KUALA LUMPUR, SEPTEMBER 2025 — Malaysia recently hosted the 45th ASEAN Railways Chief Executive Officers Conference (ARCEOs 2025), held from 8-12 September in Kuala Lumpur, under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship agenda.

The event brought together about 100 delegates from ASEAN member nations. Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah emphasised that hosting this conference reflects Malaysia’s leadership role, and underscores its commitment to fostering unity, innovation, and stronger partnerships across Southeast Asia.

The gathering is viewed as central to promoting a future of seamless regional integration and sustainable transportation systems. Among the goals discussed are strengthening economic resilience, reducing logistics and supply chain risk, and ensuring that ASEAN rail networks contribute to both environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.

Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin, chairman of the organising committee, described the conference as a milestone in regional unity. He noted its alignment with ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and underscored that railways are more than just infrastructure they have a transformative role in driving economic growth, social development, and environmental well-being.

As host, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) facilitated site visits showcasing Malaysia’s railway manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, including local production of locomotives and wagons, to demonstrate how the rail industry can be self-reliant and innovative.

Overall, the 45th ARCEOs acted as both a platform for high-level dialogue and a catalyst for translating strategic visions into concrete action toward a more connected, resilient, and forward-thinking ASEAN rail network.

Source: theSun