Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana), Malaysia’s leading public transport operator and a key enabler of the nation’s mobility agenda, continues to strengthen the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly in areas related to rail and bus.

As one of the agencies that was certified with the  National Dual Training System (Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional – SLDN) in September 2011, Prasarana is introducing a structured programme using theory-based learning, work-based learning, certification and industry exposure.

Among the programmes offered are Electric Bus Operation, Rolling Stock Maintenance, and Cybersecurity, where participants will receive the nationally recognised Malaysian Skills Certificate (Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia - SKM). All programmes are scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, with a target of training 1 000 individuals comprising of school leavers, vocational institution students, diploma holders, and university graduates over the next five (5) years.

Aligned with industry needs and in support of the National TVET Policy 2030, which aims to produce a highly skilled and high-income workforce, Prasarana today entered into a strategic collaboration with Hitachi Rail to strengthen and expand the implementation of TVET in Malaysia.

In support of this shared focus on talent development, a special meet-and-greet session was held for 28 participants from Hitachi’s protégés program, offering them valuable exposure to senior leadership, maintenance facilities and meaningful insights into how international collaborations drive real-world impact in the rail and public transport sector.

The Protégé programme is an initiative driven by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD), with participants coming from various academic backgrounds, including civil engineering and computer science. The participants are required to undergo the programme for a duration of eight months.

Driving the national agenda forward, Prasarana is forging a long-term partnership with Hitachi Rail to deliver meaningful and lasting impact in Malaysia’s rail and talent development landscape.

Since 1998, Hitachi Rail has been a key partner in Malaysia’s rail development, introducing the SelTrac Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system on the Kelana Jaya Line and upgrading signalling systems for the monorail, Ampang, and Kelana Jaya Lines. Recent achievements include commissioning the Integrated Control Center (ICC) to manage three major lines and enhancing the Ampang Line with advanced safety systems.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Menara Prasarana in Petaling Jaya, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Prasarana said, "This partnership with Hitachi Rail is not just about improving train operations and maintenance; it’s also about investing in our people and the future of the rail industry in Malaysia. By aligning with the national TVET agenda, we are helping shape a generation of homegrown rail professionals equipped with world-class skills and knowledge. This is a pivotal step toward positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for rail expertise and innovation."

Echoing the sentiment, Ziad Rizk, Managing Director of the Urban Rail Signalling business at Hitachi Rail said “Hitachi Rail is proud to reaffirm its commitment to Malaysia’s strategic goals for skill development and innovation. Our 30-year partnership with Prasarana and deployment of our SelTrac technology has been instrumental in enhancing rail operations, and we look forward to elevating Malaysia’s rail industry.”

This strategic collaboration comes at a critical time as Malaysia pushes toward strengthening its public transport infrastructure while building a robust ecosystem of skilled professionals to meet future demands. The Prasarana – Hitachi Rail collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the nation’s goals in sustainable development, economic competitiveness, and regional leadership in smart rail solutions.