[UMPSA NEWS] 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.

Source: LINK