ARCEOs' Conference 2024 Wraps Up With Success, Achieving Sustainability Via Digital Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Themed "Driving Sustainability with Digital Innovation", the 44th ASEAN Railway CEOs’ (ARCEOs’) Conference wrapped up successfully in Bandung, Indonesia, from Sept 2 to 5.

This year’s ARCEOs’ Conference focused on sustainable and eco-friendly railway development supported by digital transformation in safety and service aspects, with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI) appointed as the organising committee for the conference.

Seven other ASEAN railway operators that were also present are Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malaysia), Vietnam Railways (Vietnam), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Cambodia), Lao National Railways (Laos), Philippine National Railways (Philippines), Myanma Railways (Myanmar), and State Railway of Thailand (Thailand).

KAI Chief Executive Officer, Didiek Hartantyo stated that the goal of the 44th ARCEOs’ Conference is to strengthen relationships and cooperation among railway operators and industry stakeholders in ASEAN.

He emphasised that working together allows for achieving greater accomplishments and truly realising the ASEAN spirit of mutual benefit, shared success, and resilience in facing various challenges.

Explaining this year’s theme, he believed the theme stems from the global challenges faced, including the urgent need to address climate change, improve operational efficiency, and meet the growing demand for more sustainable transportation options.

“Additionally, advancements in technology and changes in customer demands play a significant role in shaping our focus,” he said in a statement.

The event included several working group sessions to share best practices and discuss various issues ranging from the implementation of digital technology, railway human resource development, digital marketing, service transformation, to the application of high-tech railways such as high-speed trains.

Delegates had the opportunity to experience the first high-speed train ASEAN region, Whoosh train from Padalarang Station in Bandung, West Java, to Halim Station in Jakarta, followed by a tree planting activity, as well as the chance to ride the Panoramic Train, designed to offer panoramic views along the journey with large windows on both sides.

Furthermore, to support environmental sustainability and digital innovation, KAI deployed electric vehicles during the ARCEOs’ Conference, provided eco-friendly souvenirs, and used an app as an information platform throughout the event.

-- BERNAMA