SMRT consults with international experts to improve the rail network

In an effort to improve the operational performance of Singapore's rail network, SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek hosted several engineering and transport experts at the inaugural SMRT Technical Advisory Panel meeting.

Chaired by Professor Alfred Huan, Executive Director of A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), the event was held on 6 and 7 January 2014. The Technical Advisory Panel is a panel of international and local technical experts and comprises seven members from A*STAR, NUS, NTU, SUTD, Imperial College, KCPM Consulting and Sentosa Development Corp.

In the two days, the Advisory Panel gave advice on SMRT initiatives covering rail engineering development, business process re-engineering and technological innovation.

SMRT will be investing in its rail engineering capability and plans to bolster its engineering strength, beginning with the hiring of more engineers in the coming years.

SMRT will also be moving towards a Publicly Available Specification (PAS55) certification, a rigorous standard for the management of infrastructural assets. The certification would not only optimize SMRT’s business processes, but would also see it managing its rolling stock and the associated rail systems with the life cycle management approach.   

Technologically, SMRT will continue to invest in predictive maintenance capabilities for enhanced operational performance.  Its Enterprise Resource Planning system will also be overhauled.

Professor Alfred Huan said: “It is reassuring to see that SMRT is looking to enhance its technical competencies, as well as invest in technology innovations. We are confident that these proactive initiatives, which leverage on cutting edge technology and advanced processes, will benefit SMRT’s safety and service operations and thus benefit the commuting public.”  

SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek said: “Our engagement with leading technical experts demonstrates SMRT's commitment towards strengthening our operational performance. The Technical Advisory Panel has brought new insight and ideas to improve SMRT’s capability development and processes, as well as in technology innovations exploitation.  We look forward to studying the recommendations in greater detail.”