Alstom and Chula Engineering partner to strengthen Thailand’s railway industry and build engineering talent pipeline

Alstom is no stranger to the Chulalongkorn University, with over 20 alumni across varied disciplines joining the Group’s Bangkok hub in recent years, driving not only local, but also international mobility projects. Today, the Bangkok hub has grown to become one of the three global engineering centres for Asia Pacific since 1997, comprising over 450 skilled engineers of whom 85% are made up of locals. Leveraging the synergies between industry and academia, the agreement will therefore serve as a practical platform for the Faculty’s engineering undergraduates to hone their railway skills while pursuing a degree. Readying the students to shape Thailand’s future of transport, areas of collaboration include internship and practical training programmes, amongst other academic activities.

Dr Katrin Luger, Alstom’s Managing Director for Thailand, said: “As a strong local player for urban and mainline railway systems in Thailand with over 40 years of track record, we have the best know-how and experience within the mobility sector. We are very thrilled to be embarking on this MOU with the Chula Engineering, a leading railway engineering institution, to exchange and share knowledge with Chula Engineering and young engineering talents. We look forward to continue nurturing and developing a pipeline of local talents with deep technical rail expertise and cross-functional capabilities, to transform transport in and beyond Thailand.”

Prof. Dr. Supot Teachavorasinskun, Dean of Chula Engineering, said: “The increasing demand for professional human resources following the transportation development in many areas in Thailand has attracted students’ interest in railway engineering. The expertise of Chula Engineering, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and others, can help build the foundation and theories. When students can engage in practice with market-leading players like Alstom and learn the real applications in the industry, they will be able to enhance their skills and sharpen their knowledge.”

The MOU was inked at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Rail 2022, which was being held in Thailand for the first time and Alstom’s first in-person regional exhibition in more than two years. As part of its efforts to build up an industry-ready engineering pipeline for Thailand’s rail sector and the optimism for the Thai market, Alstom is looking to add 20% additional workforce to its talent pool by the end of 2022. With continued focus on hiring across the value chain – from production to methods, supplies, and functions, the recruitment drive, being promoted at the exhibition, will be a mix of engineers, technicians, and data science specialists.