KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- "I look forward to the day I officially become an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) driver," said Muhammad Ikmal, an assistant locomotive driver of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a mega rail project in Malaysia being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

Ikmal, 26, hails from Kelantan state in northern Malaysia. He was selected late last year as one of the first group of assistant locomotive pilot trainees for the ECRL. Together with 36 other local employees, he traveled to China to learn locomotive driving and maintenance skills. After completing the training, they returned to Malaysia for further on-site practice.

"It has been a new and challenging experience. Beyond the technical knowledge I already possessed, I have also gained valuable first-hand experience in how a train is actually operated," Ikmal said at a training center.

He added that experienced Chinese instructors provided guidance, while systematic courses and hands-on practice helped him adapt to his role quickly. "When trains one day speed along the ECRL, I will feel proud of my own contribution," Ikmal said.

After lunch break, Ikmal and his fellow assistant locomotive pilot trainees gathered in the training room, reviewing their notes while waiting for Huang Mingyong, their Chinese instructor. The Malaysian trainees said that they are deeply inspired by their Chinese instructors and colleagues, whose efficiency and rigorous work leave a strong impression.

Huang said that language was not a barrier to learning. The months-long training covers basic theory, operating procedures and safety protocols. "Sometimes we demonstrate step by step, so they can grasp the knowledge even faster with better results," he said.

Paarthibann, who came from Kuala Lumpur and previously worked at Port Klang, joined the ECRL last year and became an assistant locomotive pilot trainee. "The first group of trainees is like pioneers," he said proudly. "This is not only a chance for self-growth, but also an opportunity for us to train the next generation of drivers in the future, passing on our experience and skills."

"The ECRL is not only a railway dream, but also a pathway for local talents," said Yow Pey Ling from the project's main office. She said the project has implemented the East Coast Rail Link Industrial Skills Training Program, strengthening cooperation between educational institutions in both countries to nurture local talents for the project's future operation and maintenance.

To date, the ECRL project has created more than 23,000 job opportunities in Malaysia and neighboring countries, recruited over 10,000 local employees, and trained more than 2,000 locals in railway construction and operation.

The ECRL extends from Malaysia's largest transport hub, Port Klang, and across the peninsula to the northeastern Kelantan state. It is expected to greatly enhance connectivity and bring more balanced growth to the country by linking its less-developed region on the east coast to the economic heartland on the west coast.