Equipping locals with skills for aerospace careers

SARAWAK is pushing into the aerospace industry with forward-thinking initiatives in education, skills development and infrastructure, led by the Aerospace Academy at Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Lundu and new programmes at I-CATS University College.

These efforts are designed to equip local talent with the skills needed for high-demand aerospace careers.

Sarawak Tribune met with Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who shared his insights and perspectives on this matter.

What is your view on Sarawak’s initiatives to venture into the aerospace industry?

Sarawak’s initiatives to venture into the aerospace industry aligns with global trends in the aerospace sector, such as the growth of space technology including rockets and satellite, automation in aviation, and sustainable aerospace development and positions Sarawak to play an influential role in Malaysia’s aerospace industry in the coming decades.

The initiatives reflect a forward-looking and strategic approach that aligns with broader technological and economic goals. The development of the Aerospace Academy at CENTEXS Lundu demonstrates a strong commitment to establishing a high-skilled workforce and creating an ecosystem that can support aerospace advancements both regionally and nationally.

Aerospace industry is huge. The Aerospace value chain comprises several interconnected stages, evolving from aviation (commercial and military helicopters and fixed-wings aircrafts) to rockets, satellites and spaceships It represents a gradual build-up of expertise, technology and infrastructure, ultimately reaching space exploration. The Aerospace industry plays a critical role in global transportation, defence, communication/satellite constellations, and others, all contributing to its continued growth and importance. One of the milestones to achieve is rocket launching.

That is why we are benchmarking ourselves against countries like China, Turkeye, India, Russia and the United States, to study their best practices and technologies in aerospace, particularly within the value chains. By analysing how these nations have developed their aerospace industries from aviation, rocket to space technology, we can adopt effective strategies and innovations that will help us strengthen our own sector and ensure its growth and sustainability.

Our Premier has launched the Aerospace Academy at CENTEXS, and having a new Aerospace course at i-CATS University College, how will this benefit Sarawak especially the students?

The collaboration between CENTEXS and institutions like I-CATS highlights an emphasis on skills development and education, under the Aerospace Academy at CENTEXS Lundu.

This initiative includes providing aerospace-related technology and professional certification programmes for school leavers and post-degree students by CENTEXS, whereas I-CATS will provide Aerospace degree and post-graduates programmes (Masters and PhD).

CENTEXS and I-CATS are leveraging their strengths to offer a comprehensive talent development initiative in the Aerospace industry, helping to build a pipeline of skilled technicians and professionals to meet the demands of the Aerospace industry.

Should there be plans to provide scholarships or financial aid for students who enrol in the Aerospace Academy to make these specialised programmes more accessible?

CENTEXS has started its first cohort this month with 100 trainees taking these five programmes:

1. Certificate in Aerospace Sheet Metal Training (14.5 months)
2. Certificate in Aerospace Machining Operations (11 months)
3. Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Airplane Turbine) (22 months)
4. Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Helicopter Turbine) (22 months)
5. Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Avionics) (22 months)

The training programmes will encompass various aspects, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) for helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and avionics, as well as aerospace manufacturing focused on sheet metal, machining, and CNC processes. The aircrafts include commercial airlines, helicopters and defence jet for example Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, South Korea FA-50, and Sukhoi Su-30 MKM Flanker-H jets.

CENTEXS provides scholarship for Malaysian school leavers and university
graduates residing in Sarawak. Additionally, CENTEXS has expanded its offerings to include students from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Fund.

What should be further improved in Aerospace Academy to attract prospective student so that they are interested in furthering in this field considering that this industry is still new and job opportunities are low?

State-of-the-Art Facilities: CENTEXS Lundu provides learning facilities under the Aerospace Academy, including helicopters and other equipment. Over the longer term, the facilities being planned at CENTEXS Lundu, including hangars, simulators and practical training spaces, are crucial for attracting industry collaborations and providing a real-world training environment. Such investments demonstrate Sarawak’s long-term vision to become a prominent hub for aerospace training and development.

For now, classes will be held at CENTEXS Lundu, with trainees completing practical sessions at AIROD Subang, which has essential equipment like a runway (Aero Road for Landing and Take-off), hangars, and workshops for aircraft repair and hands-on mechanical training, including areas for engine, avionics, and other technical work. These facilities collectively ensure that the Aerospace academy provides a comprehensive environment for aviation/engineering training programmes.

Job Assurance: Sarawak is establishing itself in the high-value aerospace industry, creating job opportunities in technical, engineering, and academic fields that appeal to local talent and address global workforce shortages. To support this goal, CENTEXS is partnering with industry leaders like AIROD, who not only bring technology and expertise but also provide job opportunities for graduates, positioning Sarawak as a key player in aerospace training. CENTEXS is also engaging with AIRBUS and others. These aerospace programmes are anticipated to attract students locally and regionally, boosting the local economy and equipping youth for careers in aerospace and related technologies.

How can the government plan to sustain the Aerospace Academy’s initiatives, especially in terms of funding, given the state’s long-term vision of becoming a global aviation hub?

To sustain the Aerospace Academy’s initiatives and support Sarawak’s long-term vision of becoming a global aerospace hub, the Sarawak government could implement a multi-faceted funding strategy, combining public and private industry investment, strategic partnerships, and industry collaboration as follows:

1. Government Support in talent development, infrastructure and ecosystem support for high-value industries that shows a firm commitment to aerospace as a strategic sector, encouraging investor and partner confidence. Presenting the Aerospace Academy as part of Malaysia’s broader aerospace development agenda can attract federal funds, helping offset costs related to infrastructure, training, and R&D.
2. Private Investment and BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model: By creating a BOT framework, Sarawak could establish itself as a critical player in the global space sector, attracting top-tier international investors while fostering local technological expertise and economic growth. This could be a strategic move to attract investment, foster growth, and build long-term infrastructure.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Establishing PPPs can attract private-sector investment to complement public funding. By working with private partners in areas like simulator training facilities, certification programs, and research labs, the academy can share costs while benefiting from cutting-edge technologies and real-world expertise.
4. Revenue from Commercial Training: As Sarawak’s Aerospace Academy gains recognition, it could attract students from Southeast Asia and beyond, positioning itself as a regional centre for advanced aerospace training.