation Engineering Technology programme, with nearly 200 graduates having entered the industry, including professionals now working in Singapore and Saudi Arabia.
For the rail industry, the arrangement provides a direct mechanism for linking academic training with operational requirements. UTHM and KTMB plan to combine the university’s research capabilities and facilities with KTMB’s operational experience and industry data to develop practical solutions for technical challenges involving trains and railway infrastructure.
The collaboration also extends beyond student training. It includes academic consultation for diploma, bachelor’s and postgraduate rail transportation engineering technology programmes at KTM Academy (MyRA), as well as industry forums, academic visits and competency-development activities. KTMB has also sent five employees to pursue rail-related master’s degrees at UTHM, illustrating the partnership’s role in continuing professional development.
The initiative reflects the growing importance of structured academia-industry partnerships as Malaysia develops its rail workforce and technical capabilities. By combining education, operational exposure, research and staff development, the UTHM-KTMB collaboration could help create a more industry-ready talent pipeline while supporting innovation and long-term capability within the national rail sector.
Source: Bernama
UTHM And KTMB Expand Rail Technology And Skills Collaboration
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Malaysia’s expanding rail network is increasing demand for engineers and technical professionals with practical industry experience alongside academic training. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd are extending their partnership to strengthen workforce development, research and technical capability across the rail sector.
