PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd remains committed to supporting the government’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) policy by continuously mentoring graduates, said its president and group CEO Azharuddin Mat Sah.
He said that as an agency certified under the national dual training system since September 2011, Prasarana played a key role in developing skilled professionals in railway and track operations.
Azharuddin said that by introducing and implementing structured programmes, combining theory-based learning, work-based training, certification and industry exposure, young talents who began their journey with Prasarana would be equipped to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to the nation.
“Among the programmes offered are electric bus operation, rolling stock maintenance, and cybersecurity, where participants will receive the nationally recognised Malaysian skills certificate.” he said after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Prasarana and Hitachi Rail GTS here this morning.
He said these programmes were scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, with a target of training 1,000 individuals comprising school leavers, vocational institution students, diploma holders, and university graduates over the next five years.
In addition to supporting the national TVET agenda, he said the initiative was also part of Prasarana’s aspiration to shape a generation of homegrown rail professionals equipped with world-class skills and expertise.
“This is a pivotal step towards positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for rail expertise and innovation.”
Launched last June, the National TVET Policy 2030 aims to align TVET programmes with industry demands, and outlines 23 strategies and 67 key initiatives to empower the sector and enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness.
Enhancing industry exposure with Hitachi Rail GTS
Azharuddin said as part of efforts to enhance industry exposure for its talents, Prasarana was collaborating with Hitachi Rail GTS – a subsidiary of Hitachi Rail – to support its broader commitment to the National TVET Policy 2030 by launching a nine month long protege programme.
Cyrille Bataille, chairman of Hitachi Rail GTS Malaysia, said the collaboration reflected Hitachi Rail’s global strategy to nurture local talent – an approach the company implements not only in Malaysia but across its international operations.
“When you look at the protege programme, we are developing young talents to be local experts to support site activities.”
Bataille added that as part of the initiative, the objective was for select proteges to eventually join the Hitachi or Prasarana workforce – first through the protege programme and later as permanent staff.