We are pleased to announce the Call for Papers forHSR Asia Pacific 2025 a premier conference dedicated to exploring the transformative role of high-speed rail in shaping the future of transportation, economies, and societies in the Asia Pacific region.
As governments and industry leaders push for enhanced rail connectivity, technological innovation, and sustainable financing models, this conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. We invite researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders to submit their papers on topics that address the opportunities and challenges in accelerating Asia Pacific’s high-speed rail revolution.
We are delighted to hold our 8th HSR Asia Pacific Conference in Kuala Lumpur and are honoured to be collaborating with MyHSR Corp once again who will be endorsing and supporting the 2 day conference.
We are working with a distinguished Panel of Advisors including: T C Chew, Managing Director, APAC, ARUP, United Kingdom Tony Watson, Project Director, Typsa, Spain
We welcome papers and case studies that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:
1. Connectivity & Mobility
High-speed rail as a driver of regional integration and trade
Cross-border high-speed rail projects and interoperability challenges
The role of high-speed rail in multimodal transport networks
Smart stations and digital connectivity for seamless passenger experience
2. Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Decarbonizing high-speed rail: Green energy and electrification
Infrastructure development with minimal environmental footprint
High-speed rail’s role in reducing carbon emissions and congestion
Sustainable construction materials and circular economy practices
3. Innovation & Technology
AI, automation, and predictive maintenance in rail operations
Next-generation high-speed rail technologies: Maglev and beyond
Digital twin technology for rail asset management
Advances in signaling, cybersecurity, and data-driven rail operations
4. Financing & Investment Strategies
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in high-speed rail development
Innovative funding models and revenue generation strategies
The role of multilateral banks and investors in Asia Pacific rail expansion
Economic benefits and long-term financial sustainability of HSR projects
5. Social & Economic Development
High-speed rail’s impact on urbanization and regional economies
Accessibility and inclusivity in high-speed rail development
Case studies: Transformative effects of high-speed rail in Asia Pacific
Workforce development and skills training for the future of rail
Panel of Industry Specialists:
Dato' Mohd Nur Ismal Bin Mohamed Kamal
CEO, MyHSR Corp, Malaysia
Dato’ Mohd Nur Ismal bin Mohamed Kamal is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd (MyHSR Corp). He has led the company and steered the Kuala Lumpur - Singapore High Speed Rail (KL-SG HSR) project since its inception and through the various milestones and challenges in the last eight years. Among the highlights were the launch of the seven Malaysian HSR stations’ concept designs, completion of the Public Inspection exercise, selection of the Project Delivery Partners for the local civil works, and many others. Most recently, Mohd Nur led the launch of the Request for Information exercise to seek concept proposals from the private sector, locally and abroad, in line with the aspiration of the Government of Malaysia.
Mohd Nur has also realised a number of key accomplishments as the CEO of the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) between 2008 and 2015, including the successful launch of the Go-KL bus services and development of the National Land Public Transport Masterplan which helped set the vision for the public transport industry in Malaysia. He also led the initial efforts in developing the concept for the MRT project up to its successful launch. Mohd Nur brings with him over two decades of diversified experience both internationally and locally having served in management consultancy firms AT Kearney and Accenture, as well as in DRB-HICOM Bhd. He also led the development of the critically-acclaimed National Higher Education Action Plan at the Ministry of Higher Education. Dato’ Mohd Nur holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategy, Finance and Marketing from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University in Illinois. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance and Decision Sciences from the University of Denver in Colorado.
T C Chew Director, Global Rail Business Leader, Arup, UK
As Arup’s Global Rail Business Leader, TC leads an international team of rail experts working on all kinds of rail transit systems, including high-speed, metros, light and heavy rail.As an advisor to governments and delivery bodies responsible for major rail projects, TC’s focus is on helping clients to unlock the transformative potential of rail.
Prior to Arup, TC was the President of Global Business Operations. During his time as Projects Director at MTR Corporation TC was responsible for all new railway projects in Hong Kong, TC also held senior portfolio with other Rail Transport related organisations including Bombardier Transportation, Singapore Land Transport Authority and London Underground.TC is a chartered engineer and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering as well other professional institutions in the UK.
Tony Watson Project Director, TYPSA, Spain
Currently the Project Director for the Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC) of a 400km, mixed traffic line in Saudi Arabia, Tony is a Chartered Civil Engineer with over 23 years of 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, including some of the biggest rail infrastructure projects in the world, from Asia Pacific, Middle East and Europe. is experience of 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 has given him the advantage of seeing the bigger picture and able to provide services to client organisations, consultants and contractors, being able to view problems from all side’s perspectives. Tony’s portfolio includes the following major rail projects (working as):
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore HSR (Client)
Rail Baltica (Client)
Klang Valley MRT2 (Consultant)
Abu Dhabi Public Transport Scheme (Client)
Crossrail (Consultant)
Taiwan High Speed Rail (Consultant)
With very few cross border rail services globally (excluding the existing European Network in the Schengen Area), Tony has experience on two major cross border projects which has given him a distinct understanding of the complexities involved when dealing with infrastructure and services which need to satisfy multiple sets of requirements and governance.
G J Gunathilake Consultant Engineer, Sri Lanka Railways, Sri Lanka
Eng. G.J.C. Gunathilake, Consultant Engineer, Sri Lanka Railways, Sri Lanka. Holding a degree in civil engineering, he has spent 35 years directly involved in the maintenance and rehabilitation of rails, roads, Building and bridges.He is currently, directing the new rail road development project Sri Lanka including the proposed rail extension projects and bridge rehabilitation projects involving feasibility studies in Southern railways.
After 10 years spent in the way and work sub department of the Sri Lanka railway as a District Engineer, he joined ABV rock group in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1992 and served 2 years. In 1996 he joined KL consult Sdn Bhd, Malayasia and served as a Resident Engineer in Petronas Fertilizer Kedha Project until 1999. Specialist of project planning, contract administration he has been leading a team of engineers on project implementation of Sri Lanka southern rail developments and the proposed railway line in Northern – East expressway in Sri Lanka’.
He is presently fellow member of Institutions of engineer, Sri Lanka and fellow member of institution of permanent way, London.
Eng.G.J.C. Gunathilake, belongs to the Sri Lanka engineering services since 1981 and participated many international workshop and seminar representing Sri Lanka in ESCAP, World Bank Project.
Wan Muqtadir Head of Sustainability – Malaysia Ops-Sustainability, BSI Services 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
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.
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