From classroom to rail tracks: ECRL youth chase the future of railways
Source：CCCCTime：2025-11-19
Not only does this provide a pool of skilled professionals for the future operation and maintenance of the railway, but it also offers a platform for young people to chase their career dreams.
"The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is not just a railway, but a path for nurturing talent." Through initiatives like the East Coast Rail Link Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL), the project is cultivating local talent for the railway industry. Not only does this provide a pool of skilled professionals for the future operation and maintenance of the railway, but it also offers a platform for young people to chase their career dreams.
"I look forward to becoming a certified train driver soon,"said Muhammad, a trainee from the first batch of assistant train drivers at the ECRL project, filled with hope.
Muhammad (third from the right) – Photo by Cheng Yiheng, Xinhua News Agency
The ECRL project, spanning over 600 kilometers, will connect the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, serving as a land bridge that will drive economic growth in the East Coast region and greatly improve connectivity along the railway line.
Photo by Cheng Yiheng, Xinhua News Agency
As of now, the ECRL project has provided over 23,000 jobs for Malaysia and neighboring countries, and has trained more than 2,000 personnel in railway construction and operations.
Despite language barriers, the trainees'enthusiasm for learning remains undeterred. "By demonstrating hands-on, the trainees understand faster, and the results are better," said one Chinese trainer.
Parthiban, an assistant locomotive driver trainee from Kuala Lumpur, proudly stated, "The first batch of trainees are pioneers. This is not only an opportunity to achieve personal value, but in the future, we will also train the next generation of drivers and pass on our knowledge and skills."
Parthiban (first from the left) – Photo by Cheng Yiheng, Xinhua News Agency
"When the trains one day speed along the East Coast Railway, I will be proud of my efforts," said Muhammad.
Editor: Xinhua
