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35th International Railway Safety Council Annual Conference commences in Hong Kong (with photos)
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     ​The 35th International Railway Safety Council (IRSC) Annual Conference, jointly organised by the National Railway Administration (NRA), the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTRCL), commenced in Hong Kong today (November 26). This conference, cohosted by the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong for the first time, showcases the close collaboration between the two places in the areas of railway safety and regulation, as well as their influence on the global railway professional field.
      
     With the theme "Advancing Railway Safety through Innovations and Collaborations", the conference features four days of plenary sessions and two days of technical visits. It provides a platform for railway safety regulators, operators and relevant stakeholders from around the world to engage in in-depth discussions on global railway safety issues, and to share and exchange the latest developments and innovative technology applications of railways in various places.
      
     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; Deputy Administrator of the NRA Mr Wang Qiming; and the Chairman of the MTRCL, Dr Rex Auyeung, officiated at the opening ceremony. Other officiating guests included the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Secretary of the IRSC Core Group, Ms Ann Mills; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Raymond Poon; the Chief Executive Officer of the MTRCL, Dr Jacob Kam; Deputy Director-General of the Safety Supervision and Management Bureau of China Railway (SSMBCR) Mr Wang Zhi; and the President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), Ms Alice Chow.
      
     Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Lee said that railways serve as a powerful engine driving connectivity, resilience and progress, and he is confident that by prioritising safety, embracing innovation and deepening collaboration, the industry will continue to enhance lives and connect countries and communities around the world. He added that Hong Kong is honoured to work with Chinese Mainland and global partners to advance railway development.

     In addition, the HKSAR Government considers that the introduction of the Chinese Mainland railway standards can help Hong Kong make better use of Chinese Mainland resources in order to effectively reduce costs and shorten construction periods while maintaining safety and service levels. The Highways Department is formulating the new Hong Kong Railway Standards, which are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
      
     Hong Kong is the first city among all IRSC member countries and regions to have hosted the annual conference four times, fully demonstrating the IRSC's recognition of Hong Kong's outstanding achievements in railway development, safety standards and operational performance. Hong Kong boasts world-class railway networks renowned for safety, efficiency and reliability, making it an ideal platform for advancing global dialogue and collaboration on railway safety.
      
     The IRSC comprises 24 core member institutions from 15 countries and regions worldwide. Since its establishment in 1990, the IRSC has endeavoured to foster international exchange and enhance railway safety by convening annual conferences in different cities around the world. For more details about the annual conference this year, please visit irsc2025.com.
 
Ends/Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:08
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The 35th International Railway Safety Council Annual Conference (IRSC) commenced in Hong Kong today (November 26). Photo shows the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (centre); Deputy Administrator of the National Railway Administration Mr Wang Qiming (fourth left); the Chairman of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTRCL), Dr Rex Auyeung (fourth right); the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan (third left); the Secretary of the IRSC Core Group, Ms Ann Mills (third right); the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Raymond Poon (second left); the Chief Executive Officer of the MTRCL, Dr Jacob Kam (second right); Deputy Director-General of the Safety Supervision and Management Bureau of China Railway Mr Wang Zhi (first right); and the President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Ms Alice Chow (first left), at the opening ceremony.
The 35th International Railway Safety Council Annual Conference commenced in Hong Kong today (November 26). Photo shows the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivering a welcome address at the conference.
The 35th International Railway Safety Council Annual Conference commenced in Hong Kong today (November 26). Photo shows Deputy Administrator of the National Railway Administration Mr Wang Qiming delivering a welcome address at the conference.
The 35th International Railway Safety Council Annual Conference commenced in Hong Kong today (November 26). Photo shows the Chairman of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited, Dr Rex Auyeung, delivering a welcome address at the conference.
The 35th International Railway Safety Council Annual Conference commenced in Hong Kong today (November 26). Photo shows the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Raymond Poon, delivering a speech at the welcome reception of the conference yesterday (November 25).
The 35th International Railway Safety Council Annual Conference commenced in Hong Kong today (November 26). Photo shows participants of the conference travelling by water taxi to West Kowloon Cultural District from Hong Kong Island.