GE Aerospace boosts Malaysian training funding
GE Aerospace announced a $125,000 (MYR $513,212.5) commitment to Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT) in Selangor, Malaysia, to support a series of new initiatives designed to expand aviation education and workforce training across the country.
Through this commitment, GE Aerospace will fund programs developed by UniKL MIAT, under the team name FLYTE (Future Leaders in Youth Technical Empowerment), and its partners, including the Youth Aviation Club Malaysia (KRUM) and the Centre of Women Advancement and Leadership (CWAL). The initiatives will focus on inspiring interest in aviation among secondary students, bridging industry readiness gaps through technical skills, and advancing instructor excellence and leadership development.
“Malaysia has long been a regional leader in aviation education, and we are proud to work with UniKL MIAT and its partners to inspire, train, and develop the next generation of aviation technicians, engineers, and leaders,” said Kong Hon Leong, Managing Director and Executive Plant Leader, GE Aerospace Engine Services Malaysia. “Amid the evolving opportunities and challenges in today’s aviation landscape, it is critical for fresh graduates and professionals to continuously upskill and remain competitive. With this grant, we are committed to building a skilled aviation workforce ready to shape the future of flight.”
This investment builds on UniKL MIAT’s role as Malaysia’s premier aviation and aerospace training hub. For more than 25 years, the institute has been preparing students in Malaysia with hands-on experience in world-class facilities, amid robust global demand for talent in the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market.
“We are excited to partner with GE Aerospace to bring these initiatives to life,” said UniKL Deputy President (International, Industrial and Institutional Partnership) Prof. Ir. Dr. Azmi Hassan. “By strengthening pathways from early education through professional training and leadership, this program will not only empower students and instructors but also enhance Malaysia’s position in the global aerospace industry.”
The announcement builds on GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation’s ongoing commitments to workforce training, including recent plans to launch a multi-year, $30 million workforce skills training program. The GE Aerospace Foundation’s new flagship program aims to increase the number of highly skilled manufacturing workers, beginning in 2026. The program represents a commitment of $30 million over five years to local programs to purchase new equipment, help fund new instructing staff, expand curricula, and alleviate financial barriers to critical training opportunities.