University of Birmingham formalises links with SMRT Institute, Singapore

The University of Birmingham and SMRT Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (15 February 2016) to formalise a partnership in education collaboration.

The signing was witnessed by SMRT Trains delegates, led by Senior Vice President Systems & Technology, Mr Ng Bor Kiat, as well as academics including Professor Clive Roberts, Director of the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, University of Birmingham, Professor Adam Tickell, Provost and Vice Principal, University of Birmingham, and Ms Kang Huey Ling, Principal, SMRT Institute.

The three-year MOU will serve as a platform for future international collaborations with the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) at the University of Birmingham. Both institutions will explore educational developments; including future BCRRE contribution towards SMRT’s graduate engineering entry-level and upskilling programmes. An extended meeting in February 2016 included discussions on potential research collaboration projects on power system simulation, condition monitoring and railway track systems.

On signing the MoU, Professor Clive Roberts, Director of the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, said:

“I am delighted we are signing this collaboration agreement on behalf of the University of Birmingham. It has been valuable to welcome colleagues from across SMRT Trains and SMRT Institute to discuss a range of opportunities in power, engineering, systems integration and technology management, as well as potential educational collaborations.”

Notes:

• The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education are leaders in railway science and education. The Centre has over 130 academics, researchers and professional support staff, delivering world class research and thought leadership within railways, and offers an expanding portfolio of high-quality education programmes. Close relationships with the rail industry mean that the Centre’s research and teaching draws in real-world situations and prepares graduates for the challenges of the future.
• SMRT Institute is the training and development arm of SMRT Corporation (SMRT) which is Singapore’s premier multi-modal land transport provider. SMRT’s core businesses are in rail operations, maintenance and engineering as well as in bus, taxi and automotive services, alongside integrated businesses in retail, media and marketing, as well as properties and retail management.