Wednesday, February 10, 2010

October 04, 2009 23:05 PM

Malaysian Student In France Wants To Put Public Transport On Track

By Leslean Arshad

PARIS, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- With the relevant knowledge and technology gained in France, electrical engineering student Ahmad Shukri Amin Ahmed Ismail is set to improve Malaysia's public transportation.

Two years ago, the 26-year-old, from Penang, conducted a study on public transportation operated by RapidPenang in the island.

His conclusion: There was still room for improvement for Malaysia's public transportation.

"It (the transportation) is okay, but not to perfection," said the student of the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis when describing the current public transport service in Penang.

Ahmad Shukri, whose specialisation is automotive robotics, believed that he and his Malaysian peers in France could make a difference to Malaysia's transportation system, given a chance.

"We have the technology and knowledge that Malaysia can use and benefit but we not sure they (the authorities) want it.

"We are hoping that they are willing to accept our new ideas," he said when met during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's arrival for a four-day working visit to France on Sunday.

Ahmad Shukri will be joining other Malaysian students here to meet Najib later.

Comparing the transportation system in Penang's Georgetown to France's Nice, he said, what was visibly lacking back home were the bus schedules, mapping system and unnamed bus stops.

As such, he was prepared to submit a proposal to the relevant parties to improve the public transportation system.

Ahmad Shukri said Malaysian students in France were generally concerned with the country's economy and job prospects back home but were confident in Najib's administration to steer the economy on the right track.

-- BERNAMA

We provide (subscription-based) 
news coverage in our Newswire service.