WELCOMING ADDRESS BY Y BHG DATUK IR HAMZAH HASSAN, CHAIRMAN CIDB FOR RAIL BUSINESS ASIA 2013, 10-12 SEPTEMBER

2013 KL CONVENTION CENTRE

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Y.A.B. Dato Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak Prime Minister of Malaysia. Y.B. Datuk Haji Fadillah Haji Yusuf Minister of Works Malaysia Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests and Speakers, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen Assalamualikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Salam 1Malaysia and a very good morning

1. First of all, and on behalf of the Ministry of Works and the organisers, I would to to express our heartfelt gratitude to Y.A.B. Dato Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, for his presence and willingness to officiate the opening of this very auspicious occasion, Rail Business Asia 2013 Conference and Exhibition. Your presence here today, Y.A.B means a lot not only to all of us here but to everyone in the rail and transportation industry. 2. I would like to also extend my sincere appreciation to the Minister of Works Malaysia, Y.B. Datuk Fadillah Haji Yusuf who inspires us to undertake this mammoth task to bring this grand event to Malaysia

3. This is the first time an event like this, on this scale, is organised in Kuala Lumpur and we take pride in our efforts to bring some of the best

thought leaders in rail businesses, rail systems and rail technology to Malaysia.

Ladies and gentlemen

4. The theme for todays conference and exhibition, Towards Excellence in Rail Innovation, Sustainability and Mobility are both appropriate and timely. As countries progress and develop, mobility for people and goods will be a major defining factor. Coupled with rapid urbanization and the need for increasing global trading, goods and services must transcend domestic and international borders to reach the intended market. For countries on the heightened path to a high income economy, now is the time to invest in creating real innovation for an industry that needs to launch itself forward to meet the needs of the twenty-first century. The rail industry must reinvent and regain its former glory as a powerful economic enabler. The industry itself must be sustained. Ladies and Gentlemen 5. Across Asia, the 4,800 km Singapore-Kunming rail link will form part of Trans Asia Rail Network that will extend the Asian rail network to the European borders. When fully operational, every country in Asia will be accessible from every other Asian country. It is on the premise of this huge opportunity for an integrated Asia, home to 4.1 billion people, that Malaysia, like other Asian countries has put its faith in investing heavily in rail network. Already a Rail Network Master Plan is on the way. Intra-urban mobility has benefitted from Light Rail Transits and will soon see radical improvement through the Mass Rapid Transit System. The National Electrified Double Tracking Project is on schedule and

Malaysia will soon be evaluating options for high speed rail link connecting major cities. Indeed these are exciting times for rail systems in Malaysia. We want you to be part of these exciting moments in the history of rail development, taking Malaysian Rails to a higher level.

Ladies and Gentlemen 6. In this two days event, we have assembled some of the strongest believers and champions of the rail industry who have played significant roles in their respective organizations and countries to innovate, modernize and sustain this industry. They will share with us lessons learnt and their experience in designing and delivering rail products and infrastructure, the evolution of rail business with emphasize on public and private partnership, rail asset management and operation, human capital development, safety enhancement and other innovative rail technology. The presence of distinguished speakers from Malaysia and eight other countries signify the seriousness and commitment to carry forward a rail vision that we all aspire to achieve. There is a lot to be learnt and a lot more to be shared. Please take this rare opportunity to hear and communicate with some of the best brains in rail systems and technology to get deeper insights into one of the most important mode of transportation that has evolved in the past decades. Do take some time to visit the exhibition where some 30 world class companies and exhibitors will be showcasing the latest in rail systems, rail technology and rail management.

Ladies and Gentlemen

7. Before concluding my speech, I would like to thank all those involved in organizing this event and making it a big success. These include the numerous Agencies, industry associations, professional bodies, sponsoring and exhibiting companies and individuals. In particular, I would like to thank the Land Public Transport Commission Malaysia, SPAD, for co-hosting this event 8. Yang Amat Berhormat Dato Sri Najib, Prime Minster of Malaysia, once again a Big Thank You Sir. Your presence has made this a memorable event for all of us. To YB Datuk Fadillah Haji Yusuf, Thank you for your leadership and inspirations. 9. To the role players and guests from overseas, welcome to Malaysia, this wonderful country with endless possibilities. Do take some time off to enjoy Malaysian hospitality. And to all of you here today, Selamat Bersidang, Happy Conferencing and Thank You. Wassalammualikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh