Transport Engineering Professional
🚍 Transport Engineering Professional | Automotive Expert | Public Transport Innovator | ICE | EV | HEV | Senior Technical Leadership
With nearly five decades of comprehensive experience in Automotive Engineering and the Public Transport Industry, I bring a wealth of hands-on technical and strategic expertise across vehicle production, systems integration, and sustainable mobility solutions.
Throughout my career, I have held senior management and technical expert roles, leading major initiatives in bus manufacturing, fleet engineering, and bespoke training programs covering Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), Electric Vehicles (EV), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV). My leadership has consistently focused on driving operational excellence, innovation, and training the next generation of engineers and technicians.
After over a decade shaping the future of public transport across Singapore and the APAC region (2010–2022), I am now based in Qatar (since 2022), contributing to the nation's dynamic transformation in mobility, sustainability, and transport infrastructure.
I am passionate about mentoring, advancing clean transport technologies, and aligning public transport strategies with global best practices.

by Nicholas Burton

Professional Background
My expertise lies in hybrid and electric vehicle driveline's and systems, as well as modern bus body and chassis building techniques. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge in the service, maintenance, and repair of body and chassis systems, including electrical, multiplexing, HVAC, Climate control, door systems, ICE (diesel engine), and emission systems.
Having recently resided in Singapore for more than 12 years, I have been actively engaged in Senior Management positions within the Public Transport Sector in the APAC region since 2010. My dedication to continuous professional development is evident, as I strive to support the growth and enhancement of Singapore's public transport system infrastructure. Notably, I have made significant contributions as a key participant in the Land Transport Authority of Singapore's Land Transport Industry Transformation Map 2040.
Driving change is at the core of my professional pursuits, and I am particularly passionate about project development for connected technology in Singapore's public transport system. In recent times, I have been involved in overseeing the operational fleet trials of various cutting-edge advancements, including Yutong Electric Buses, three-door double-deck buses, a TTS 360 Camera System, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), Vehicle Telematics, Hydrogen injection on ICE, and Supercapacitors integrated within ICE. Furthermore, my expertise extends to vehicle security systems, ensuring the safety and protection of these advanced transportation solutions.
Current Role in Qatar
Since October 2022, I have resided in Qatar, where I am currently dedicated to the learning development needs of Mowasalat's Public Service Vehicle Support staff. Utilizing my wealth of experience and expertise, I am committed to contributing to the growth and development of Qatar's public service vehicles.
With an illustrious career marked by technical excellence, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to the transport industry, I am poised to continue making a significant impact on the field, both in Qatar and globally.
Technical Training Manager at Karwa Technologies – Mowasalat
As a Senior Technical Training Manager at Karwa Academy – Mowasalat Qatar (October 2022 – present), my key responsibilities include:
  • Administer and manage the Technical Training Department of Karwa Academy
  • Engineering Technical oversight and support – Life Cycle Costing, Component failures, Trend analysis, for the Karwa Academy fleet of learner vehicles
  • Administer and manage the content creation, delivery, and assessment for bespoke automotive training for Public Service Vehicles, Heavy Trucks, Cars, Motorcycles and Plant machinery, including ICE, EV, HEV and CNG
  • Formulate a competency matrix for Mowasalat's and develop a learning and development program and strategy for the 300 strong Bus Engineering and Support Staff
Karwa Academy Initiatives
Training Facility Development
Build and launch a bespoke public transport training facility and deliver UK based technical certification and accreditation as an approved training provider – The Institute of the Motor Industry.
Electric Vehicle Program
Launch a leaning and development program of electric vehcile program of on the job training and certification to the Bus Engineering and support staff
Learning Management System
Develop a LMS program to increase knowledge retention amongst the bus engineering and support staff.
Vehicle Monitoring Systems
Support and launch the development of a vehicle health monitoring system for the Karwa Academy Fleet
Fleet Management Integration
Support the integration of a Fleet management system to Karwa Academy.
Stakeholder Initiatives
Develop initiatives to external stakeholder for the delivery and integration of bespoke Fleet maintenance programs in the region.
Singapore Experience
As Senior Manager Engineering Technical and Training at Tower Transit Singapore Pte Ltd (March 2016 – October 2022), I led the Engineering Technical and Training department with the following key responsibilities:
Technical Management
  • Administer and Manage the Engineering Technical and Training department
  • Engineering Technical oversight and support – Life Cycle Costing, Component failures, Trend analysis, component overhauls/remanufacturing
  • Engineering workshop fleet management
  • Engineering workshop health and safety
  • Engineering workshop tooling, specialized equipment
Training & Development
  • Technical Expert – Electric Vehicles (Public Service Vehicles) Training program development and delivery
  • Project Management and oversight for new and future vehicular technology support
  • IRTEC Workshop Accreditation – oversight and responsibility to ensure standards and compliance
  • Centre Coordinator IMI International – Program Head, Technical Trainer, Examination Assessor, and Internal Quality Auditor
  • ITE Institute of Technical Education – Internship program coordinator
I also managed the learning and professional development for the Tower Transit Singapore Engineering Team, administered Tower Transit recalls or product improvement campaigns, and served as SOE IRTEC - Accreditation Assessor for IMI/IRTE qualification and certification.
Regional Service Manager -Technical Support Engineer
Regional Service Manager -Technical Support Engineer Senior Manager - Southeast Asia and Pacific Wrightbus International Singapore Customcare April 2010 – April 2015
A Senior Manager – Regional Service Manager (RSM)and Technical Support Engineer (TSE) to both aftersales and production teams, managing the local construction, delivery, training, and aftermarket growth of WrightBus International. Six years in Singapore, Wrightbus International successfully delivered in CKD (complete knock down) a total of 1700 double deck bus body kits won under over five separate successful tenders to Volvo SEA as prime contractor, to SBS Transit and the Land Transport Authority of Singapore
Director – Senior Manager Singapore and Malaysia
Director – Senior Manager Singapore and Malaysia
Alexander Dennis Singapore
May 2015 – March 2016
Director for Alexander Dennis Singapore and Senior Manager to Singapore and Malaysia, heading up the operational control for service and parts support teams including management and budgetary control of the appointed service agents in Singapore and Malaysia with the delivery of 400 + Public Service Vehicles into Singapore and Malaysia
Career Achievements
Centre of Excellence Establishment
Founded and established the Centre of Excellence at Bulim Bus Depot Singapore – the first IMI International approved centre for Singapore, and SOE International Centre delivering bespoke training for the Public Service Vehicle Sector, with IMI and IRTEC Qualifications, Awards, Accreditations and License's
Electric Vehicle Implementation
Supported the LTA with Electric vehicle in service delivery – managing the in-service operation and trials for the electric driveline Single and Double Deck Buses in Singapore
Technology Integration Projects
Led projects for the installation and trailing of various vehicle health monitoring systems (Telematics), supercapacitor integration with ICE's, and a hydrogen-based injection system for ICE's
Business Success
Successfully secured the latest LTA Bus Tender package PT217 contract value @ $1.03B in October 2020, retaining the Bulim Bus Depot Package, additional Mandai Bus Depot operating Singapore Public Bus services Island wide
In 2020, Tower Transit Training was a finalist at the 21st British Chamber of Commerce Singapore Business Awards in the category of UK Impact in Singapore – highlighting the development of a local Singaporean workforce with Singaporean based UK industry expert's delivery training and certification through the IMI and the SOE.
Professional Memberships & Qualifications
Professional Memberships
  • Fellow - Institute of Motor Industry (IMI)
  • Fellow - Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE)
  • Fellow - Society of Operation Engineers (SOE)
  • Senior Member – Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES)
  • Chartered Engineering Technologist – Singapore (IES)
  • LTA CTS Expert Panel SGBA – Founding Member
  • Adult Education Professional – Institute of Adult Learning Singapore (AEP)
  • British Chamber of Commerce – Corporate Member Transport
IMI Professional Register
  • Advanced Automotive Engineer (AAE)
  • Certified Automotive Assessor (CAA)
  • Certified Automotive Trainer (CAT)
  • International Assessor
  • International Verifier
Technical Qualifications
  • City & Guilds Full Technological Certificate - 390
  • National Craft Certificate HGV/PSV Mechanic RTITB
  • Licentiateship of City & Guilds Institute (LCG)
  • Incorporated Engineer BEC 1987 – 1991 (IEng)
  • SOE Assessor Accreditation – IRTEC 2017 – 2022 (International)
Education & Specialized Training
Formal Education
  • Stafford College of Further Education (1979-1983): City & Guilds 381 Motor Vehicle Craft Studies pt. 1,2,3 Light/Heavy vehicle Ci/Diesel Technology, City & Guilds 390 Motor Vehicle Technician pt. 1 & 2, Abrasive Wheels Certification
  • Stoke on Trent Technical College, Burslem (1983-1984): City & Guilds 390 Motor Vehicle Technician pt. 3, IMI Diploma in Automotive Management
  • Paddington Technical College (1987): C.P.C. National Freight Operations Transport Management
Specialized Training
  • Institute of Adult Learning Singapore (March 2021): Specialist Adult Educator
  • Institute of Technical Education Singapore (2020): Certified on the Job Training Assessor
  • Republic Polytechnic Singapore (January 2020): Mentor at Work Workshop
  • Fogmaker AFES (2017): Certified Trainer
  • Institute of Motor Industry: Green Wheels Teacher Training (2021), IMI International L1-L3 awards in Electric/Hybrid vehicle systems (2019), Level 2 Vehicle Air Conditioning Certification (2005)
  • Society of Operation Engineers - IRTEC (2017): Bus Coach and LCV Inspection Technician - Licensed, SOE Assessor Accreditation- Licensed
Additional specialized training includes: Michelin Tyres (1987) Integrated Police Course Accident & Fault diagnostics, The Institute of Vehicle Recovery vehicle rescue & recovery techniques, Daimler-EvoBus systems training (Citaro Electrics, Floor Construction, Door Systems, Emissions, Brake Systems, Diagnostics), VOSA PSV Inspection Procedures & Standards, MBB Lift Systems, Hunter Keane Associates Leadership/Management Development, and Wrightbus systems (2009-2015).
Nicholas David Burton
FSOE FIRTE CAT CAA AAE FIMI LCG CETg Sr.MIES