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, Global Rail Leader, ARUP, United Kingdom Mark Loader, JV Project Director, NICC, UAE Tony Watson, Project Director, Typsa, Spain David Hyland, Managing Director, Rail Personnel, Australia
Panel of Industry Experts Including: Dato’ Mohd Nur Ismal Bin Mohamed Kamal, CEO, MyHSR Corp T C Chew, Managing Director, APAC, Global Rail Leader, ARUP Tim Parker, CEO, HSR Authority Australia Tony Watson, Project Director, Typsa, Spain G J Gunathilake, Consultant Engineer, Sri Lanka Railways, Sri Lanka Wan Muqtadir, Head of Sustainability – Malaysia Ops-Sustainability, British Standards Institution Services, Malaysia Kent Donaldson, Executive Transport Adviser, Saudi Arabian Rail (SAR)/ Gulf Cooperative Council, Middle East Natasha Zulkifli, Stakeholder Director, YTL Construction & Founder Director, Women in Rail Malaysia, Malaysia Adj. Prof Andrea Giuricin, Transport Economist at CESISP, University Milan Bicocca, CEO,TRA Consulting. Italy Valentino Dass, Country Head, Malaysia, Thailand & The Philippines; UK Export Finance (UKEF), Malaysia Manmohan Parkash, Former Senior Advisor, Office of the President, Asian Development Bank, Consultant, The Philippines Ir. Sri Viknesh Permalu, CEO, PMT Solutions Consult, Malaysia; Director, IRSE Malaysia Section Dr Hassan Alsalamat, CEO, ERL Maintenance Support, Malaysia Tonny Yeap, Associate Partner, Business Consulting, EY, Malaysia
Conference Programme
Day 1, Wednesday, 24th September 2025 Shaping the Future of High-Speed Rail - Strategy, Policy, Technology & Connectivity
8:00
Registration and Morning Coffee
9:00
Chairman’s Welcome Address and Overview of HSR Asia 2025 T C Chew, Managing Director, APAC, Global Rail Leader, ARUP, United Kingdom
Connecting the Region – Strategy, Policy, and Technology
9:10
Opening Keynote Address National HSR Policy, Public Investment Priorities and Cross-Border Collaboration
Keynote Panel Session The Future of High-Speed Rail in Asia Pacific: Building a Connected, Sustainable, and Resilient Region
Strategic Connectivity: How HSR is reshaping Asia Pacific's economic corridors, trade routes, and cross-border integration.
Sustainability Leadership: Positioning HSR as a green transport solution contributing to national and regional net-zero goals.
Innovation at Scale: How AI, automation, and digital infrastructure are revolutionizing rail operations and passenger experience.
Financing Mega Projects: Unlocking capital flows and navigating funding challenges with PPPs and innovative financing models.
Regional Collaboration: How governments, private sector, and international organizations can align priorities for success.
Moderator : T C Chew, Managing Director, APAC, Global Rail Leader, ARUP, United Kingdom
10:30
Networking Morning Coffee
11:00
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 Newscastle, the two largest cities in New South Wales.
The existing rail network between Sydney and Newscastle 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
Asia Pacific’s High-Speed Rail Vision: Regional Transformation Through Connectivity
Exploring the strategic role of HSR in Asia Pacific’s future growth
Regional integration through cross-border HSR networks
Aligning infrastructure with sustainability and innovation goals
Policy enablers to fast-track HSR deployment
Building a Borderless Asia: The Role of HSR in Regional Integration
HSR as a driver of economic and political cooperation
The importance of harmonized regulations and interoperability
Impact on intra-Asia trade and people-to-people movement
Linking secondary cities and rural regions to economic centers
Designing High-Speed Rail Systems for Seamless Intermodal Mobility
Integrating HSR with metro, air, and bus networks
Station planning for modal shift efficiency
Unified ticketing and digital travel platforms
First-mile and last-mile connectivity solutions
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
12:45
Networking Lunch
1:45
Case Study: China-Laos and Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail Lines
Financing, engineering, and operational lessons learned
Connectivity gains and regional spillover effects
Local workforce engagement and knowledge transfer
Public sentiment and long-term economic impact
Mobility for the Future
Smart Stations and Urban-Rail Integration in Mega Cities
Data-driven station operations and passenger flows
Station design for urban regeneration and mixed-use development
Using mobility hubs to boost ridership and real estate value
Case Studies
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
How TOD boosted ridership and real estate markets
Encouraging sustainable city planning with HSR
Partnerships with the private sector for joint development
Community engagement and social equity in TOD
Innovation and Disruptive Technologies
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 for the safe, secure, and intelligent operation of modern HSR networks.
Ir. Ts. Sri Viknesh Permalu, CEO, PMT Solutions Consult, Malaysia; Director, IRSE Malaysia Section
Emerging Technologies: Next-Gen Signaling, and Cybersecurity
Latest breakthroughs in maglev and hyperloop development
Next-gen ETCS and CBTC signaling systems
Resilience and redundancy in digital operations
Strengthening cybersecurity across rail networks
Tech Showcase: Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Solutions
IoT-enabled track and train condition sensors
Cloud platforms for centralized rail monitoring
AI-driven anomaly detection and response automation
Cost savings and risk reduction through early detection
16:00
Afternoon Tea Break
Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure
16:30
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 Ops-Sustainability, British Standards Institution Services, Malaysia
Green Rails: Decarbonising HSR through Renewable Energy
Electrification powered by solar, wind, and hydro
Onboard energy recovery systems (e.g. regenerative braking)
Green building certifications for stations and depots
HSR’s advantage over air and road for carbon neutrality
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Adaptation
Flood-proofing, heat resistance, and seismic protection
Designing for long-term environmental stressors
Innovation in materials for sustainable construction
Policy incentives for green infrastructure development
17:30
Chairman’s Closing Address
18:00
Exclusive Networking Evening Reception hosted by DB Engineering
Day 2, Thursday, 25th September 2025 Financing the Future – Impact, Inclusion & Investment
8:30
Morning Coffee and Networking
9:00
Chairman’s Welcome Address & Recap of Day 1
Financing Models and Investment Strategies
9:10
Financing the HSR Boom: Public-Private Partnerships and Multilateral Opportunitie
Bridging infrastructure gaps with blended finance models
The role of MDBs and sovereign wealth funds in Asia
Attracting long-term capital through stable regulation
Project bankability and risk-sharing frameworks
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, Manmohanhas 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
Case Study: "Hong Kong–Mainland China HSR Financing Model"
Joint funding structure and construction oversight
Revenue management and fare integration
Impact of border control and customs arrangements
Lessons in transparency and dispute resolution
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 that it has been involved in. This session will be particularly relevant for project developers, national rail authorities, and I 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
Panel: Attracting Private Investment for Rail Infrastructure
Investor expectations and financial structuring of HSR projects
Creating investable project pipelines in emerging markets
Credit guarantees and financial instruments to reduce risk
Examples of bankable projects from across Asia
11:00
Networking Morning Coffee
Social and Economic Impact of High-Speed Rail
11:30
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, Global Rail Leader, ARUP, United Kingdom
Economic Corridors: HSR as a Catalyst for Regional Development
Creating new industrial zones and employment clusters
Facilitating mobility for labor markets
Encouraging tourism and SME development along corridors
Evidence of GDP and productivity uplift
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
Inclusive Growth: Accessibility, Affordability, and Job Creation
Affordable fare policies and social equity
Local job creation in construction, operations, and maintenance
Rail education and workforce reskilling programs
Bridging urban-rural divides with smart connectivity
1:00
Networking Lunch
Country Spotlights – National Strategies & Future Projects
2:00
Indonesia – Jakarta-Bandung HSR
Timeline, milestones, and ridership projections
Land acquisition and local stakeholder engagement
Future phases and regional integration plans
India – Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
Funding through Japan’s ODA
Technology transfer and Make-in-India goals
Public sentiment and political context
Vietnam & Thailand – Proposed HSR Blueprints
Feasibility studies and regional ambitions
Cost estimates and financing partnerships
Lessons learned from existing feasibility pilots
3:30
Networking Afternoon Tea
The Road Ahead – Regional Collaboration and Policy
4:00
The Role of ASEAN, APEC, and Multilateral Institutions in Rail Cooperation
Frameworks for cross-border HSR development
Standardization of rolling stock, ticketing, and safety
Technical assistance, funding, and capacity-building
Harmonizing regulations across jurisdictions
Closing Panel:"What’s Next? A Vision for HSR in 2050"
Intercontinental high-speed rail corridors
Fusion of HSR with smart cities and green energy
The digital rail economy of the future
Bold ideas for rethinking mobility in Asia Pacific
5:00
Chairman’s Closing Comments & Conference Wrap-Up
Recap of key insights and Learning. Acknowledgements and Appreciation and an Invitation to Future Collaborations
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 Managing Director, APAC, Global Rail Leader, ARUP, United Kingdom
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.
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
Executive QANTAS Airways Ltd
Development Manager Melbourne Airport
General Manager Australian Rail Track Corp Operation,Infrastructure & Safety
Chair of Australian Railway Regulation Safety Board
Executive Director Transport & Regulation NSW Australia
Rail Specialist Gulf CoOperation Council GCC Railway Network across 6 Middle East member countries
Natasha Zulkifli Stakeholder Director, 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.
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.
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 infrastructure, 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 more than 20 years of experience in project management on infrastructure sector particularly the railway (HSR, MRT and conventional rail), public transport and public sector including international bilateral activities.
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.
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
Dedicated to sustainable development, Arup is a collective of designers, consultants and experts working globally. Founded to be humane and excellent, we collaborate with our clients and partners using imagination, technology, and rigour to shape a better world.
Across the world, we shape and deliver major rail projects for clients in the public and private sector. Our approach combines systems-thinking, the latest technologies and decades of experience.
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.
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.
