by Ir. Ts. Mustapha Kamil Omran, Dr. Reventheran A/L Ganasan

PAGOH, JOHOR – The Faculty of Engineering Technology (FTK), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), strengthened international engagement by hosting a delegation from the Russian University of Transport (RUT), Russia, for the International Winter Study Camp 2026 held from 3 to 9 February 2026.

The programme aimed to enhance strategic collaboration in academics, research, and expertise exchange, particularly in transportation and engineering.

Professor Telyatnikova Natalia of Institute of the Track, Construction and Structure, RUT led the delegation of six lecturers and ten students. The group was welcomed by the Dean, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Jumadi bin Abdul Sukor, and the programme director, Dr. Reventheran A/L Ganasan.

The main highlight of the delegation was the knowledge sharing session entitled “Advanced Technologies in Transport Infrastructure and Smart Cities.” Speakers from RUT and UTHM’s Institute for Integrated Engineering (I2E) shared insights on railway safety and sustainable technologies.

There are also slides presentations on “Safety Assessment of Railway Track Infrastructure” by Akulich Vladimir and Kosytsyn Sergey of RUT and “Enhancing Railway Safety Through Predictive Modeling” by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Joewono Prasetijo, UTHM.

A courtesy and networking session were attended by UTHM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mas Fauzi bin Mohd Ali, and the university’s executive management to exchange thoughts, aspiration and further strategic collaboration with RUT in the future.

The delegation also took part in technical laboratory visits to the Research Center for Soft Soil (RECESS), I2E, where Prof. Ts. Dr. Norshuhaila binti Mohamed Sunar introduced microalgae research related to environmental sustainability, which attracted RUT’s interest for potential collaboration.

The delegates further toured the Measurement Technology and Equipment Laboratory, Railway Industry Centre of Excellence (ICOE-Rel) Laboratory, Automotive Technology Workshop, and Geotechnical Engineering Technology Laboratory.

Furthermore, the visit incorporated Edu-Tourism element via a visit to Hazim Craft Enterprise in Parit Raja. Under the supervision of the Edu-Tourism Summer Camp team, the delegates participated in a hands-on “kompang” making demonstration, learning techniques such as lathing and tacking, and even engaged in a traditional “berkompang” musical activity. This cultural immersion programme was highly appreciated by the delegates, who discovered the connection between local craftsmanship and traditional music to be a unique and valuable experience.

The visit is expected to open opportunities for future initiatives, including a Dual Master’s Programme in Urban Rail Transportation Engineering, joint research, and mobility programmes for students and researchers.