Dr Wee: M’sia keen to cooperate with China on aerospace tech

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is keen to expand its cooperation with China in the field of aerospace technology, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said he has received an invitation by China Great Wall Industry Corporation to visit the company’s factory in Beijing for a discussion on enhancing the two countries' cooperation in the development of aerospace technology.

“On Tuesday (April 5), I received a courtesy call from a delegation led by Yang Yunli, Vice President of China Great Wall Industry Corporation, at my office in Putrajaya. We had an extensive discussion on aerospace technology.

“China Great Wall Industry Corporation is a professional company authorised by the Chinese government to mainly engage in international cooperation in the field of aerospace.

“The parent company, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, also undertakes major aerospace projects such as China's spacecraft, space station, lunar exploration, and Mars exploration.

“China Great Wall Industry Corporation also invited me today to visit the company's factory in Beijing, China, to strengthen and enhance the exchange and cooperation of aerospace technology between Malaysia and China, and continue to discuss the future development of aerospace technology,” said Dr Wee on Facebook on Tuesday (April 5).

Dr Wee said he and the delegation also had an in-depth discussion on the development trend of drone technology and global satellite navigation systems.

“Since our country’s drone industry is still in its infancy stage, we have a lot to learn from China on its drone usage, regulations and safety aspects so that they can be used more widely and comprehensively in our country.

“Drones will play a more important role in the future, especially in the agricultural industry of our country,” said Dr Wee.

Dr Wee said Malaysia also could learn much from China on its global satellite navigation system technology, which he described as “second to none”.

“Now the global satellite navigation system has moved towards a more accurate, more functional, smarter and more reliable construction and development.

“The global satellite navigation system is also conducive in supervising and monitoring sea, land and air traffic while effectively managing traffic safety and transportation,” he said.

Also present at the meeting were Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Captain Chester Voo, China Great Wall Industry Corporation Asia Pacific Manager Yu Yang, China Great Wall Industry Corporation Director of Arms Division Jiang Da Wei and its Malaysian coordinator Stella Tan.