HSR Asia Pacific 2025 is the premier platform uniting policymakers, rail operators, infrastructure developers, technology innovators, and financiers to drive forward the future of high-speed rail across the Asia Pacific. Under the theme "Accelerating Asia Pacific’s High-Speed Rail Revolution: Connectivity, Mobility, Sustainability, Innovation & Financing," the conference will explore how transformative rail projects are reshaping regional mobility, fuelling sustainable economic growth, and advancing technological frontiers.
Through high-level discussions, case studies, and strategic networking, HSR Asia 2025 will spotlight the latest in cross-border connectivity, smart mobility solutions, green infrastructure, and innovative financing models—charting the next phase of Asia Pacific’s high-speed rail journey. The 2 day conference offers a unique platform to showcase innovations, build partnerships and influence the future of high speed rail in Asia Pacific.
Participants will gain insights into various funding models, the role of private investment, and real-world case studies showcasing successful financing strategies in high-speed rail projects.
Advisory Panel: T C Chew, Managing Director, APAC, Arup
Tony Watson, Project Director, Typsa
Panel of Industry Experts Including: Dato’ Sri Azmi Abdul Aziz, CEO, Rail Division, YTL Construction Farizul Hazli Bin Baharom, CEO, Berjaya Rail T C Chew, Managing Director, APAC, Arup Tim Parker, CEO, HSR Authority of Australia David Wallace, Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission KL Tony Watson, Project Director, Typsa Wan Muqtadir, Head of Sustainability – Malaysia, BSI Services Malaysia, Malaysia Kent Donaldson, Executive Transport Adviser, Saudi Arabian Rail (SAR)/ Gulf Cooperative Council Natasha Zulkifli, Director (Stakeholder & Business Development),YTL Construction & Founder Director, Women in Rail Malaysia, Malaysia Adj. Prof Andrea Giuricin, CEO,TRA Consulting Valentino Dass, Country Head, Malaysia, Thailand & The Philippines, UK Export Finance (UKEF) Manmohan Parkash, Former Senior Advisor, Office of the President, Asian Development Bank, Consultant Ir. Sri Viknesh Permalu, CEO, PMT Solutions Consult Dr Hassan Alsalamat, CEO, ERL Maintenance Support Tonny Yeap, Associate Partner, Business Consulting, EY Bernd Heer, Head of Permanent Way,infraView GmBH, Part of DB E.C.O Group Efekan Yildiz, Business Development & Sales Manager, infraView GmBH, Part of DB E.C.O Group Mark Wild, CEO, UK HS2 Francois Davenne, Director-General, UIC Thomas Hui, Head of Line Group Management - HSR, MTR Corporation Limited Sebastian Philipp, Senior Manager, Smart Mobility & Digitalisation, DB Engineering & Consulting, Part of DB E.C.O. Group Peter Thornton, Director, Transportation Associates Ar. Wingsee Wong, Associate, Arup Dr Sara Cheung, Executive Advisor, Asia Era One Stefan Geisperger, COO, DB Engineering & Consulting Zhang Chao, Deputy General Manager & CFO, China Railway International Co Ltd Wan Md Hazlin Agyl (Wan Agyl) bin Wan Hassan, CMILT, Founder & CEO, MYMobility Vision Sim Ooi Kok, Country Managing Director/Customer Director Malaysia, Alstom Group
Allan Tandiono, Director-General of Railways, Ministry of Transportation Indonesia
Juan Guia, Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Spain
Ts. Sarah Yahya, Head of Rail & Infrastructure, Bureau Veritas Malaysia
Conference Programme
Day 1, Wednesday, 24th September 2025
8:00
Registration and Morning Coffee
9:00
Chairman’s Welcome Address and Overview of HSR Asia 2025 T C Chew, Managing Director, APAC, Arup
Connecting the Region – Strategy, Policy, and Technology
9:10
Keynote Address UK Experience in Transport/Railway
Collaboration between UK and Malaysia transport sector
Forward look – potential collaboration between UK-MY for future transport projects
David Wallace, Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission KL
9:25
Expert Panel Session The Future of High-Speed Rail in Asia Pacific: Building a Connected, Sustainable, and Resilient Region
Moderator: T C Chew, Managing Director, APAC, Arup
Panelists:
Dato’ Sri Azmi Abdul Aziz, CEO, Rail Division, YTL Construction, Malaysia Farizul Hazli Bin Baharom, CEO, Berjaya Rail, Malaysia
10:10
Networking Morning Coffee
10:40
Indonesia – Jakarta-Bandung HSR
Timeline, milestones, and ridership projections
Land acquisition and local stakeholder engagement
Future phases and regional integration plans
Allan Tandiono, Director-General of Railways, Ministry of Transportation, Indonesia (via zoom)
11:10
TOD: Driving Sustainable and Resilient HSR Corridors
This session explores the role of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) as a catalyst in shaping sustainable and resilient high-speed rail (HSR) corridors. It delves into critical themes, including
Designing for multi-layered resilience
The importance of partnerships and governance for the district level
Community engagement as a resilience strategy
Ar. Wingsee Wong, Associate, Arup
11:40
Panel Session Designing Rail for All: Why DEI Matters in HSR Projects
High-speed rail projects demand precision, productivity, and cost-conscious delivery — and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are powerful levers to achieve this. When teams bring together different skills, cultural perspectives, and experiences, they innovate faster, solve problems more effectively, and avoid costly blind spots.
This session will explore how workforce diversity, cross-border cultural inclusion, and developing the next generation of rail professionals can deliver safer, faster, and more efficient projects. Our panelists will share best practices that prove DEI is not just about fairness — it’s about building teams that deliver high-performance results while keeping people, operations, and budgets secure.
Moderator:
Natasha Zulkifli, Director (Stakeholder & Business Development), YTL Construction & Founder Director, Women in Rail Malaysia, Malaysia
Panelists: T C Chew, Managing Director, APAC, Arup Dr Sara Cheung, Executive Advisor, Asia Era One Stefan Geisperger, COO, DB Engineering & Consulting
12:20
Networking Lunch
1:15
Connecting Speed with Purpose: Strategic Hubs Planning for High-Speed Rail
High speed rail stations as catalysts to strengthen existing economic activities
Unlocking future potential by positioning each station within regional clusters
Coordinating hub functions with current national and regional development planning
Creating sustainable growth by aligning connectivity with economic competitiveness
Positioning the high-speed rail corridor as a new axis of economic development
Ts. Sarah Yahya, Head of Rail & Infrastructure, Bureau Veritas Malaysia
1:45
Sydney – Newcastle Rail Corridor – 144 years of Operation and the Need for reconstruction
Extremely difficult railway terrain over 1oo miles;
Built in stages starting in 1881and concluding with the Hawkesbury Bridge 1889
Various historical upgrades to flatten grades and ease curves
Most heavily trafficked corridor and greatest conurbation in Australia
Many proposals and studies to improve travel times – but no action
Where to in 2025?
Peter Thornton, Director, Transportation Associates, Australia
2:15
Keynote Address National High Speed Rail Australia – Connecting Australian Regions, Cities and Communities
The Australian Government is planning for a future high speed rail network to connect Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia
The first proposed stage of the national network would connect Sydney to Newcastle, the two largest cities in New South Wales.
The existing rail network between Sydney and Newcastle is the busiest in Australia, transporting almost 15 million passengers a year along with significant volumes of freight.
The journey from Sydney to Newcastle to Sydney would take about an hour on new high speed trains travelling up to 320km/h – significantly faster than the current rail and car journey time of 2.5 hours.
The Sydney-Newcastle connection would create the foundation for future stages of Australia’s high speed rail network.
Tim Parker, CEO, HSR Authority Australia (via zoom)
Mobility for the Future
2:45
Stations360o - Smart Stations
We see stations as intelligent, integrated urban hubs offering a high quality of stay and seamless connectivity with the city. Drawing from experience in Germany, we explore the concept of the sustainable, smart station – not as a set of isolated digital tools, but as a platform linking systems like signage, energy, safety, and real-time services into a true “system of systems.” The presentation will dive into practical examples of how Deutsche Bahn achieves this, from situational awareness centers to smart grids and digital twins
Sebastian Philipp, Senior Manager, Smart Mobility & Digitalisation, DB Engineering & Consulting, Part of DB E.C.O. Group, Germany
3:15
Networking Afternoon Tea
Country Spotlights – National Strategies & Future Projects
3:40
Linking Six Middle East GCC Countries with Inter-Operable HSR by 2030
Commercial & Intergovernmental agreements
Interoperability/Transit times
Technical/Engineering design
Operations Standards
AI/Technology design functionality
Commercial benefits and impact on 6 GCC countries economies
“It will happen” mindset by GCC countries
Kent Donaldson, Executive Transport Adviser, Saudi Arabian Rail (SAR)/ Gulf Cooperative Council, Middle East
Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure
4:10
High Speed Rail Projects – Getting the Conditions for Success right at the start Mark Wild, CEO, UK HS2 (via zoom)
4:40
China’s Contributions and Benefits to Jointly Building the Belt and Road Initiative: Advancing High-Speed Rail in Asia Through Collaboration and Chinese Railway Expertise
Achievements of China’s Railway construction and development
The practical achievements of China’s railways in international cooperation
Prospects and consideration on the interconnection of China’s cross-border high speed railways under the Belt and road Initiative
Zhang Chao, Deputy General Manager & CFO, China Railway International Co Ltd
5:10
Discover how Spain’s HSR (High-Speed Railway) – the second largest network in the world and one of the most efficient – has become a strategic engine for regional development and long-term sustainable growth.
With over 4,000 kilometers of high-speed track, Spain has created a transportation backbone that connects major cities in under three hours, drastically reducing travel times and boosting sustainable mobility.
The environmental performance of the Spanish HSR – powered by renewable electricity – contributes to national climate goals, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to road and air travel.
More than just a transport solution, the Spanish HSR is paying a critical role in promoting territorial cohesion, attracting investment, and prosperity to less-developed regions.
Juan Guia, Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Spain
5:40
Chairman’s Closing Address
6:30
Exclusive Networking Evening Reception hosted by DB Engineering
Day 2, Thursday, 25th September 2025
8:30
Morning Coffee and Networking
9:00
Chairman’s Welcome Address & Recap of Day 1
What do Passengers Want?
This presentation looks at a day in the life of a passenger and what they actually want out of a high speed railway, with particular focus on the Malaysian market. It will look at current HSR networks globally and compare what is offered, resulting in a one size does not fit all answer. Examples of facilities will be rovided as talking point and will include stations, trains and associated infrastructure
Tony Watson, Project Director, Typsa, Spain
Financing Models and Investment Strategies
9:40
Unlocking High-Speed Rail Investment: The Role of Export Credit Agencies in Enabling Mega Infrastructure Projects
Export credit agencies (ECAs) play a vital role in supporting the financing of transformative infrastructure projects around the world, including high-speed rail. In this session, UK Export Finance (UKEF) will present how ECAs can provide innovative funding solutions, sovereign-backed guarantees, and risk mitigation tools that enable the successful delivery of capital-intensive HSR developments. Drawing from its global experience — including rail and transport projects in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—UKEF will share case studies on projects it has been involved in. This session will be particularly relevant for project developers, national rail authorities, and infrastructure financiers seeking to unlock international capital and build investable rail programmes.
Valentino Dass, Country Head, Malaysia, Thailand & The Philippines, UK Export Finance (UKEF), Malaysia
10:10
From Vision to Velocity: Mobilising Public and Private Capital for HSR in Asia Pacific
High-speed rail (HSR) stands at the intersection of infrastructure, innovation, and investment—serving as a powerful engine for sustainable growth and regional integration across Asia Pacific. As the demand for faster, greener connectivity rises, bridging the financing gap for complex, capital-intensive HSR projects becomes both a challenge and an opportunity.
The presentation will explore practical strategies to mobilise blended capital through coordinated public-private financing frameworks. By leveraging tools such as viability gap funding, credit guarantees, and risk-sharing models, governments can significantly improve project bankability, de-risk investment environments, and attract long-term capital from institutional investors.
Drawing on Manmohan’s direct experience in planning and delivering railway infrastructure across countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, Uzbekistan, and Central Asia, Manmohan highlight actionable insights into what works—and what doesn’t—when financing transformative transport projects. As the chief architect of China’s high-speed rail development, Manmohan has witnessed firsthand how a well-structured financing ecosystem, backed by policy alignment and strong institutional capacity, can unlock unprecedented scale and impact.
We will also address the need for faster financial approvals, institutional readiness, and investor engagement across the project lifecycle, ensuring that high-speed rail transitions from vision to reality — on time, within budget, and at scale.
Coordinated approaches to bridge the funding gap for mega HSR projects.
Engaging private capital through guarantees, viability gap funding, and risk-sharing.
Institutional capacity building for finance-driven rail policy implementation.
Fast-tracking finance approval and disbursement in project lifecycles.
Manmohan Parkash, Former Senior Advisor, Office of the President, Asian Development Bank, Consultant, The Philippines
Social and Economic Impact of High-Speed Rail
10:40
Shaping the Future with High Speed Rail
High speed rail can be a canvas for national transformation that can drive economic revival, sustainable mobility and urban regeneration. It can connect cities, unlock growth and drive prosperity in a sustainable way. So how do we turn high speed bold ambition into action? In this presentation, TC Chew, Arup’s Asia-Pacific Managing Director, with a lifelong career as an international rail expert, will explore some of the game-changing, future-focussed approaches to high speed rail development and delivery around the world.
T C Chew, Managing Director, APAC, Arup
11:10
Networking Morning Coffee
11:30
HSR: TAC, Capacity Allocation and Private Operators
Business models in HSR
How to attract private investment in HSR
TAC and capacity allocation
The role of the regulator
Case Studies of profitable HSR operators
Adj. Prof Andrea Giuricin, Transport Economist at CESISP, University Milan Bicocca; CEO,TRA Consulting, Italy
12:00
The Gateway of Hong Kong – Hong Kong West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station
General overview of HSR (Hong Kong Section)
Border controls and clearance under co-location arrangement
Connectivity with the city area
Passenger profiles of HSR
New market/passenger segment
Thomas Hui, Head of Line Group Management - HSR, MTR Corporation Limited, Hong Kong
12:30
Networking Lunch
1:20
Afternoon Keynote Address Overview of HSR Development and Evolution Worldwide
This presentation will focus on the need for financing solutions including carbon finance
Francois Davenne, Director-General, UIC, France
Innovation and Disruptive Technologies
1:50
The Future of Smart Rail System: The Journey of Smart Reform
How AI, big datea and smart technologies can make railway more efficient and safer?
How smart technologies can enhance customer experience?
What railway companies need to do to implement smart technologies?
The journey of reform and implementarion of change
Dr Sara Cheung, Executive Advisor, Asia ERA One
2:20
Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Solutions
The presentation introduces the tools and solutions that DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH (DB E&C) and infraView GmbH (part of DB E&C) can offer as a digitalization partner for high-speed rail projects—from prefeasibility to design, construction to operation and maintenance of your assets. With proven expertise and innovative digital solutions, infraView helps rail owners and operators tackle key challenges, improve efficiency, and ensure long-term performance. The session highlights the value of end-to-end digital integration and invites collaboration on the future of high-speed mobility.
Bernd Heer, Head of Permanent Way, infraView GmBH, Part of DB E.C.O Group, Germany Efekan Yildiz, Business Development & Sales Manager, infraView GmBH, Part of DB E.C.O Group, Germany
2:50
The Importance of Cybersecurity and AI-Embedded Technologies in High-Speed Rail Networks
As High-Speed Rail (HSR) evolves into a fully digital ecosystem, it is no longer defined solely by speed and comfort, but by technological resilience, system intelligence, and operational continuity. The integration of signalling, communication, power, ticketing, and command control systems into a cohesive digital framework brings immense efficiency but also introduces significant cybersecurity risks and systems complexity. It is within this context that cybersecurity and AI-embedded technologies are emerging as foundational pillars forthe safe, secure, and intelligent operation of modern HSR networks.
Ir. Ts. Sri Viknesh Permalu, CEO, PMT Solutions Consult, Malaysia Director, IRSE Malaysia Section
3:20
Networking Afternoon Tea
3:40
Hard Hats Meet Smart Tech – Impact of AI, Digitalisation and Green on Constructions and Rail Sectors in Malaysia
Ongoing technological advancements continue to reshape job roles and skill requirements
Sustainable and eco-friendly practices are becoming central to sector operations
Tonny Yeap, Associate Partner, Business Consulting, EY, Malaysia
4:10
Track Sharing – High-speed, Conventioanl and Freight Trains
Mixed railway traffic and country frame conditions
Operational constrains and requirements
Construction costs
Maintenance assessment and costs
Dr. Hassan Alsalamat, CEO, ERL Maintenance Support Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure
4:40
Verifying your Carbon Footprint and Sustainability Reporting in the Rail Industry
Understanding your carbon footprint
Sustainability Reporting Overview
Verification and Assurance
Examples from the rail industry - Deutsche Bahn (DB), SNCF, Network Rail UK, Canadian National Railway
Wan Muqtadir, Head of Sustainability – Malaysia, BSI Services Malaysia, Malaysia
5:10
Closing Panel Session The Future of High-Speed Rail in Asia : Driving Innovation, Sustainability and Regional Connectivity This panel will bring together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to reflect on the major takeaways from HSR Asia 2025, including regional collaboration, technology integration, sustainability and financing models for high speed rail projects. The session will provide insights into the future trends of high-speed rail, discuss opportunities for cross-border collaboration, and explore how innovative technologies and smart mobility solutions can shape the future of rail travel across Asia and the world.
Transport policy and infrastructure planning in aligning large-scale transportation projects with economic and regulatory frameworks
Regional mobility and cross-border integration
Leveraging HSR within the broader context of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to unlock sustainable economic clusters, improve planning and mobility coordination and enhance long-term connectivity outcomes.
Moderator: Tony Watson, Project Director, Typsa, Spain
Panelist: Wan Md Hazlin Agyl (Wan Agyl) bin Wan Hassan, CMILT, Founder & CEO, MYMobility Vision Peter Thornton, Director, Transportation Associates Sim Ooi Kok, Country Managing Director/Customer Director Malaysia, Alstom Group
5:40
Chairman’s Closing Comments & Conference Wrap-Up
Recap of key insights and learning. Acknowledgements and Appreciation and an Invitation to continue engaging with each other and take action on the ideas discussed during the last 2 days of the conference. Call to collaborate, invest and innovate to accelerate the growth of high speed rail system across Asia.
Panel of Industry Specialists:
Dato’ Sri Azmi Abdul Aziz CEO, Rail Division, YTL Construction
Azmi Abdul Aziz brings with him over 40 years of experience in the public and private sectors in the public transport industry with outstanding intellect that encompasses policies and operations of public transport systems and services.
Playing a pivotal role in the development of Kuala Lumpur’s first Light Rail System in the mid 1990’s he was responsible for many invaluable contributions such as the establishment of the Operations & Maintenance to operate and maintain the LRT system, the then first fully automated driverless metro system in the world. Once the LRT became operational, he held an even bigger responsibility in managing and administering the core businesses geared towards ensuring for the safe operations in transporting of passengers.
From there, he moved on to become the Chief Operating Officer of SCOMI Engineering Berhad. serving as a Project Director for India’s first Monorail project in Mumbai.
In 2011 he served as Chief Development Officer at Land Public Transport Commission (S.P.A.D.) formulating the National Land Public Transport Masterplan, setting up of Transport Policies planning and supervising the MRT Line 1 (Sungai Buloh-Kajang), MRT Line 2 (Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya), and played an essential role on the formulation for the High Speed Rail project from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.
From 2015 to December 2017, he served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, Malaysia’s premier public transport provider with Prasarana’s primary role as an integrated public transport provider for intra-city rail and bus services.
Currently, he is lending his expertise to YTL Construction, playing a pivotal role in the fasttrack development of the Electrified Double Track Project which spans along the State of Johor Bahru and is scheduled to be operational end of 2025.
Farizul Baharom CEO, Berjaya Rail
Farizul Baharom has held various roles in the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department, Prokhas (Ministry of Finance linked Co.) before moving on to become the Legal Head and the Head of Cross Border Rail in the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) where he was responsible for the RTS and HSR projects. He then was appointed as the Special Adviser to the Transport Minister before taking on his current task as the Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Rail.
T C Chew Managing Director, APAC, Arup
TC is the Managing Director, APAC and the Global Rail Leader at Arup .
He leads a 6,400+ strong workforce of technical experts across 28 offices in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, creating value for clients and communities, and helping to realise the fast-growing region’s immense economic potential and sustainable development goals over the coming decade. As Global Rail Leader, TC leads an international team of rail experts working on the design and delivery of major multidisciplinary projects around the world. He specialises in rail transit systems, including high-speed, metros, light, and heavy rail. As a trusted advisor to governments and delivery bodies responsible for major rail projects, TC focuses unlocking the economic, social and environmental value of transport infrastructure.
Prior to Arup, as the President of Global Business Operations, TC led Samsung C&T’s international business operation, establishing it as a trusted Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company. During his tenure as Projects Director at MTR Corporation, TC was responsible for all new railway projects in Hong Kong as well as MTR’s overseas ventures. At Bombardier Transportation in London as Head of Mass Transit in its systems division, TC oversaw major projects, including the London Underground Victoria Line upgrade and modernisation public-private partnership program.
TC spent eight years with Singapore Land Transport Authority he oversaw all of Singapore’s railway and road projects. He also had the privilege of working on the London Underground Jubilee Line Extension project where he led the overall E&M systems and integration process from concept design stage to commencement of project implementation. TC is an Arup Fellow, a chartered engineer and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and professional institutions in the United Kingdom, the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences and the Hong Kong Institute of Directors. He graduated from Manchester University and holds a Bachelor and Master’s degree.
Tim Parker CEO, HSR Authority Australia
Tim Parker is the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Government’s High Speed Rail Authority.
With more than 30 years of experience in mega projects in Asia and Australia, Tim brings to the role extensive leadership and project experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects.
Tim led the project delivery team for Australia’s biggest public transport project, Sydney Metro, from 2018 to 2024. In this role he provided leadership, strategy and governance across a portfolio of innovative automated metro rail projects, covering front-end development, delivery management, contract negotiation and contract management with a total value of more than AU$50 billion.
Tim is an experienced and influential leader, bringing a measured and flexible approach to issue resolution and risk management – motivating teams and building strong partnerships between client and delivery partners. His notable mega project experience includes Hong Kong International Airport, Epping to Chatswood Rail Link, Sydney’s new convention centre at Darling Harbour, NorthConnex and Sydney Metro.
David Wallace Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission KL
David Wallace has been Acting High Commissioner (Chargé d’Affaires) at the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur since August 2024. Previously he was Deputy High Commissioner from July 2022. “David has a diplomatic career spanning over twenty years during which he has covered a range of political, economic and security roles, focused in Europe and East Asia. From 2017 to 2022 he was Political Counsellor at the British Embassy in Berlin, where he built up co-operation with Germany on foreign, security and development issues. Previously he has served as Political Counsellor in Warsaw, Head of Economic Section in Seoul and as a diplomatic adviser in Baghdad. In the Foreign Office Head Office he has worked on sanctions, counter proliferation, Iraq and Afghanistan. David has a BA (Hons) in Philosophy and an MA in International Economics. He speaks English, German and Polish”.
Tony Watson Project Director, TYPSA, Spain
Currently acting as the Head of Rail for the Middle East and Asia, Tony is a Chartered Civil Engineer with over 24 years global experience in delivering major transportation projects, from setting up teams, governance and frameworks, to physically managing the delivery of major infrastructure works.
Tony's experience covers all forms of rail (Tram / LRT, Metro, conventional, freight and HSR) and the entire project lifecycle from feasibility through to testing and commissioning.
His career has seen him working in multiple locations around the world, coupled with having worked as both a Client (Government and Government Linked Companies) and for major international consultants. Tony's HSR portfolio includes the following major rail projects (working as):
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore HSR (Client)
Rail Baltica (Client)
Taiwan High Speed Rail (Consultant)
Tony has also played key roles and been instrumental in the development of major railway projects in Malaysia, at their various lifecycle stages, such as the KVMRT and the KL-SG HSR.
Wan Muqtadir Head of Sustainability – Malaysia, BSI Services Malaysia, Malaysia
Wan Muqtadir leads BSI's sustainability team in Malaysia, specializing in greenhouse gas (GHG) verification, sustainability report assurance, carbon neutrality verification, traceability, and sustainable palm oil certification. With over a decade of professional experience across diverse sectors, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the sustainability field. Initially trained as an aircraft engineer, Wan demonstrated his commitment to sustainability by pioneering greener practices in aircraft maintenance. His academic qualifications include a Master’s degree in Environment and Development from the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture, and Economics (GIIDAE) at the University of Reading. In his previous roles, Wan has driven integrity and assurance within the palm oil industry, fostering dialogue and initiatives to promote sustainable palm oil production. Notable accomplishments include managing the PalmGHG calculator to support assessments for new plantings and remote sensing verifications. His diverse career also encompasses roles in fraud detection within personal banking, procurement and sales in the automotive and aviation sectors, technical advisory in aviation maintenance, serving as an aircraft mechanic for B747 and B777 fleets with Malaysia’s national air carrier, and leading integrity initiatives at a standards development organization.
Wan Muqtadir is a seasoned sustainability professional with a strong foundation in environmental assurance and corporate responsibility. His key areas of expertise include serving as a Qualified Lead Verifier for ISO 14064 and ISO 14068, as well as a Qualified Lead Assurer for Sustainability Report Assurance. He also acts as a Qualifying Reviewer for various sustainability-related schemes. His capabilities extend to Geospatial Information Systems Analysis, RSPO Standards Application, Grievance and Complaints Advisory, Ethical Supply Chain Management, and Human Rights and Social Performance. Over the years, Wan has contributed his skills and leadership across a diverse range of organizations, including EON Trisilco Motors Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia Airlines Berhad, Asia Pacific Flight Training Sdn. Bhd., Standard Chartered – Scope International Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Safran Group – Global Turbine Asia, PETRONAS Group HSSE, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and the British Standards Institution (BSI Services Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.). His multidisciplinary background demonstrates a well-rounded career dedicated to advancing sustainability standards across industries.
Kent Donaldson Executive Railway Specialist, Saudi Arabian Rail (SAR)/ Gulf Cooperative Council, Middle East
Kent has over 50 years of experience in senior executive positions in both rail and aviation industries. He has served as a CEO, COO, and Director in significant engineering, infrastructure, operational management, governance, and safety projects within both government and private sectors. His roles have spanned Australia, the Middle East, and Asia, where he has successfully driven the delivery of major rail and aviation projects through innovative change and specialized knowledge.
Kent has effectively managed large workforces comprising diverse cultural backgrounds. He has also been extensively involved with Australian and European regulatory bodies in managing change.
Natasha Zulkifli Director (Stakeholder & Business Development), YTL Construction &
Founder Director, Women in Rail Malaysia, Malaysia
Natasha is Stakeholder Director for YTL Construction. YTL is an integrated infrastructure developer with operations in eleven countries, listed on the stock exchanges of Malaysia and Japan. She is involved in building a 192km rail line from Gemas to Johor Bahru, in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Natasha also conceptualised, incubated and now leads the running of the YTL Learning Academy. At YTL Construction, Natasha is also heavily involved in driving transformation, culture change as well as championing D&I related issues.
Natasha is Chair of the British Malaysia Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity & Inclusion Network. She also sits as an Independent Non-Executive Director for a plantation company listed on the Malaysian stock exchange. Given her deep interest to strengthen human capital development in the Malaysian rail space, in 2017 Natasha founded Women in Rail Malaysia, a not-for-profit entity which was established to support and promote equality and diversity within the Malaysian rail industry. She is passionate about promoting the Malaysian rail space as a career of choice to young women studying in secondary school and in universities. To date, Women in Rail Malaysia has spoken to more than 10,000 students across Malaysia.
She has also launched Women in Rail Connect, a global platform to connect women working in the rail industry from all over the world and is now engaging with women in rail across more than ten countries.
In 2019, the German government recognised Natasha as a one of the ‘Remarkable Women in Transport’, officially recognising her as a female change-maker and highlighting her contribution to sustainable mobility solutions. In 2021, the Malaysian government awarded Natasha as the inaugural winner of the Outstanding Woman of the Year in Rail Award. In 2022, International Railway Journal recognized Natasha and profiled her as one of winners of IRJ’s Women in Rail Awards 2022.
Adj. Prof Andrea Giuricin Transport Economist at CESISP, University Milan Bicocca, CEO,TRA Consulting. Italy
Adj.Prof. Dr. Andrea Giuricin is CEO of TRA consulting, a strategic consultancy company and he worked in the first HSR markets open to the competition (Italy, South Korea, Spain and France) as strategic and operational consultant for the CEOs and top managers. He is senior transport consultant for the World Bank, reforming the transport sector in Asia, Middle East and Africa.
He is teaching Transport Economics at University Milano Bicocca in Italy. In the same University he is responsible at CESISP – Unimib for the laboratory on rail and he is adj. Prof. at University of Southern California, United States. He is also former visiting professor at China Academy of Railway Sciences and also professor at UIC and College of Europe. Dr. Andrea Giuricin cooperates and works with several Transport Authorities with the European Commission and European Railway Agency.
Valentino Dass Country Head, Malaysia, Thailand & The Philippines; UK Export Finance (UKEF), Malaysia
Valentino Dass is the Country Head for Malaysia, Thailand and The Philippines where he leads efforts on promoting, engaging and originating new business opportunities for potential UKEF support.
With over 15 years of experience in lending, risk management, liquidity management and structured trade finance – including roles at HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank and as Deputy General Manager of Group Treasury at Columbia Asia Healthcare – he brings deep expertise and experience in the financing ecosystem including export credit.
Manmohan Parkash Former Senior Advisor;
Office of the President, Asian Development Bank
An international finance expert, Mr. Parkash has over 38 years of experience in infrastructure development, finance, strategic leadership, and portfolio management in Asia Pacific countries. He has held senior positions with Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of India. He has a deep understanding of the international development agenda and multilateral institutions. He has shaped policy frameworks and mobilized billions of dollars from multiple sources for equitable and sustainable development in developing countries. He has structured financing of several large infrastructure projects in the energy and transport sectors. He has consistently delivered outstanding results by forging strong partnerships with governments, multilaterals, private sector, and other stakeholders; and driving organizational reforms. He is an inspiring leader, technology enthusiast, and a catalyst of change. Mr. Parkash has authored numerous publications including on energy, transport, climate change, environment, innovative financing modalities, trade, and regional cooperation.
Ir. Sri Viknesh Permalu CEO, PMT Solutions Consult, Malaysia;
Director, IRSE Malaysia Section
Sri Viknesh is the founder and principal consultant of PMT Solutions Consult (PMTS), a Malaysian rail systems consultancy dedicated to delivering expert advisory and engineering services across the railway sector. A Chartered Engineer and ASEAN Professional Engineer with over 18 years of experience, Sri has played key roles in Malaysia’s railway development, as a main contractor, government representative, project delivery partner, and consultant. His portfolio spans high-speed rail planning, urban transit, and mainline project execution. Also as Director and National Secretary of the IRSE Malaysia Section, Sri continues to champion technical excellence and local capacity building in rail systems.
Dr Hassan Alsalamat CEO, ERL Maintenance Support Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
PHD in development and optimization of railway systems from the technical university in Dresden/Germany.
Over 20 years of progressive experience in planning operating, maintaining, optimizing and management of railway systems (High speed, MRT, LRT and freight). Worked with different Metro, regional and high speed operator in the world to optimize maintenance of rolling stock and nfrastructure, maximize the efficiency of the system and reduce operating costs.
Tonny Yeap
Associate Partner, Ernst & Young Consulting, Malaysia Associate Partner, Business Consulting EY
Tonny has over 20 years of experience in project management and transport infrastructure planning. He has held key senior leadership roles in both public and private sectors, driven by his passion for high-speed rail. Recently, he has been examining the impacts of AI and green trends on transport infrastructure and its workforce. His insights aim to foster sustainable development and innovation within the industry, ensuring that it meets the challenges of the future.
Bernd Heer Head of Permanent Way,infraView GmBH, Part of DB E.C.O Group Bernd Heer is a geotechnical engineer and graduate of Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen with over 25 years of international experience in high-speed rail projects. Throughout his career, he has contributed to all phases of high-speed rail development, from feasibility studies to operational implementation. His project portfolio includes landmark initiatives such as the Cologne–Frankfurt high-speed rail link, the Sirth–Benghazi HSR, Gothenburg–Stockholm, and HS2 (London to Birmingham). Specializing in track form decision-making, Bernd has extensive expertise in the design and construction of slab track systems for high-speed rail.
In 2018, he took on the role of Lead Geotechnical Engineer at DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH, where he focused on standardization, digitalization, and process automation within the company. Building on this foundation, in 2023 he assumed the role of Head of Permanent Way at infraView GmbH. In this capacity, he is driving the development of smart tools for railway design, construction, and operation, addressing the evolving needs of railway operators, infrastructure owners, and construction companies worldwide.
Efekan Yildiz Business Development & Sales Manager,infraView GmBH, Part of DB E.C.O Group
Efekan Yildiz is a Business Development and Sales professional with deep expertise in IoT and complex digital transformation projects.
He started his career at a leading American software and digitalization company in the manufacturing & engineering sector. In this role, he collaborated closely with well-known industrial enterprises, supporting them in implementing digital strategies and driving innovation. His focus was on Industrial IoT, where he successfully managed complex projects aimed at increasing operational efficiency, data transparency, and connectivity across production environments.
His strength lies in managing strategic partnerships within demanding, multi-stakeholder settings. From initial strategy to long-term execution, he focuses on aligning technical solutions with business objectives — always with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and measurable business value. In 2024, he took on the role of Business Development & Sales Manager at infraView GmbH, where he focused on strategy and expansion. Now, he is bringing his IoT experience into the rail industry, supporting digital transformation in one of the most exciting and evolving sectors of mobility.
Mark Wild CEO, UK HS2
Mark Wild, OBE, FREng, became CEO of HS2 Ltd in December 2024, and is leading a programme-wide reset of the UK’s high-speed rail project. High Speed Two is at peak construction and will connect London, Birmingham and the West Midlands with 140 miles of new track, releasing capacity and improving reliability across the rail network, and stimulating economic growth between the Briain’s two biggest cities.
Mark has a proven track record of delivering transformational change on large infrastructure projects. As CEO of Crossrail from 2018 to 2022, Mark led a rescue and recovery of the £20bn programme to deliver one of the world’s most advanced high-frequency passenger rail services – now known as the Elizabeth Line.
Mark has over 35 years of experience heading up public and private sector companies across the globe, in both. He joined HS2 Ltd from SGN, overseeing operations for one of the UK's largest gas distribution networks. His previous career has focused on running and building major transport networks. He's led Westinghouse Signals, headed up Public Transport Victoria in Melbourne, and managed London Underground.
Safety for the workforce and passengers are at the heart of Mark's approach. He fosters a sense of unity to deliver in complex environments and champions the development of the next diverse generation of engineers to lead the industry forward.
A proud Northeasterner who grew up in Durham, Mark is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and holds both a first-class engineering degree and an MBA from Leeds University.
Francois Davenne
Director-General, UIC, France
Mr. Davenne graduated from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications d’Evry in 1988 and from the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) in 1999. Throughout his career, he has consistently promoted interdisciplinarity as a key factor for success. Having gained experience in international satellite telecommunications, he initially held various roles in the housing sector, making use of his strong financial and legal skills. He was involved in policy and regulation of the sector and managed key operational programmes, most notably for the city of Paris.
After three years with the French Ministry of Transport, working on railway safety and regulation, with an emphasis on European regulations, he was elected in 2012 as Secretary General of OTIF, the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail. From early 2013 to the end of 2018, he promoted interdisciplinarity and partnership building in order to expand and develop the uniform regulations for international carriage by rail.
Thomas Hui Head of Line Group Management - HSR, MTR Corporation Limited
Thomas Hui is currently Head of Line – High Speed Rail in MTR Corporation Limited responsible for the overall operation and management of the High Speed Rail service in Hong Kong. He is a professional civil engineer and have over 30 years of experience in the planning, design and construction management of infrastructural and building projects of various scales in different organisations. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree in civil engineering as well as a master's degree in arbitration and disputes resolution. He is a chartered member of Institution of Civil Engineers in UK, Hong Kong Institute of Engineers and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in UK.
Sebastian Philipp Senior Manager, Smart Mobility & Digitalisation DB Engineering & Consulting, Part of DB E.C.O. Group, Germany
Sebastian Philipp is an innovation and digitalization manager with 15+ years of experience at the crossroads of design, technology, and business strategy. He holds a degree in Industrial Design from University Pforzheim and a Master’s in Strategy & Innovation from Maastricht University, complemented by studies at the National Institute of Design (India) and executive training at MIT Sloan.
He began his career in product and UX design at various international agencies. From 2014, he increasingly focused on user-centered digital products, services, and business models. At Volkswagen Group Services, he established and led a UX and innovation unit, later taking on a director-level role in strategic consulting.
From 2022 to 2024, he was Head of Mobility at digital consultancy Futurice, managing mobility strategy and key accounts such as BMW, MAN, Polestar, and VR (Finnish State Railways), while contributing to thought leadership on data-driven ecosystems.
Since 2024, Sebastian Philipp has been Senior Manager Smart Mobility & Digitalization at DB Engineering and Consulting, where he leads the Stations360 initiative. His work focuses on driving the digital transformation of train stations and mobility hubs, with the aim of turning them into future-proof, sustainable, and user-centered nodes of multimodal transport.
Peter Thornton
Director, Transportation Associates, Australia
Peter has over 35 years involvement in proposals and studies for High and Very High Speed Rail Links in Australia. He has been an adviser to the Commonwealth Government of Australia, the New South Wales State Government, a Joint Secretariat of the Governments and the private sector on this matter, acting as Project Director and Team Leader for more than a dozen major studies on HSR in the east coast corridor and five for Sydney – Newcastle. He commenced his interest in High-Speed Rail when assisting Systra’s staff working on the VFT project in the mid 1980’s. The report which he
directed in 2001 on an East Coast High Speed Rail cited below remains on the Commonwealth’s Government website as a definitive reference on high-speed rail in the Australia context. Most recently he has been a member of the Commonwealth’s HSRA Advisory Panel for its work on the Sydney - Newcastle HSR business case and has lead studies into forms of rolling stock which could deliver significant travel time saving in the regional and long distance rail corridors emanating from Sydney.
Peter was appointed by Australia’s Cooperative Research Centre for Rail (Rail CRC) as one of three Independent expert reviewers of its 2009 report entitled: “High-speed Rail: Strategic information for the Australian context”. Peter has acted as a reviewer of final year student projects on HSR at the University of Sydney and is a regular lecturer to students at Sydney University.
Peter has presented papers at many conferences on High Speed Rail: Sydney Melbourne, Madrid, Asia Rail High Speed Rail in Hong Kong in July 2010 and 2011 and eijing. Most recently he has spoken at IEAust conferences He prepared a submission and was invited to give evidence before the Parliament of Australia’s House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities and is extensively cited in its report on transport connectivity entitled “Harnessing Value"
Ar. Wingsee Wong Associate, Arup
Wingsee is a Registered Architect in Singapore and the UK, currently with Arup, where she specialises in transit architecture with a strong focus on MRT stations. She has led and contributed to a wide range of architectural and interior projects, covering the full spectrum of design, development, and delivery. Her approach emphasises the integration of aesthetics with sustainability, and performance with buildability, ensuring that each project is both visionary and practical. Passionate about the role of architecture in shaping urban life, Wingsee strives to create cohesive, welcoming built environments that enhance connectivity, inclusivity, and community well-being.
Dr Sara Cheung Executive Advisor, Asia Era One
Dr. Cheung is the Executive Advisor of Asia Era One Co. Ltd. Prior to her current appointment; she was the COO of Asia Era One and MD of City Line Asia Era One.Dr. Cheung has been very active in the railway industry and was Founder and CEO of Vision Skill Consulting founded in 2002 and serving clients globally. Prior to that, she worked at strategic levels for major companies including the Hong Kong MTR Corporation and Avery Dennison Corp (a member of the Fortune 500). She was advisor for many advisory committees of the Hong Kong government and universities prior to her global business ventures.Dr. Cheung has a bachelor’s degree in science and an MBA from the University of Hong Kong. She received her DBA from the University of Curtin, Australia.
Stefan Geisperger COO, DB Engineering & Consulting
Mr. Stefan Geisperger works as Managing Director International Markets and Consulting DB Engineering & Consulting since August 2022. Mr. Geisperger joined Deutsche Bahn AG (German Railways) in 2013 as Senior VP Sales for DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung GmbH (vehicle maintenance). In 2020 he moved to DB Engineering and Consulting where he became speaker of the German regions south and southeast. In August 2022 he joined the DB E&Cs board of managing directors as head of international markets and consulting where he is currently responsible for the organization’s global activities. Stefan Geisperger studied Industrial Engineering at the Technical University Munich. He started his professional career at German Mittelstand companies. He first worked for ZF Friedrichshafen AG as Project Manager KAIZEN from 1990-1995. Further professional experiences include Freudenberg Simrit and LUK Fahrzeughydraulik GmbH & Co. KG as well as Rothenberger AG.
Zhang Chao Deputy General Manager & CFO, China Railway International Co Ltd
Zhang Chao, holds a Doctorate in Management Science and Engineering, is a CIMA Chartered Management Accountant, a Senior Certified Public Accountant of the People's Republic of China, a National Accounting Leader of the People's Republic of China, and a Central Government Agency Accounting Leader of the People's Republic of China.
From July 2000 to October 2015, he worked at the China Academy of Railway Sciences Group Co., Ltd. In October 2015, he was appointed as Executive Director of the Board of KCIC, the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway Joint Venture, a position he held until January 2025. From December 2024 to July 2025, he also served as Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer of the China Railway Beijing Railway Bureau Group Co., Ltd. Since August 2025, he has been serving as Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer of China Railway International Co., Ltd.
Wan Md Hazlin Agyl (Wan Agyl) bin Wan Hassan, CMILT Founder & CEO, MYMobility Vision
Wan Agyl is a seasoned transport and regulatory strategist with over 15 years of experience shaping Malaysia’s mobility, logistics, and urban planning landscape. He is the Managing Partner of Agyl & Partners, a public policy and strategy consulting firm. Agyl previously served as Director and Head of Regulatory Affairs at SOCAR Mobility Malaysia, where he pioneered Malaysia’s first peer-to-peer car-sharing framework. Prior to that, he was Head of Division at the now-decommissioned Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat (SPAD), where he led several key national projects, including the development of major land public transport policies and planning instruments. He is also the founder of MY Mobility Vision, a national think tank focused on transport, logistics, and supply chain policy. An academic at heart, Agyl has taught and researched extensively in the transport field. Known as a policy disruptor, he challenges conventional approaches to drive adaptive, inclusive, and tech-enabled frameworks in the transport, logistics, and supply chain sectors. He is frequently featured in major media platforms such as Free Malaysia Today, Astro Awani, BFM 89.9, and News Straits Times, offering critical insights on public policy, mobility, and regulatory affairs.
Sim Ooi Kok Country Managing Director/Customer Director Malaysia, Alstom Group Sim brings over 20 years of experience in the railway industry holding various key strategic roles in organisations representing End Client, Public Transport Regulator, Turnkey Contractor, Rolling Stock Manufacturer, Communication Systems Contractor and Rail Operator across Europe and Asia.
Up to the most recent, he was the Chief Operating Officer for Sapura Rail Systems before joining Alstom as Country Managing Director / Customer Director for Malaysia.
Allan Tandiono
Director-General of Railways, Ministry of Transportation Indonesia
Allan Tandiono is currently the Director General of Railways at the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia. He is recognised for his expertise in project management, business development and policy making in railway infrastructure. He has an aspiration to contribute on economic growth and improve the connectivity in Indonesia through railway infrastructure development.
Allan holds a joint EMBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University and the Guanghua School of Management, Peking University. He also holds a MSc in Project Management from Nanyang Technological University (a joint MSc programme with the University of Manchester), and a BEng in Civil Engineering from the National University of Singapore. His previous key roles in major projects include the Singapore MRT Downtown Line, Jakarta MRT North-South Line, the Jakarta LRT Line and most recently, he was a Director at the first High-Speed Railway Line in Southeast Asia, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway Line.
Juan Guia Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Spain
is the Chief Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Commercial Office of the Embassy of Spain in Kuala Lumpur. He brings extensive experience in driving the internationalization and strategic transformation of Spanish public companies.In the railway sector, he played a key role in the management of INECO, the engineering arm of ADIF, Spain’s national railway infrastructure operator. INECO has been instrumental in both the development and global promotion of Spain’s high-speed rail.
Notably, Juan was directly involved in the launch of the high-speed rail project between Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia—one of Spain’s most prominent international infrastructure ventures—successfully built and currently operated by a Spanish consortium.His background places him in a unique position to speak about the strategic impact of Spain’s high-speed rail system—the second largest in the world—as a driver of connectivity, regional development, and long-term sustainable growth.
Ts. Sarah Yahya Head of Rail & Infrastructure, Bureau Veritas Malaysia
Ts. Sarah Yahya is a recognised rail infrastructure leader and currently serves as Head of Rail, Building & Infrastructure at Bureau Veritas (Malaysia). With over 15 years of experience driving high-speed rail, urban transit rail and TOD developments in Malaysia and Singapore, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s rail landscape. Her career highlights include contributions to the Kuala Lumpur–Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur–Iskandar Puteri HSR feasibility studies at MyHSR Corporation, the delivery of MRT Lines 1 & 2, and extensive TOD initiatives with the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC).
Her expertise spans hub planning, project delivery (civil and systems), TOD, and rail safety. At Bureau Veritas, she leads multidisciplinary teams advancing assurance and compliance across national and regional infrastructure projects and is also part of the Overall Independent Safety Assessor (O-ISA) team for Sarawak Metro’s KUTS Phase 1, Malaysia’s first hydrogen-powered urban rail project.
Endorsed & Supported by:
As the Government of Malaysia’s project delivery vehicle for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (KL-SG HSR) project, MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd (MyHSR Corp) is responsible for the development and implementation of this high-impact and game-changing initiative that will drive Malaysia towards becoming a developed nation. The KL-SG HSR is envisioned to be more than just a rail transportation project. It is expected to be a growth engine that will unlock the socio-economic potentials along the Southern corridor of Peninsular Malaysia, spurring the development of key economic centres and intermediate cities while boosting the various industries and their supporting ecosystem, creating jobs and business opportunities for all.
During the Request For Information (RFI) exercise between August and November 2024, MyHSR Corp is tasked to seek concept proposals from local and international firms or consortia to design, finance, build, operate, and transfer the KL-SG HSR based on the public-private partnership model. Incorporated in 2015, MyHSR Corp is wholly-owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated) and under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia.
Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) is the operator of KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit services that connect Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA T1 & T2) and the city. This year marks ERL’s 23 years of service. Throughout the years, ERL has taken many initiatives to deliver a safe and reliable public transport system. ERL has also been recognised locally and internationally for consistently providing high standards of service. Since its service launch in April 2002, ERL has carried over 125 million passengers onboard its trains and has consistently maintained its 99.7% on-time service performance record.
Incorporated in 1996, ERL is a private limited company owned by Malaysia’s foremost companies. YTL Corporation Berhad, Lembaga Tabung Haji, SIPP Rail Sdn Bhd and Trisilco Equity Sdn Bhd. The operations and maintenance are efficiently managed by ERL Maintenance Support Sdn Bhd (E-MAS).
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is the UK department for economic growth. DBT supports businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.
Rail Personnel is an internationally recognised rail recruitment specialist that has been delivering staffing solutions and job opportunities to a worldwide clientele for over 15 years. Our expert recruiters have international experience and in-depth knowledge of the rail industry. We can provide skilled engineer and operations staff to do design, construction and maintenance in all rail disciplines, either on contract or to fill permanent positions.
Our database profiles over 35,000 rail professionals, allowing us to source candidates globally. More than 7,000 visitors access the Rail Personnel website each month for information about jobs, rail people and latest developments in the rail industry.
Established in 1997, the IARO is a world-wide organisation dedicated to spreading world-class best practice and good workable ideas among people interested in rail links to airports and air-rail intermodality. Over the past 25 years, the IARO has built up an unparalleled network of organisations actively involved in planning, developing, building and operating rail air links - and also other stakeholders, such as airlines, who have a business interest in partnerships for their success.The IARO community facilitates the exchange of experience, ideas and information, offering genuine insight and sector intelligence to its membership. This is achieved through access to our databases, research reports, newsletters, workshops, seminars, archives and via direct contact with fellow members.
The Institute of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) is a leading international professional body for those engaged in railway signalling, telecommunications, and related disciplines. Founded in the UK, it supports the development and recognition of professionals in the rail industry worldwide. The IRSE Malaysia Section is committed to advancing the institute’s mission in the region. Actively fostering a strong professional community, the Malaysia Section continuously promotes IRSE membership as a pathway for career growth and industry excellence. In its ongoing efforts to engage members and the wider rail sector, IRSE Malaysia organizes regular events such as Evening Talks. These sessions cover a wide range of topics—from technical advancements to industry best practices—providing valuable platforms for knowledge sharing and professional development.
The Railway Industry Association (RIA) champions a dynamic UK rail supply sector. Rail contributes £41 billion in economic value and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as supporting over 640,000 jobs throughout the UK. For every job in rail, a further four jobs are supported elsewhere in the UK economy, and every job in the rail supply chain is 29% more productive than the UK average. RIA's 400+ members, including 60% SMEs, provide a diverse range of rail products and services. RIA advocates for rail's critical role in economic development, sustainability, and high-performance transport.
We offer Deutsche Bahn's globally recognized expertise all the way from the idea stage to operations, and all from a single source. We advise our customers in Germany and around the world, and work with them to develop innovative, technically sophisticated and customized infrastructure, mobility and transport solutions. By offering sustainable ideas and solutions, we help to ensure the future success of economic regions and make an important contribution to environmental protection, thereby shaping the world of tomorrow.
DB Engineering & Consulting services include: Engineering – Design, Construction Supervision, Project Management, Environment, Geotechnics and Surveying, Design and acceptance testing Consulting – Mobility and logistics consulting, Digital services and solutions
We advise on, plan and design the future of the built environment. As a global consultancy with technical and advisory expertise across more than 150 disciplines, we bring a Total Design approach to our work with our clients. This is how we shape a better world.
Our rail experts bring decades of experience working with major international railways at every stage – from initial vision, to design and delivery of new projects or large-scale enhancements, through to operations, maintenance and asset renewals of some of the world’s busiest railways. We work with public and private sector clients to unlock the transformative potential that low carbon and resilient railways can bring to people, communities, economies and the environment.
Founded in 1955, YTL Construction is a leading infrastructure company committed to Building The Right Thing through transformative projects that connect communities and power industries. In rail, we have delivered the award-winning Express Rail Link (ERL) linking Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the city, and are proud to be involved in the Gemas–Johor Bahru electrified double-tracking project, enhancing connectivity along Malaysia’s southern corridor.
As part of the YTL Group, our capabilities are strengthened by a diverse portfolio spanning power generation, hotels, telecommunications, cement, property development, digital banking, and water utilities. Beyond transport, YTL Construction delivers high-specification facilities, from state-of-the-art data centres to advanced logistics warehouses. Combining cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and a relentless focus on quality, we build infrastructure that meets today’s needs while anticipating tomorrow’s opportunities.
Exhibitors:
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers’ excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change. Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas’ 84,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company’s technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.
We are a Malaysian engineering consulting firm specializing in Railway Engineering, Digital Engineering, and technical solution services. Powered by homegrown talent and strong local expertise, we deliver high-quality, future-ready solutions that meet global standards while staying true to our core values of integrity, safety, and innovation.
The Railway Gazette Group is the leading provider of news, analysis and intelligence for the international railway industry. Our independent and authoritative content is read by operators, regulators and the supply industry in more than 140 countries, accessed through www.railwaygazette.com, using a variety of tailored subscription packages.Extensive global railway industry news coverage is provided at railwaygazette.com, where information can easily be filtered by geographical or technical categorisation. Weekly e-mail newsletters provide a handy summary of the principal developments in different sectors each week. Real-time news is also provided via our social media feeds which include Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Mastodon.
Railway Gazette International, our flagship publication with roots tracing back to 1835, is read wherever railways exist. The monthly magazine, available in print and digital formats, focuses on technical, operational, and commercial aspects of the rail industry. It offers a mix of feature articles, in-depth analysis, and digests of the most significant news stories.
International Railway Journal - IRJ - was launched in 1960 as the world’s first magazine reporting on the railway industry worldwide. IRJ still maintains its position as the world’s brightest and best international railway magazine.
With an average audience of 10,234 monthly readers in 146 countries. 83% of our qualified circulation is requested. With impartial coverage, superior design, expert editorial team, and high-value readership, no other global railway magazine comes close.
In 2016 IRJ launched IRJ Pro, a comprehensive business intelligence toolkit for rail professionals, providing a unique perspective on market dynamics in the global railway industry.
Rail Analysis is a Prominent Rail Print, Digital and Online Media specializing in Railways and Metro Sector of India covering projects such as Traditional Railways, Modern Systems, Metro Systems, High Speed Rail and Station Redevelopment projects. We continue to be focused on the promotion of the Railway Industry development in India and its future growth towards innovation and modernization. Our Magazine is sent to Indian and Global Railway Professionals & Major marketing platform, distributed to the decision makers of the Railways Industry in India. It provides the latest news and updates on Indian projects for International companies to connect with each other and collaborate for projects in India along with information and analysis on railway prWWWWWojects in India.
Rail Asia is a digital intelligence and media platform providing comprehensive coverage of the rail and mobility sector across Asia. We track infrastructure developments, major projects, and non-fare revenue initiatives, while also spotlighting career opportunities and industry leaders. In addition, our platform delivers timely updates on tenders and policy, connecting regional progress to global industry trends and opportunities.
Railway-News is your source for the latest rail news from around the world and a major directory for leading suppliers in the sector. We post new stories every day so that you’re always up-to-date, and our twice-weekly newsletter brings all the vital updates straight to your inbox. In our quarterly e-magazine, you will find valuable information about trends and products. Railway-News is a brand of a2b Global Media, who are dedicated to bringing transport news to the international public.
Tunnelbuilder has consistently been a leading source for the latest tunneling tenders, awards, and invaluable news within the industry. With an unwavering commitment to providing up-to-date and comprehensive information, Tunnelbuilder serves as an indispensable platform for professionals seeking opportunities and insights in the tunnel construction sector. One of Tunnelbuilder's core strengths lies in its ability to connect businesses with lucrative prospects. By showcasing tenders and awards from around the world, it acts as a catalyst for companies looking to expand their operations or embark on new ventures. Tunnelbuilder not only informs but also actively supports businesses in promoting their services and expertise to a global audience, fostering growth and collaboration within the tunneling community.
TunnelBuilder offers unparalleled exposure to a global audience of tunneling professionals and stakeholders. Maximize your company's visibility, showcase your expertise, and secure valuable contracts by leveraging our platform's extensive reach. Join us to connect, grow, and thrive in the tunnel construction industry. In summary, Tunnelbuilder's role as a premier source for tunneling tenders and news, coupled with its dedication to facilitating industry promotion, makes it an invaluable asset for professionals and businesses operating in the tunnel construction domain.
Sales Period: 15 September – 2 October 2025
Travel Period: 15 September – 2 October 2025
Express Rail Link (ERL) is the operator of KLIA Ekspres train service that connects KL International Airport (KLIA T1& T2) and the city. The non-stop 57-km journey on KLIA Ekspres between KL Sentral and KLIA Terminal 1 takes only 28 minutes.
Fastest way to the city from the airport
Frequent train departures
Free porter service
Free WiFi onboard
Easy connection from KL Sentral Station to anywhere in the city
In-town flight check-in and bag drop facility at KL Sentral Station for those flying with Malaysia Airlines
Accommodation:
Room type
Single room rate
Per room per night With one breakfast
Double room rate Per room per night With two breakfast
