25 UMPSA-BJTU Dual Degree Programme graduands ready to meet National Rail Industry market demand

BEIJING, 9 January 2026 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to make history as 25 graduands from the second cohort of the Dual Degree Programme between UMPSA and Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) completed their studies in engineering fields that support the national rail industry development agenda 

They comprise seven Civil Engineering majors, ten Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) majors, and eight majors related to Mechanical Engineering, having completed two years of study at UMPSA before continuing for two and a half years at BJTU, China.

The ceremony witnessed the President of Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU), Professor Dr. Yu Zujun, presenting degrees to the graduands, witnessed by the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, and the Deputy Director, Student Strategic Development Cluster, Human Capital Development Division (BPMI), Public Service Department (JPA), Idayuwati Abdullah@Ab Rahman.

According to Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah, railway engineering has been identified as a strategic national sector, particularly in supporting sustainable mobility.

“This programme, recognised in both countries, was specifically designed to meet industry needs for highly skilled engineers in modern technology, safety systems, digitalisation, and international standards.

“Through the learning experience at UMPSA and BJTU, graduands are exposed to international best practices, advanced rail technology, and a multicultural learning environment, thereby preparing them to contribute to design, operations, maintenance, and smart mobility innovation.

“This collaborative programme not only provides global exposure to students, but also elevates UMPSA’s reputation as a technical university rooted in competitive engineering and technology on the world stage,” she said.

Meanwhile, following the success of this collaboration, discussions were also held with Professor Dr. Yu to extend cooperation to higher dual degree programmes (Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy) in logistics, management, information technology (IT), and artificial intelligence (AI).

She explained that this collaboration will also be supported by matching grants from both institutions for research-based dual candidates.
“In addition, the success of this programme is further proven through the encouraging graduate employability achievements, where the first cohort of 45 recorded a 100 per cent employability rate and are working in engineering fields, particularly related to the rail industry.

“We record our highest appreciation to BJTU and sponsoring partner JPA for their continuous support in national human capital development.

“This appreciation is also extended to the parents and families of the graduands for their sacrifices and continuous support,” she said.

The UMPSA Dual Degree Programme also receives support and sponsorship from Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Yayasan Terengganu, and others.

Also present were the Vice President of BJTU, Professor Dr. Gao Liang, Education Attaché, Education Malaysia (EM) Beijing Office, China, Syarifah Nurolazan Shaikh Ahmad, Counsellor (Education), JPA in South Korea, Shahril Nizam Idris, Director of the UMPSA Confucius Institute, Associate Professor Dr. Lee Khai Loon, and Director of the UMPSA Centre for Examinations and Graduation, Nor Sabrina Ismail.

The UMPSA-BJTU Dual Degree Programme is a strategic initiative that provides exposure not only to academic learning but also to direct industry experience in China and Malaysia.

These graduands will play an important role in strengthening the development of the national rail sector, particularly large-scale projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and other rail projects planned in the future.

To date, UMPSA is the only public university that has implemented 12 Dual Degree programmes in collaboration with strategic partners, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) and Technische Hochschule Mannheim (THM), Germany, BJTU and Tianjin University, China; Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU), Kazakhstan, and Hanyang University ERICA Campus, South Korea.

By: Mimi Rabita Haji Abd Wahit and Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Ts. Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press