KUCHING: Sarawak plans to venture into the aerospace industry with a dedicated training facility under the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs).
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the new Aerospace Academy would equip students for the highly-skilled industry.
"This industry needs strong dedication on the part of the students. They must have a strong knowledge of science, including aerodynamics.
"I'm confident that Centexs and its partners can train our students to master this technology," he said when launching the academy at the Centexs Lundu campus near here on Tuesday (Oct 8).
Abang Johari said the academy would complement the new aerospace technology faculty at the state-owned i-CATS University College.
He said it was also in line with the Federal Government's proposal to make Sarawak an aerospace hub for Borneo.
"I want to thank the Prime Minister for the decision that Sarawak will be Malaysia's launch area for rockets and satellites because we are close to the equator," he said.
Abang Johari also reiterated that the state government would provide free education to Sarawakian students in state-owned tertiary institutions, an initiative which will start in 2026.
"The state government has decided that we will spend whatever we need to produce a competent workforce on par with the world," he said.
Centexs chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani said the Aerospace Academy would offer certificate programmes in aerospace sheet metal training, aerospace machining operations, aerospace computer numerical control machining and aircraft maintenance engineering.
He said the programmes covered various aspects of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
"Airlines in Malaysia are facing a shortage of skilled MRO workers, which affects the efficiency of aircraft maintenance and the growth of the airline industry.
"Skilled MRO workers are also needed for helicopters and military aircraft in Malaysia," he said.
He also said Centexs would work with i-CATS to develop an aerospace centre to produce skilled technicians and professionals for the aerospace industry.
