Sarawak set to play key role in Malaysia’s aerospace growth, says Naico

KUCHING (Nov 12): Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, received a courtesy call from a delegation of the National Aerospace Industry Corporation (Naico) Malaysia at Astana Negeri Sarawak yesterday.

The meeting, led by Naico Malaysia chief executive officer Professor Ts Dr Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah, aimed to brief Dr Wan Junaidi on the latest developments, strategic plans, and the development blueprint for Malaysia’s aerospace industry.

Dr Shamsul emphasised that Sarawak is poised to play a significant role in the industry’s growth, with i-CATS University College (i-CATS) acting as a key catalyst for aerospace development in Borneo.

“The aerospace industry is growing rapidly. The plans developed in Sarawak, especially through i-CATS, show that the state’s progress will have a substantial impact on Malaysia’s aerospace industry,” said Dr Shamsul in a statement issued by the Information Department.

He elaborated that i-CATS will serve as a central hub for aerospace knowledge and a think-tank, facilitating more structured and impactful planning for the sector.

“With the nucleus at i-CATS, we hope this industry will grow across various sub-sectors, including engineering and design, system integration, aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, flight operations, as well as aviation management activities,” he added.

The meeting underscored Naico Malaysia’s aspiration to systemically strengthen the country’s aerospace industry, which is expected to significantly contribute to Sarawak’s economic development.

Among those present were Naico Malaysia vice president of corporate services Mohd Sazali Mohamed Amin; i-CATS vice chancellor Professor Emeritus Datuk Ts Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi; i-CATS Faculty of Aerospace Engineering dean Professor Ir Dr Shuhaimi Mansor; and lecturers Dr Nurul Zubaidah Zaki and Abdul Qaiyum Alidin.