I applaud Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan's idea to set up the National Rail Academy ("Rail engineers' training to be expanded: Khaw"; Nov 22).

This is a timely move, considering the series of train disruptions over the past few years.

Such an academy would nurture and train batches of professionals skilled in the rail industry. The training curriculum should lay special emphasis on the preventive maintenance aspects of the trains.

Maintenance of our MRT trains was somewhat neglected in the past but has been gaining much recognition in recent years.

In connection with the setting up of this academy, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) should consider recruiting professional teaching staff from Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR).

Hong Kong's MTR system is especially adept in the area of train maintenance and operational efficiency.

This National Rail Academy idea should be kick-started without delay.

Teo Kok Seah