Serdang, 14 Sept 2022- Located at the Dean's Office, Level 7, Administration Block, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UPM and Kuasa Rail Engineering Sdn Bhd was sealed at 10:00 this morning. 

KUASA RAIL ENGINEERING SDN. Bhd. (KRESB) is a company engaged in business that focuses on the design, development, manufacture, installation, maintenance, overhaul and supply of rolling stock and railway equipment. KRESB is directly involved in the manufacturing and trading services of railway spare parts, components and raw materials. KRESB is committed to producing innovative products and providing efficient services at the best quality level in the railway industry.

 Mr. R. Subramaniam A/L S. Ramasamy Ayer (depan, kiri) dan Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Khairol Anuar B. Mohd Ariffin (front, right) were signing the MoU while witnessed by Mr. Saifullah Bin Faujan dan Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkifille Leman.

This MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Mohd Roslan Sulaiman, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UPM, and witnessed by Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Khairol Anuar B. Mohd Ariffin, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, UPM. From Kuasa Rail Engineering Sdn. Bhd. and Mr. R. Subramaniam A/L S. Ramasamy Ayer as Director, signed this MoU and was witnessed by Mr. Saifullah bin Faujan.

 Next,  Mr. Saifullah Bin Faujan (front, left) and Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Khairol Anuar B. Mohd Ariffin (front, right) were signing the MoU while witnessed by  Encik R. Subramaniam A/L S. Ramasamy Ayer dan Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkifille Leman.

This ceremony was also attended by UPM, namely, the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing, Prof. Assoc. Dr. Zulkiflle Leman, Dr Mohd Hafis Sulaiman, Miss Normalina Jamaluddin and Ms. Sindhu Budati. About  five representatives of Railway KRESB, namely Mr, R. Subramaniam A/L S. Ramasamy Ayer, Mr.  Thanaraj Raja Manikam, Mr Saifullah bin Faujan Mr, Muhd ​​Azim Ikhwan Bin Zainal and Mr. Salman also attending this ceremony. 

Guests witnessed the ceremony. From left (Mr. Muhd Azim Ikhwan Bin Zainal, Mr. Thanaraj Raja Manikam, Mr. Saifullah bin Faujan,  Mr. R. Subramaniam A/L S. Ramasamy Ayer, , Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Khairol Anuar B. Mohd Ariffin, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulkiflle Leman, Dr. Mohd Hafis Sulaiman and Ms. Sindhu Budati)

A discussion regarding the research collaboration project was conducted on 11 October 2021 at the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (JKMP), UPM Faculty of Engineering. This discussion involves the exchange of expertise and bilateral discussions to carry out collaborative research projects to produce materials for railway brake component systems. A total of three staff from JKMP and three staff from KRESB was present for the discussion. During the exchange of ideas and expertise between the two parties, KRESB is interested in establishing a deeper long-term research collaboration in the exploration, manufacturing and production of biodegradable braking materials for railway brake component systems with UPM. KRESB has chosen the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia as the main leader of this MoU activity. 

Among the activities that have been carried out before this MoU was signed was a bilateral discussion regarding the exchange of expertise (3 UPM staff and 3 KRESB staff) through long-term research collaboration to produce long-lasting and more efficient train brake component system materials. Apart from that, Biodegradable material for the brake system that has been successfully produced and tested by UPM researchers, Prof. Associate Dr. Zulkiflle bin Leman, will be used as an initial reference to find a biodegradable material formula that is more suitable for the railway brake system and the brake material that will be developed must meet the specifications and test standards set by Kereta Api Tanah Melayu (KTMB). Prof. Associate Dr. Azmah Hanim bin Mohamed Aliff also suggested a preliminary test of "reverse engineering" and an analysis of the material characteristics of the existing railway brake system material to be done first. This initial test material is the brake system material that is currently being used on trains and has met the standards of the Malayan Railways (KTMB). The material has been sent to the lecturer for preliminary testing. An example of early research is to investigate and understand the effects of friction on the mechanical properties and wear on commercially available railway brake materials 

Therefore, both parties have agreed to hold a memorandum of understanding through the exchange program of student, faculty and staff expertise, joint research studies to develop train brake systems, applications for joint research grant funds ("Matching Grant"), joint patent ownership or - any other areas of cooperation that will be mutually agreed upon by the Parties involved. 

Hopefully with the Memorandum of Understanding signed for 5 years starting September 14, 2022, it will benefit not only both parties in the locomotive field but also impact the quality of life of the community in general. 

Date of Input: 14/09/2022 | Updated: 14/09/2022 | no.j