KUCHING: Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Metro) has deployed five of its operational personnel to China for a month-long industrial attachment aimed at enhancing local technical expertise in hydrogen-powered public transit.

Initiated under Sarawak Metro's Socio-Economic Enhancement Development (SEED) Programme, the five staff members will undergo hands-on training at Sichuan CRRC SDIG Rail Transit Co. Ltd’s assembly facility in Yibin.

CRRC SDIG is the official manufacturer of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hydrogen vehicles for the landmark Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Project.

The industrial attachment forms part of the ‘Direct SEED Programme’, involving Sarawak Metro as the recipient, EMGJV as the SEED Programme provider under System Package 1, and Sichuan CRRC SDIG Rail Transit Co Ltd alongside Mobilus Sdn Bhd as training execution partners.

Participants will focus on hydrogen vehicle assembly, production system integration, quality assurance, and routine testing protocols to build local capabilities for managing the upcoming ART fleet.

Sarawak Metro Pro Tem Committee Chairman Bibi Waheeda Arman Khan emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic investment in human capital to ensure operational readiness for Sarawak's modern transit network.

"Developing a skilled and technically-competent workforce is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our hydrogen-powered public transportation system.

"Through industrial attachments such as this, our staff will gain valuable practical exposure to hydrogen vehicle assembly and testing, enabling them to build the knowledge and capabilities required to support the future operations and maintenance of our ART fleet," she stated.

The KUTS Project, entrusted to Sarawak Metro by the Sarawak Government, serves as a cornerstone of the state's strategy to advance the hydrogen economy and decarbonise urban public transport under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). - UKASnews

Prepared by: Ryan Lim