17 April, Cyberjaya – An exhibition that showcases the journey and capabilities of Malaysia’s rail industry is being held at Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT). Known as the MIGHT Partnership Hub, the event is held via the Science to Action (S2A) – Science for Industry platform, another Malaysian Technology Solutions initiatives. The special exhibition is organised by the Malaysian Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC); an industry-led consortium that represents the voice of local rail companies; and showcases the tracks that the nation has laid and the charted way forward for the nation’s rail industry.
Titled Special Rail Exhibition, the exhibition shall run from 17th of April till 4th May. It was officiated by Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ir Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Joint Chairman (Industry) MIGHT together with Datuk Dr. Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, President and Chief Executive Officer MIGHT who is also President of MARIC. Also attended was MARIC and MIGHT members.
Malaysia is focused in creating a seamless journey in public transportation, connecting districts, towns and cities in ferrying passengers and cargo. Urban development is now parallel with the advancement of its rail network and new stations translate into new townships and new lines that will bring in new industry and urbanisation.
With government’s support through its localisation policy, the local rail industry has developed and achieved international standard and recognition. This is evident in local player’s involvement in three major projects under The Greater Kuala Lumpur Plan 2010. The projects were awarded based on the capabilities of MARIC members, together with each respective local and international rail partner.
Through these projects, MARIC members expand their expertise through knowledge transfer such as involvement in after sales, MRO and export capabilities. It also accorded MARIC members credibility as engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) partners to the international original equipment manufacturer (OEM), enabling smart-partnership between various parties, locally and abroad.
Going forward, MARIC has a vision of expanding its organisation that would further benefit its members. Amongst them are incorporation of MARIC Incorporated and MARIC Trading House, establishment of Rail Industry Zone that includes research and innovation centre, warehouse and heavy engineering storage, and establishment of Rolling Stock Anchor Company, Technology and Innovation Anchor Companies and MARIC Product Focus Group. Through these initiatives, MARIC is ready to achieve more with the government’s support and recognition. Through collaboration with international construction, engineering and financial giants, MARIC members can adapt easily to both western to eastern technology. Such exposure also inculcates awareness on the standards of quality and expectations of the local players and increase their capabilities such as managing high level maintenance, repair and overhaul of LRT Ampang Line, KLIA Express and KTMB ETS wagons. In addition, parts and components can also be produced locally with support and assistance from OEM and rail owners. Key operators such as Prasarana and KTMB has long embarked into vendor development programme where they identify special components to be locally manufactured while opening up windows of opportunities to grow abroad.
MARIC is now focused on five products with high opportunity to be explored – Automated Fare Collection, Operation Control Centre, Design, Solution and Technology Manufacturing, Customer Experience Solutions and Narrow-casting and Mobile Entertainment and Advertising.
This special exhibition will bring together developers, brands, marketers, technology providers, designers, innovators and evangelists and set the pace in advancing our rail industry.
