The launch ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim (seventh from left), together with YAB Dato’ Ahmad bin Yakob (sixth from left), YB Loke Siew Fook (sixth from right), Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak (fifth from right), Mr Liu Hui (fourth from right) and Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei (third from right).

TAR UMT is one of the institutions of higher learning to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC ECRL) to formalise the ‘Program Latihan Kemahiran Industri ECRL’ or the East Coast Rail Link Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI – ECRL).

The tripartite MoU signing was part of the launch ceremony for the construction of the first East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) station, the ECRL Kota Bharu Station. Held on 12 May 2023, the launch ceremony was officiated by Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia. The other distinguished guests included Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Bentara Kanan Ustaz Dato’ Ahmad bin Yakob, Chief Minister of Kelantan, Yang Berhormat Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer of MRL and Mr Liu Hui, Board Executive Director of CCC ECRL.

This MoU will pave the way for TAR UMT to work together with MRL and CCC ECRL with the aim of training highly-skilled human capital to support the construction of the 665-km ECRL mega project. The areas of focus between the three parties include the enrolment of students into the programme, development of the programme syllabus, professional training and industry attachment of staff, provision of teaching manpower and provision of facilities for the programme. 

Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, who was in attendance to sign the MoU, said: “I am proud to sign this MoU for a number of reasons. Firstly, TAR UMT students are provided with more opportunities to engage, train and gain exposure from prominent industry leaders in the rail construction industry. Secondly, this is a great opportunity for TAR UMT staff to use their expertise and contribute their skills towards the development of this project. Most importantly, TAR UMT will continue to contribute towards nation-building by being a part of this momentous infrastructure development that will bring great convenience for the people in the east coast region. As a University, we will certainly give our every effort and dedication to support this project.”