MAIA President's Dinner 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2026 – The Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) celebrated another milestone in the nation's aerospace journey at the MAIA President's Dinner 2026, held at M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur, bringing together 440 guests representing more than 100 organisations, including government agencies, foreign embassies, international affiliates, industry associations and leading aerospace companies.
The annual gathering was graced by YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), as Guest of Honour and served as a platform to celebrate industry achievements, strengthen partnerships and recognise outstanding contributions to Malaysia's growing aerospace ecosystem.
This year's dinner held special significance as MAIA also commemorated its 10th Anniversary with the official unveiling of its new corporate logo. The refreshed identity reflects the Association's evolution over the past decade and its continued commitment to advancing Malaysia as a globally competitive aerospace hub.
Malaysia's aerospace industry continues to record strong growth, underpinned by the long-term vision of the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 and the collective efforts of the Government, MAIA and industry stakeholders.
In his keynote address, YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin highlighted the industry's remarkable progress and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting the sector's continued expansion.
"Malaysia's aerospace sector reached an incredible milestone by making RM32.5 billion in annual revenue in 2025. This massive growth has successfully pushed Malaysia to become the second-largest aerospace hub in Southeast Asia."
He noted that the industry now employs 34,700 highly skilled Malaysians across more than 250 local and international companies, while Malaysia has established itself among the top three Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hubs in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by over 12,000 specialised workers. The sector also attracted RM993.1 million investment in 2025, reflecting continued confidence in Malaysia's capabilities and future potential.
The Deputy Minister also called on industry players to embrace closer collaboration through a "Brainport" approach inspired by the Netherlands, while urging companies to strengthen local supply chains, accelerate artificial intelligence adoption and seize opportunities in Malaysia's emerging Low-Altitude Economy.
In his welcome address, MAIA President, Naguib Mohd Nor said the industry is entering a defining period of transformation, requiring greater innovation, digitalisation and stronger collaboration across the aerospace ecosystem.
"Remaining competitive requires more than keeping pace—it requires transformation. We must continue embracing innovation, automation and digitalisation. We must build smarter factories, create more resilient supply chains, improve productivity and efficiency, and respond to increasing customer expectations for sustainability."
He added that Malaysia's aerospace industry is well positioned to capitalise on new opportunities under the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, while emphasising the importance of investing in talent development, sustainability, advanced manufacturing and future technologies. Naguib also highlighted MAIA's ongoing initiatives to strengthen industry capabilities through technology workshops, international trade missions, supply chain enhancement programmes and global engagement, including participation at major aerospace exhibitions and industry conferences.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the MAIA President's Awards 2026, recognising organisations and individuals whose leadership, innovation and commitment continue to elevate Malaysia's aerospace industry.
The recipients were:
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Aerospace Catalyst Award and Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Award – both awards won by CTRM Aero Composites Sdn Bhd
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Leadership Competencies and Development Award – ADE
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Aero Digital Excellence Award – GKN Aerospace
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Aerospace Premiership Award – Mahesh Kumar (ADE)
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Aerospace Phoenix Award – Ts Zaidatul Aini (UMW Aerospace)
Congratulating the award recipients, Naguib said the awards celebrate companies and individuals whose achievements exemplify the very best of Malaysia's aerospace sector.
"Your success demonstrates what is possible when ambition is matched by capability, innovation and collaboration."
As MAIA marks a decade of advancing Malaysia's aerospace industry, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government, academia and industry partners to strengthen national capabilities, expand global market access, accelerate technology adoption and develop future-ready talent.
The MAIA President's Dinner 2026 concluded with renewed optimism and a shared commitment among stakeholders to further position Malaysia as a leading aerospace nation and trusted global aerospace partner by 2030.