Kuala lumpur: The insights and proposals presented at the Asia Transport Expo (TXA) will be reviewed to assess their potential for integration into national transport policy, particularly in advancing Malaysia's transport sector. Transport Ministry (MoT) secretary-general Datuk Seri M. Jana Santhiran highlighted the expo's role as a platform for industry players, researchers, and policymakers to discuss innovative ideas and approaches to strengthen the country's transport ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the expo, which concluded today, provided an opportunity for participants to revisit discussions on various proposals. Contributions from university lecturers and an international transport expert from the UK were noted for offering ideas that require further consideration. Jana Santhiran emphasized the importance of learning from international experiences to achieve significant advancements in a shorter timeframe. He expressed the country's ambition to implement successful international strategies within two years, contrasting with the 20 years it took others to achieve similar results.
When discussing support for local companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at TXA, Jana Santhiran mentioned the government's policy under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, which focuses on nurturing local firms. This initiative aims to ensure that local innovations translate into practical solutions for the nation. Jana Santhiran highlighted the participation of many local SMEs in the expo and the government's engagement with them to develop products that enhance road safety and the aviation sector. He noted that some SMEs in the aviation sector impressed with innovations comparable to international standards, with exposure being the primary challenge.
Organised by MoT and managed by Alpine Integrated Solution with key industry partners, TXA 2025 showcased over 100 companies from various countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Germany, Poland, the United States, and Singapore. The expo reinforced Malaysia's position as a growing regional mobility hub and underscored innovations in green mobility, such as electrification, smart automation, and low-carbon transport technologies. These initiatives reflect Malaysia's commitment to sustainable and low-emission transport systems.
Jana Santhiran also focused on talent development for the transport sector, emphasizing the exposure of youth to the industry. This approach aims to ensure the next generation plays a key role in advancing the sector. Two main agencies, the Technology Depository Agency (TDA) under the Finance Ministry and the Malaysian Rail Development Corporation (MRDC) under MoT, are leveraging major government procurements to build human capital in the transport sector. They provide training, introduce standards, and offer various exposures to attract young people to transport, with the goal of elevating Malaysia's transport standards.
TXA is also envisioned as a strategic platform to attract foreign investment and strengthen international collaboration in green and digital transport. The event will be held biennially, providing companies with a platform to showcase their transport-related solutions and services.