Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation and China’s CRRC Corporation participated prominently in the 12th UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail held in Beijing from July 8-11, 2025, demonstrating advanced railway technologies to over 3,000 international representatives.
The congress, themed “Innovation and Development for a Better Life,” brought together government officials, railway executives, senior experts, researchers, and scholars from more than 30 countries. First held in 1992, the biennial event has become the world’s most prominent large-scale forum addressing high-speed rail operation and technology issues, co-hosted by China State Railway Group and the International Union of Railways.
MTR Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jacob Kam delivered a keynote presentation sharing the company’s expertise in railway operations and financing models. His address highlighted the successful “Rail plus Community” integrated development model around Hong Kong’s West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station as best practice for promoting community development while supporting railway operations.
Dr. Kam emphasized MTR’s strategic use of diversified commercial operations, including station commercial businesses, to enhance railway system sustainability and maintain robust financial performance. MTR’s exhibition booth demonstrated Smart Railway technologies, sustainable development achievements, and the integrated community development approach.
CRRC Corporation presented an extensive showcase of China’s railway equipment through real trains, scale models, and multimedia displays. The company exhibited 22 trains at the National Railway Test Center, including the latest CR450 EMU prototypes representing cutting-edge high-speed rail technology.
The CRRC display featured multiple Fuxing high-speed trains, advanced maglev systems, and new energy locomotives. At the China National Convention Center, star products including the Lancang train, intelligent intercity EMUs, and heavy-duty freight systems attracted significant visitor attention.
CRRC introduced its intelligent operation and maintenance solution incorporating 360-degree detection, robotics, and AI technology. The system covers 80 percent of visual train inspection requirements while delivering 99 percent identification accuracy, representing substantial advancement in automated railway maintenance.
MTR operates as a world-class provider of sustainable rail transport services with more than 50,000 staff globally, carrying over 10 million passenger journeys worldwide on weekdays. The corporation’s integrated business model extends beyond railway operation to create dynamic communities through seamless integration of rail, commercial, and property development.
The UIC World Congress, held every two to three years since 1992, provides the international railway industry’s primary forum for reviewing global high-speed rail development, exhibiting state-of-the-art technologies, and setting future research directions. The Beijing event featured plenary sessions, round tables, parallel sessions, and technical visits, reinforcing China’s position in global railway innovation while highlighting successful international cooperation models.
