Cham Tao Soon to head new rail academy in Singapore: LTA

THE Land Transport Authority (LTA) will be setting up a new rail academy in the second half of 2016 to build up local engineering expertise and research capabilities.

The Singapore Rail Academy (SGRA) will be instrumental in ensuring that standards for rail engineering, operations, maintenance and safety will meet the demands of the expanded rail network, LTA said on Tuesday.

Former president of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and former chairman, SIM University, Professor Cham Tao Soon, will lead the setting up of SGRA.

Singapore's rail industry currently employs over 6,000 workers for rail operations and maintenance. More than half of these are engineers and technicians. To support the expansion of the rail network to 360 kilometres by 2030, it is estimated that an additional 5,000 workers will be needed.

SGRA will focus on training, accreditation and certification as well as research. It will also develop and implement targeted schemes that will enhance the attractiveness of the sector, such as apprenticeship and through-train schemes.

"In the longer term, the SGRA aspires to become a leader of rail engineering excellence for professionals in the industry. It aims to be the focal point for capability development and applied research in railway engineering, operations, maintenance and safety,'' LTA said.