UMPSA-BJTU Dual Degree Programme pioneer graduates enhance nation’s rail industry development

BEIJING, 8 January 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) marked a new milestone when the first cohort of 45 graduates from the UMPSA-Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) collaboration programme completed their studies in Railway Engineering.

Out of the total, ten students graduated in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 20 in Mechanical Engineering, and 15 in Civil Engineering.

With the graduation of these pioneer UMPSA-BJTU students, Malaysia is now prepared to propel the rail industry with a highly skilled local workforce capable of supporting the development of the rail sector both domestically and internationally.

UMPSA is the first university in Malaysia to offer a dual degree programme, allowing students to study for two years at UMPSA before continuing for two and a half years at BJTU in China.

According to Professor Ts. Dr Aida Mustapha, who is acting as the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, this programme successfully adopted a work-based learning (WBL) approach that is industry-oriented and offers students industrial experience in China.

“This achievement is a significant step toward producing skilled workers to support the development of Malaysia’s rail sector, including the mega project East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), expected to commence operations in 2026.

“UMPSA deeply appreciates the support from the Public Service Department (JPA), the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, and our collaboration with BJTU.

“This dual degree programme opens a new chapter in the partnership between UMPSA and BJTU, strengthening strategic collaboration and expanding opportunities in research and academic development for both universities,” she said.

She also added that the growth of the manufacturing and industrial sectors in Malaysia currently requires more experts and skilled professionals in various technological fields.

“Furthermore, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is also seen as a catalyst for the national education system,” she added.

Since its introduction in 2021, a total of 102 students have participated in this programme, focusing on developing expertise related to rail technology.

The ceremony witnessed graduates receiving their degrees from the Secretary of the CPC Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU), Chen Ziji, and the Vice-President of BJTU, Professor Gao Liang, representing BJTU.

Representing UMPSA were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, the Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Academic Advancement, Professor Ts. Dr Kamal Yusoh, and the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology (FTKMA), Professor Dr Mahadzir Ishak @ Muhammad.

Also present was the Deputy Director of the Centre for Strategic Academic Collaboration (PKSA), Associate Professor Ts. Dr Lee Khai Loon, during the graduation ceremony held at BJTU, Beijing.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director-General (Development) of the Public Service Department, Datuk Dr Anesee Ibrahim, congratulated UMPSA and BJTU for their efforts in producing graduates relevant to rail technology.

“JPA is proud and delighted to have had the opportunity to support the production of graduates needed by the nation,” he said.

Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr Ziad also expressed his gratitude to JPA and the support from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).

He stated that, to date, UMPSA is the only public university (UA) that has implemented ten dual degree programmes in collaboration with strategic partners, including Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences (HMA) in Germany, BJTU and Tianjin University in China, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) in Kazakhstan, and most recently, with Hanyang University Erica Campus in South Korea.

UMPSA is also proud that its graduates have gained employment with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn. Bhd. (MRL) and China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC).

Also in attendance were the Counsellor for Training and Education, Office of Education and Training Advisor in Seoul, South Korea, Shahril Nizam Idris, and the Director of Education Malaysia Office (Beijing), Muhammad Sallehuddin Mohd Dilif.

UMPSA has been appointed as the Focal University for the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Programme, leading this initiative through a collaboration between MOHE, Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) since 2017.

This collaboration also involves training programmes such as participant recruitment and registration, syllabus development, professional and industrial training, provision of trainers, training facilities, research and development, and support for the graduate employability agenda of higher education institutions (HEI).

By: Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, UMPSA Press