KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) — As ASEAN chair 2025, Malaysia sees the hosting of the 45th ASEAN Railways Chief Executive Officers Conference (ARCEOs) as a meaningful extension of the nation’s chairmanship agenda.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the Sept 8-12, 2025 event is fully aligned with Malaysia’s leadership role, and reflects its commitment to fostering unity, encouraging innovation, and strengthening partnerships throughout Southeast Asia.
“Far more than merely a conference, the ARCEOs’ gathering is a testament to our shared ambitions and the spirit of ASEAN unity.
“It reflects Malaysia’s dedication, as chairman, to ensuring the region’s railways remain at the forefront of progress, innovation, and cooperation for a resilient and seamlessly connected future,” he said in his opening remarks today.
He said the event itself exemplifies Malaysia’s united pursuit of a forward-thinking, sustainable transportation system.
“Through collaborative dialogue and idea exchange, we have the opportunity not only to inspire innovation and expand partnerships within ASEAN, but also to forge meaningful ties with global partners.
“Establishing world-class rail infrastructure is more than a logistical achievement; it strengthens our economic resilience, mitigates risks from global supply chain disruptions, and amplifies ASEAN’s influence on the world stage,” he said.
The 45th ARCEOs organising committee chairman Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin said this year’s conference marks a milestone in their shared pursuit of regional unity, innovation and collaboration, which in turn is guided by the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
“This vision challenges us to build a region that is truly integrated, prosperous, and people-centred.
“Railways are not just a mode of transport; we are the arteries that will pump the lifeblood of economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability into the heart of this vision for the next two decades,” he said at the event.
Together, railway operators stand at the crossroads of innovation and collaboration. Their collective vision for the ASEAN railway sector can be transformed into tangible progress.
“This gathering is not just an event; it is a launch pad, a place where ideas will ignite connections, and lasting change will take root for our region’s future.
“As host, KTMB is committed to ensuring that this year’s conference is not only a place for meaningful dialogue, but also a platform to foster valuable opportunities for networking, partnership, and collaboration and to translate this vision into concrete action,” he added.
ARCEOs 2025 brought together about 100 delegates from ASEAN.
The annual event provides a platform for ASEAN railways operators to reinforce their longstanding cooperation.
The national railway organisations from the respective ASEAN countries host the event traditionally.
— BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
