Our learning culture extends to our contractual partners for better efficiency in rail project delivery through onsite training, information sharing seminars and coorganised tertiary institution construction management courses. Partner productivity, environmental compliance and on-site safety practices have measurably improved since the introduction of the partner training scheme. The early (four months) completion in 2003 of the TKO line with construction costs reduced by 48%, minimal contractual disputes and a total of 54 minor environmental convictions for contractors demonstrates the results of this scheme in practice.

Our global expansion efforts have created new avenues for training and skills enhancement. We have accelerated in-house courses to support operational staff deployment and nurture a new generation of management leaders in our overseas operations. A notable breakthrough has been in mainland China, with training programmes for suppliers, contractors, designers and operators. From on-site environmental workshops to long-term technical and management training programmes conducted in Hong Kong, we are embedding a CSR culture and transferring the technologies and skills to implement and sustain long-term good corporate citizenship. Three major training programmes have been completed or have been underway since 2003. We are also conducting similar best practice training programmes for rail operators in Delhi, Bangkok and Singapore. In 2004 our leadership in sustainable practices was honoured with numerous awards in the fields of corporate management, training, ethics and eco-business.