UniKL-ASTI to drive sustainable transport innovation in northern peninsula
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the institute, which broke ground today and is slated for completion by June 25, 2028, will serve as a premier reference and centre of excellence, equipped with modern infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the transportation industry.
"I view the establishment of UniKL-ASTI as a highly strategic move, not just for Perlis but also for the national education and logistics landscape," he said in his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The groundbreaking event was opened by the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.
Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the 60-acre campus, located next to the Perlis Inland Port (PIP), would complement the development of the PIP mega project.
He said the campus was expected to become a key driver for cross-border cargo flow between Malaysia and Thailand, with trade volume projected to hit US$30 billion (RM132 billion) by 2027.
"UniKL-ASTI will be a vital component of the regional logistics development ecosystem under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), potentially positioning Perlis as a new strategic logistics hub in northern Malaysia," he said.
UniKL-ASTI will offer a range of diploma and degree programmes in advanced Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) fields, including Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Technology, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) Technology.
Meanwhile, the Raja of Perlis said the development of UniKL-ASTI would serve as a reference centre and hub of excellence, fully equipped with conducive infrastructure and support facilities that meet the demands of today's transport and logistics industry.
"The institute will benefit the people of Perlis and also those in other northern states," the Ruler said.
He emphasised the importance of cultivating a love for knowledge among Malaysians, particularly in Perlis, as knowledge was the foundation of personal and societal development.
The event was also graced by the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail; Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil; Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli and Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang.
Kw: NST news, Malaysia news, Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Asia Sustainable Transportation Institute (UniKL-ASTI) in Perlis, major catalyst in advancing sustainable transportation and logistics, northern region.
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