MELAKA: Four youths from underprivileged families have taken the first step towards becoming commercial pilots, turning what was once an impossible dream into reality through a fully sponsored cadet pilot programme.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the milestone marked the fulfilment of the state government's aspiration to help local youths with a passion for aviation pursue careers that would otherwise remain beyond their financial reach.
"I never expected to be instrumental in unlocking the potential of young people who are passionate about aviation but whose parents could not afford the high cost of pilot training.
"This achievement would not have been possible without the confidence the private sector has placed in the state government," he said after officiating the orientation ceremony for the cadet pilot programme at the International Aero Training Academy (IATAC) in Batu Berendam here on Thursday (July 30).
Ab Rauf said IATAC had committed to fully sponsoring 20 youths from B40 families in the state, describing the initiative as more than just a sponsorship programme.
"When IATAC informed me of its commitment to sponsor the training of youths from underprivileged families, I saw it as a strategic investment to uncover talent, nurture potential and open doors to careers in the aviation industry for young people.
"I believe talent and ambition should never be limited by financial constraints and when given the right opportunity, they too can go far and achieve remarkable success," he said.
The pioneer intake comprises V. Suria, 24, Muhammad Afiq Danish, 19, Hadif Mirza, and Abigail Low Enqin, both 18, who will be the first to undergo the academy's sponsored cadet pilot programme.
Addressing the four cadets, Ab Rauf reminded them that the opportunity represented not only the state's confidence in their abilities but also the sacrifices made by their parents.
"I want all four of you to remember that this is a gift from your parents, who have always wanted to fulfil your dream of sitting behind the cockpit.
"This initiative is part of the "Melaka Sayang Rakyat" (MeSRa) agenda, through which the state government remains committed to creating opportunities for local youths," he said.
Urging the cadets to remain steadfast throughout their training, Ab Rauf reminded them that the road ahead would demand resilience, discipline and perseverance.
"Today is not merely the beginning of your training to become pilots.
"It marks the beginning of a responsibility to honour your families' dreams, repay the trust placed in you and prove that the children of Melaka are capable of competing and succeeding on the global stage.
Ab Rauf said the remaining 16 sponsored places would be opened to eligible youths through a selection process next year.
He said developing human capital remained one of the state's key priorities, with more than RM196mil channelled towards school development, educational assistance and human capital initiatives that have benefited over 140,000 Melakans.
"We want every local youth, regardless of family background or financial circumstances, to be given equal opportunities to develop their talents, pursue higher education and build a brighter future," he said.
Ab Rauf added that another private higher education institution had recently proposed sponsoring nursing studies for 30 youths, reflecting growing confidence among industry players in collaborating with the state government.
"Such confidence does not come overnight. It is built on strong foundations, careful planning, clear policies and the state's consistent efforts.
"We want to unite the strengths of the government, educational institutions and industry so that more opportunities can be created," he added.
