ITS: Govt working closely with European organisations, says minister

LocalTechnology
11 Mar 2026 • 3:10 PM MYT
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THE Government is strengthening strategic cooperation with leading European organisations in intelligent transport systems (ITS) as part of efforts to accelerate the development of a national smart mobility ecosystem under the Malaysia ITS Master Plan 2025–2030.

The initiative was highlighted during a series of engagement sessions led by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi with key European ITS organisations on the sidelines of Inter traffic Amsterdam 2026.

The discussions involved prominent organisations including ERTICO–ITS Europe, ITS Germany and Connekt-ITS Netherlands, focusing on technological developments in intelligent transport systems and exploring opportunities for collaboration in smart mobility and digital transport infrastructure.

Nanta said the engagements reflect Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships in developing a transport ecosystem that is smarter, data-driven and supported by advanced technology.

"Malaysia appreciates the opportunity to learn from Europe's experience in implementing smart mobility solutions and building strong collaboration between governments, industry and research institutions.

"We welcome international partners to Malaysia to strengthen knowledge exchange and cooperation in developing mobility systems that are smarter, safer and more sustainable," he said in a statement issued by the Works Ministry.

The minister said Malaysia is keen to leverage Europe’s experience in deploying intelligent transport solutions, including digital traffic management, integrated mobility data platforms and the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and safety in transport systems.

He added that the engagement underscores Malaysia’s determination to accelerate the adoption of intelligent transport technologies, including the use of mobility data, artificial intelligence and digital innovations to support a more efficient, safe and sustainable transportation network.

During the meetings, Nanta also invited international partners to participate in upcoming mobility and road infrastructure platforms to be hosted in Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Among the key events are the Malaysian Roads Maintenance Convention, to be held under the MY ASEAN Roads and Traffic Expo and Conference 2026 from September 30 to October 2, and the Malaysia Road Conference 2026 scheduled for October 13 to 15.

The Works Ministry said discussions with ERTICO–ITS Europe centred on strengthening collaboration through joint research initiatives, knowledge-sharing platforms, capacity-building programmes and participation in international ITS projects.

ERTICO also highlighted its role in connecting governments, industry and research institutions across Europe, while introducing the ERTICO Academy, which offers specialised training programmes for mobility professionals and could potentially tailor capacity-building initiatives to support Malaysia’s institutional development in intelligent transport systems.

Meanwhile, talks with ITS Germany focused on the country’s experience in developing digital transport infrastructure and governance frameworks for smart mobility.

Among the initiatives discussed was the Artificial Intelligence and Mobility programme, a research effort that integrates artificial intelligence, environmental data and mobility management to improve traffic efficiency, sustainability and multimodal transport planning.

The programme brings together 14 research and industry partners to develop artificial intelligence-based solutions aimed at creating transport systems that are more efficient, safer and environmentally responsive.

In separate discussions with Connekt-ITS Netherlands, attention centred on the Netherlands’ leadership in sustainable mobility, integrated traffic management and collaborative innovation platforms that bring together government agencies, industry players and research institutions.

The engagements are expected to strengthen Malaysia’s efforts to modernise its transport sector through technology-driven solutions and deepen international cooperation in the rapidly evolving field of intelligent mobility. - March 11, 2026