PETALONG JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd continues to support the government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative through ongoing mentorship of graduates, stated its President and Group CEO Azharuddin Mat Sah.
He mentioned that being an organization accredited through the national dual training system since September 2011, Prasarana has been crucial in nurturing skilled experts for railway and track operations.
Azharuddin mentioned that through the introduction and implementation of structured programs, which integrate theory-driven education, hands-on training, certifications, and industrial experience, young individuals starting their path with Prasarana would gain the necessary abilities to enhance their expertise and significantly benefit the country.
After observing the signing of an agreement today between Prasarana and Hitachi Rail GTS, he mentioned that among the programs provided are electric bus operations, rolling stock maintenance, and cybersecurity. Participants will be awarded with the officially recognized Malaysian skill certification.
He mentioned that these initiatives are set to begin in the last quarter of 2025, aiming to educate 1,000 people including school leavers, students from vocational institutions, diploma recipients, and university graduates within the coming half-decade.
Besides backing the country’s TVET goals, he mentioned that this program is also aligned with Prasarana’s ambition to cultivate a local workforce of railway experts who possess globally competitive abilities and knowledge.
This marks a crucial move to establish Malaysia as a key center for railway skills and advancements in the region.
Introduced in June, the National TVET Policy 2030 seeks to synchronize TVET programs with industrial needs. It includes 23 strategic actions and 67 major initiatives designed to strengthen this field and boost Malaysia’s international competitiveness.
Boosting sector visibility through Hitachi Rail GTS
Azharuddin stated that as part of their initiative to boost industry experience for their workforce, Prasarana was teaming up with Hitachi Rail GTS—a division of Hitachi Rail—to back their wider dedication to the National TVET Policy 2030. This collaboration aims to introduce a nine-month mentorship program.
Cyrille Bataille, who leads Hitachi Rail GTS Malaysia as its chairman, mentioned that this partnership showcases Hitachi Rail’s worldwide plan to cultivate local expertise. This methodology is something they apply not just in Malaysia but also throughout their various overseas ventures.
When you consider the protege program, we are nurturing young talents to become local experts who can assist with site operations.
Bataille mentioned that within this initiative, the aim was for chosen protégés to ultimately become part of the Hitachi or Prasarana team—initially via the protégé program and subsequently as full-time employees.