PolyU, Beijing Jiaotong University and MTR Academy co-organise “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport” to nurture talent and promote sustainable railway development across Belt and Road countries and beyond

To foster exchanges and nurture talents in the railway industry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) and MTR Academy (MTRA) are leveraging their respective strengths in academia, research, and railway operations to co-organise the “Belt and Road Advanced Professional Development Programme in Railway Transport” (the Programme). The collaboration establishes a cross-regional knowledge-sharing platform to advance railway development in Belt and Road countries and regions and enhance industry excellence. The Programme officially launched on 7 April 2025, with 44 senior railway executives and scholars from 13 countries and regions participating.

The Programme marks the first joint initiative under a three-year cooperation agreement signed by the three parties. With the theme of “Sustainable Rail Transport: Planning, Operations and New Technologies”, the Programme offers a series of thematic lectures and interactive seminars as well as visits to railway operators and academic institutions in both Hong Kong and Beijing including MTR’s depot and training centre, the PolyU’s Smart Railway Research Laboratory and BJTU’s research facilities. Industry veterans, scholars and railway specialists will share the latest developments and their extensive experience in the field, providing participants with an in-depth understanding of the entire lifecycle of railway projects - from planning and development to operations management, with a focus on the application of cutting-edge technologies such as digitalisation, automation and green energy.

The opening ceremony of the Programme was held yesterday (7 April) at the MTRA, officiated by Prof. HC MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, Prof. CHUNG Chi-yung, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of PolyU, Prof. BAI Yun, Vice Dean of the School of Traffic and Transportation of BJTU, Ms Margaret CHENG, President of MTRA, and Dr Mark HO, Dean of MTRA.

Prof. HC Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU, remarked, “PolyU possesses leading research capabilities in the field of smart railways. We are delighted to collaborate with MTRA and BJTU on this Programme, sharing our cutting-edge research with industry professionals and experts from around the world. We look forward to driving further innovation through this partnership, establishing connections and networks with more countries and regions, thereby contributing to railway development in Hong Kong, the Nation and the world.”