THE Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Think City Sdn Bhd as strategic partners to realise the ‘Heritage Railway Rejuvenation Programme’ that is slated to begin immediately across the country.
RAC is a Federal statutory body under the Transport Ministry, and Think City is an impact organisation dedicated to making cities more liveable.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Think City office in Gat Lebuh China today.
RAC was represented by its chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad and Think City was represented by its managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed. The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Azhar said the Heritage Railway Rejuvenation Programme is a transformative programme that is aimed at celebrating Malaysia’s rich railway heritage while promoting best practices in placemaking and adaptive reuse of heritage railway stations.
“This programme is designed to catalyse culture-based urban regeneration and foster local economic development.
“By combining the preservation of historical assets with sustainable urban planning, this programme aims to create vibrant, revitalised spaces that honour the past while embracing the future, beyond the station and the city,” Azhar said in his speech at the MoU signing ceremony today.
Loke said the partnership between RAC as the owner and administrator of the railway assets and Think City as a consultant and delivering partner, also aims to help boost the economic and business value of these assets that are rich in heritage and history.
“The partnership leverages Think City’s expertise in rejuvenation and placemaking.
“The partners will optimise conservation practices and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. They will also identify the opportunities and provision of technical support for public realm improvement works to enhance the quality of public spaces and surrounding areas.
“The Heritage Railway Regeneration Programme will also provide cultural, educational, economic, and environmental benefits.
“By preserving and restoring these assets, we can celebrate their historical significance, attract visitors, educate communities, promote architectural and engineering appreciation, stimulate local economies, foster social cohesion, and contribute to sustainable development,” he said.
Azhar added that the MoU is an effort by the Federal Government through RAC to preserve the history and aesthetic values of a building and other assets owned by RAC.
“In addition, this programme can ensure that these valuable railway assets continue to generate income for the government.
“This auspicious day also marks another important milestone for both RAC and Think City in the field of rejuvenating the historic railway assets and further commercialising the assets into something of high value,” he said.
Hamdan said the partnership between Think City and RAC holds immense importance.
“This collaboration has the potential to be a game-changer, as it strengthens the historical landscape of urban areas.
“With RAC as the custodian of railway assets and Think City’s expertise in culture-based economic approaches and placemaking, we will be strengthening our collaborative work to unlock the potential of these assets,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow said the MoU between RAC and Think City marks a significant milestone towards fostering collaboration, innovation, and shared success.
“An MoU is not just a piece of paper, it represents a commitment to a shared vision, a common goal, and a deep belief in the power of collaboration.
“It signifies a collective determination to combine strengths, resources, and expertise to achieve something remarkable.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remember that success is not measured solely by the milestones we achieve but by the transformative impact we have on society.
“The assets hold immense potential, and it is our duty to maximise that potential by preserving their history and aesthetic values and if possible, even to rejuvenate them.
“Lastly, on behalf of the Penang government, I express my deepest appreciation to all the individuals and teams involved in making this partnership a reality,” said Chow.
Also present were Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying, who is also the Tanjong MP, State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, caretaker state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, caretaker state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Think City chairman Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Fazal and RAC chairman Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat