SELANGOR’S aerospace industry is expected to strengthen the state’s position in the global supply chain while improving local workforce skills and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies such as automation, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT).
National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia chief executive officer (CEO) Prof Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah said the state held a strategic advantage through its two main aerospace hubs in Subang and Sepang, which house aircraft component manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul activities, as well as technical training.
These capabilities position Selangor as a key player in supporting the global aviation industry supply chain, including for leading aircraft manufacturers worldwide.
He added that the experience during the Covid-19 pandemic opened the eyes of many, particularly in the aviation industry, to the need to reduce dependency on foreign labour.
“Although aerospace activities exist across several states, Selangor remains the most important area in the development of this industry ecosystem, and during the pandemic, the temporary closure of aerospace operations had a major impact on the country,” he told Bernama.
“The experience prompted the government and industry players to accelerate the adoption of new technologies to meet the needs of a workforce that is not only technically skilled, but also capable of operating and programming intelligent systems.”
Invest Selangor CEO Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris previously said aerospace activities remained major contributors to investment inflows.
Thus, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari aimed to increase aerospace economic activity in Selangor from 68% to over 75% by 2030, with Selangor Aero Park attracting global players in the aviation supply chain.
Prof Shamsul said the aerospace industry had significant long-term investment potential in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the 2030 New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030), which emphasised the development of a highly skilled workforce.
Continued investment in the sector also brings positive spin-offs to supporting industries such as precision engineering, avionics and data analytics.
“Investment and focus on the aerospace sector are expected to enhance understanding among local workers and grow opportunities for the development of a high-skilled workforce.”
Malaysia Institute of Transport director at Universiti Teknologi Mara Assoc Prof Dr Wan Mazlina Wan Mohamed said Selangor was at a strong readiness level to emerge as the nation’s aerospace hub due to the availability of expert personnel.
She said careful planning and comprehensive training could produce more highly skilled workers to manage industry activities, thereby strengthening professional career pathways in the sector.
