The Sustainable Transport Initiative of the Year category at the Transport Expo Asia (TXA) Awards 2026 recognises organisations developing initiatives to reduce emissions and support Malaysia’s sustainability goals. The category brought together four finalists — AeroDarat Services Sdn Bhd, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and SMH Rail — representing different approaches to sustainability across aviation ground handling, railway infrastructure, renewable energy and locomotive engineering.
The awards were presented on 22 October 2026 at the TXA Awards gala dinner held at Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown. The inaugural TXA Awards 2026 formed part of Transport Expo Asia, held from 20 to 22 October 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). The exhibition brought together 410 participating companies from 23 nations, while the awards recognised outstanding
contributions across nine categories, with 28 finalists selected from more than 5,000 transport industry players. Transport Expo Asia was organised by Alpine Integrated Solution (AIS), with the TXA Awards curated by The IBR Asia Group.
Four Finalists Advancing Sustainable Transport
- AeroDarat Services Sdn Bhd: AeroDarat Services Sdn Bhd, As MAG’s ground handling arm, AeroDarat is advancing more sustainable ground operations through the adoption of fully electric towing machinery and the use of biodiesel. These initiatives help reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL): Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), the project owner of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), oversees its construction with a focus on sustainable design and the development of fully electrified passenger and freight services to support lower-emission transport. Through its subsidiary, MRL Energy Sdn Bhd, MRL aims to further reduce operational emissions by targeting at least 30% renewable electricity in the ECRL’s energy supply, supported by solar installations at stations, traction power sites and ancillary buildings. These efforts are complemented by sustainable design and construction measures, including alignment optimisation to minimise forest loss and land disturbance, the use of lower-carbon concrete, and the reuse of construction materials and water.
- Railway Assets Corporation (RAC): Railway Assets Corporation (RAC), as a statutory body under the Ministry of Transport, RAC enables private partners to develop and operate solar installations on underutilised railway land, supporting Malaysia’s renewable energy goals without upfront capital expenditure.
- SMH Rail: SMH Rail is Malaysia’s largest privately owned rolling stock manufacturer and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service provider, SMH Rail is advancing sustainable railway engineering on both the Malaysian and global stage through innovative locomotive remanufacturing solutions. Through its subsidiary, Berapit Mobility Sdn Bhd, the Group upgrades locomotives from Tier 0 engines to engines compliant with US Environmental Protection Agency Tier 3 emission standards, reducing environmental impact while enhancing efficiency, reliability and asset longevity. Embracing circular economy principles, this initiative demonstrates SMH Rail’s commitment to resource optimisation, technological innovation and a cleaner, more sustainable rail transportation ecosystem.
RAC Wins Sustainable Transport Initiative of the Year
Railway Assets Corporation was named the winner of the Sustainable Transport Initiative of the Year at the TXA Awards 2026, recognising its approach to making railway assets part of Malaysia’s renewable energy transition.
By enabling solar installations on underutilised railway land through private-sector partnerships, RAC demonstrates how existing transport infrastructure can support sustainability objectives alongside its core railway responsibilities. The initiative provides a pathway to expand renewable energy generation while making productive use of available land and limiting the need for upfront capital expenditure by the corporation.
On accepting the award, RAC Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Azhar Ahmad dedicated the recognition to his team and reflected on the wider purpose of leadership in the transport sector.
“I would like to accept this award with humility, and dedicate this award to my team. To me, leadership is not measured by the assets we own, but by the value we create for Malaysia, and the rakyat.”
The four finalists demonstrate how sustainability can be advanced through different parts of the transport industry, from lower-emission airport ground operations and sustainable railway construction to renewable energy development and locomotive remanufacturing. Their initiatives reflect the range of approaches being adopted to reduce environmental impact while supporting the continued development of Malaysia’s transport ecosystem.
The next edition of Transport Expo Asia and the TXA Awards is scheduled for 2028.
