At Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. headquarters, Mr. Chayathan Phromsorn, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, today presided over the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strategic cooperation to ‘Promote Human Resources Development and ICT Technology Transfer for the Rail Transportation System’ between the Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (Public Organization) and Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Mr. Chayathan Phromsorn, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, said: Thailand has been undergoing a massive rail transport infrastructure upgrade in recent decades. These upgrades include double-track rail network expansion, high-speed rail network development, systems, equipment, and rail transport infrastructure improvement, which have become core components for the country’s economic, social, and environmental development in the future. To promote Thailand’s rail technology self-reliance, we must develop key components of the rail industry ecosystem such as strategic technology development, technology R&D, standardization, testing and cultivate a skilled workforce to meet the needs of industry. To achieve these ambitious goals, the government has established the Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (RTRDA) under the Ministry of Transport as the main institute for railway technology research and development. The RTRDA will drive expertise and resources integration across sectors to elevate technological capability and strengthen the country’s rail industry. Additionally, the RTRDA will work towards strategic missions such as promoting innovation and technology R&D, developing a skilled workforce, and becoming the national and regional hub of rail system technology transfer.
Mr. Chayathan emphasized: “Huawei holds remarkable potential to support our country’s rail industry. The company will provide support through training, career skill development, and the development of technology. In addition, it could help enhance knowledge, experience, and the infrastructure which will help improve the industry. The signing of the MOU today marks a significant milestone in the ‘development of highly skilled professional’ and ‘technology transfer’ in advanced information and communication technology for Thailand’s rail industry. This collaboration will stimulate research and development, foster innovation and facilitate the implementation of artificial intelligence in rail infrastructure and transportation management for greater efficiency.”
Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of network and telecommunications equipment and provider of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With knowledge, industry expertise, infrastructure and a solid foundation in ICT – including a strong commitment to empower the industry through talent cultivation, Huawei has the full potential to drive Thailand’s rail transportation system through technology transfer and ICT talent development. Huawei aims to provide reskill training for the railway workforce and Advanced ICT Technical Training for talented individuals who wish to pursue new rail job opportunities in the future. Furthermore, Huawei will jointly continue automation and robotics R&D to enhance goods loading and distribution in rail systems.
The Memorandum of Understanding between RTRDA and Huawei marks an important collaboration to foster a skilled workforce in advanced ICT for the rail industry. This strategic alliance will also promote R&D, innovations, and various smart systems used to enhance Thailand’s infrastructure development, and elevate rail transportation management competency to drive Thailand towards the 20-year Transport System Development Strategy (2018-2037).
