On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of its first metro service, MTR Corp together with the MTR Academy hosted the “Belt and Road Railway Forum” with the theme of “How Public Transport Contributes to Building & Connecting Communities” in Hong Kong last Friday (September 13). The forum, connecting nearly 280 government officials, railway professionals and industry leaders from countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), provided a platform for participants to interact and discuss the pivotal role of railways in sustainable development and the BRI from different perspectives, including economy, green, and innovation and technology.
In his welcoming remarks at the forum, Rex Auyeung, Chairman of MTR Corp highlighted the crucial role of railways in urban development and modernisation, citing MTR’s growth in Hong Kong as an example of how railways have contributed to the building of communities and the development of cities. He said MTR has also been sharing its railway expertise and knowledge globally through strategic partnerships and nurturing more railway talents via the MTR Academy, a global training hub for railway management and operation. Auyeung added he hoped that the forum could help to further drive railway development above and beyond BRI countries and regions and elevate the industry standard to new heights of excellence.
Sammy Wong, Mainland China Business Director of MTR Corp, mentioned in the roundtable discussion of the forum that as countries and regions involved in the BRI continue to grow and strengthen their connections, there will be greater opportunities for collaboration and exchange. Building on its Hong Kong railway experience and expertise, Wong said that since 2000, MTR has been involved in railway projects in Mainland China and has invested in, constructed, and operates over 360 km of railway networks in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen, while also participating in transit-oriented development (TOD) projects in Beijing, Hangzhou, and the Greater Bay Area.
Wong supplemented that with the support from local governments and recognition of citizens in Mainland China cities, MTR can contribute to the country’s long-term development through sharing its experience and knowledge in railway construction, operations, asset management, and talent management. At the same time, MTR can gain comprehensive experience through its projects in Mainland China, enhancing the team's capabilities in railway operations and providing a better travel experience for its customers.
Apart from speakers sharing insights on various topics including green technology research in railway, innovation in rail technology, and the challenges and opportunities for future rail transport, an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovation and technology and MTR’s achievements in “smart railway” development was also arranged at the forum to facilitate industry exchanges. The exhibition featured the application of big data, artificial intelligence and robotics technology in operations and maintenance, which can further enhance operational efficiency, safety, and customer experience. The use of innovation and technology is also applied in MTR railway professionals’ training, making the training more flexible, interactive and safe with the use of mixed reality and virtual reality as well as other technologies.
MTR Corp has been connecting and building communities while expanding its comprehensive railway network in Hong Kong over the years. It will continue to share and export its railway expertise and experience to foster global railway development and uphold its mission to “Keep Cities Moving”.
The article is sponsored by MTR Corp.
