PUTRAJAYA: Rapid growth in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, along with increased investment in the business aviation sector, is expected to drive demand for skilled workers, says the Transport Minister.
Anthony Loke said armed forces veterans were seen as among the best suited to meet industry needs, adding that Malaysia was attracting growing investment in the sector mainly in Subang, which is emerging as a regional hub for MRO and business aviation.
“The more aircraft we have, the more MRO is needed and the more technicians are required. We are also attracting significant investment in private jets and business aviation.
“Many foreign companies are investing in Subang and setting up their MRO facilities there,” he told reporters after attending an event on strategic collaboration between the Transport and Defence ministries for the empowerment of TVET among armed forces personnel yesterday, Bernama reported.
Loke said Malaysia held a competitive edge in operating costs, as well as existing infrastructure, enabling it to position itself as an MRO hub not only for the domestic market but also for Asean and the wider region.
He said the inflow of new investments will increase demand for highly skilled workers, while armed forces retirees possess technical experience and competencies that can be readily utilised.
“The fastest group that can meet this demand is military retirees because they already have the necessary skill sets. They only require minimal additional training before they can be absorbed into the industry.”
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said about 5,000 armed forces personnel retired each year, with more than 4,000 aged 39 and above and still in their productive years.
He said transition programmes managed by the Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Corporation were being restructured to better meet industry needs and improve employment opportunities for future retirees.
He said personnel undergoing pre-retirement transition continued to receive government salaries, as it was part of their service.
