By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Sept 12 — Selangor is rapidly emerging as a leading hub for aerospace in Southeast Asia, said state executive councillor for trade, investment, and mobility Ng Sze Han at the launch of the Selangor Aviation Show (SAS) 2024.
To ensure this goal is achieved, the state is striving to attract significant investments, foster innovation, and cultivate local expertise.
“These initiatives are essential in driving economic growth and creating high-income job opportunities for the people of Selangor,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the annual airshow at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre (RAC) in Bukit Jelutong, here today.
Also in attendance were Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, Selangor state secretary Dato’ Haris Kasim, Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) chief executive officer Saipolyazan M. Yusop, and Invest Selangor Bhd (Invest Selangor) chief executive officer Dato’ Hasan Azhari Idris.
Citing the RM55.3 billion in investments last year, Ng noted that a large portion of the amount can be attributed to the booming aerospace sector.
“With 67 per cent of Malaysia’s aerospace economy based here, Selangor stands at the forefront of this growth.
“We provide a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem and facilitate ease of doing business for our investors,” he said.
Ng stated that the state government is working on several strategic projects, including expanding aerospace activities for prominent companies like Dassault Aviation, Collins Aerospace, Smartlink Engineering, Singapore Airlines Engineering, and Malaysia Airlines Engineering.
These developments highlight the strength of Selangor’s aerospace ecosystem and the state government’s commitment to future growth.
Ng said Selangor is focusing on initiatives like the Selangor Aero Park and the Selangor Aerospace Apprenticeship Programme (SAAP) to cultivate young talent and support the industry’s expansion to meet the demand for 32,000 skilled workers by 2030.
“To retain and develop skilled talent, we will work closely with aerospace companies on high-impact projects and provide training programmes and financial incentives through SAAP.
“These efforts aim to reverse brain drain, encourage skilled professionals abroad to return home and contribute to our lovely country, especially in the aerospace industry,” he said.
Selangor is also collaborating with the Federal government and agencies like the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), the National Aerospace Industry Corporation (Naico), and Invest Selangor Bhd to offer incentive packages to attract investments in advanced aerospace technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, next-generation aircraft design, and green aviation solutions.
This year’s edition of the SAS is expected to welcome 25,000 visitors from over 45 countries, showcasing 50 aircraft types on static display, including standout models like the Diamond aircraft, Falcon 8X, and Piaggio Avanti.
It is also projecting RM1.3 billion in potential transaction value.
