Centexs Lundu set to become centre of aviation studies

LUNDU: The Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) Lundu is poised to be a centre of aviation studies.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is in line with Sarawak’s plans to establish an aerospace faculty at i-CATS University College.

“We will train our children in Lundu. Centexs Lundu will become a training centre for the aviation industry.

“Not just to become pilots, but also to train those in aircraft maintenance, including managing crews and installing engines.”

He said this when officiating the 2024 Batang Kayan Festival and Regatta here at Lundu Waterfront on Friday (July 26).

Abang Johari added that there were also discussions with the Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia, Emir Salim Yuksel, on the opportunity to collaborate with Turkey in aviation and satellite technology.

“This is advanced knowledge. If we do this, we will be the first region in Malaysia to study aviation.

“So, this is related to education and we want to develop our state. In this matter, Lundu already has Centexs, making it a central location.

“Lundu is no longer far; it’s like Petra Jaya is to my village. Previously, Lundu was far, requiring a boat, taking hours to reach. Now, you can use a motorcycle. This means Lundu is not far, and there is access.

“With the educational centre here, many will come to Lundu, apart from the local villagers. More people will come, thus increasing the local economy.”

Abang Johari noted that the state is committed to provide free education to Sarawakians to study in state owned-universities by 2026.

Later when met by reporters, Abang Johari said the state is identifying specific industries that it is developing in Sarawak, one of which is aerospace.

“We already have a place to establish a training centre related to aerospace near Tanjung Bako. However, the theoretical training will be in Centexs Lundu. This is a collaboration between Centexs and the parties managing the aerospace discipline.

“This is an interim arrangement as we will be setting up an aerospace faculty at i-CATS University College. This is a new field of study that is also related to high-tech technology because we already have a chip design facility producing chips, and one of the new applications of these chips is in avionics.

“Avionics is related to the aviation sector, so this is the ecosystem we are developing. Centexs in Lundu has been identified as the training centre,” he said, while adding that the first intake will be looked into.

He added the aviation studies will not only be for Sarawakian students, but also for those who are studying related technologies.

“What we are producing includes aircraft components, such as avionics, wings, and fuselage components. This course will be held in Sarawak because we have the ecosystem for it,” he said.

He therefore urged the youth to take this opportunity as the state aims to launch the free education initiative by 2026.

“Our study on the cost implications to provide free opportunities is currently underway and will be completed soon,” said Abang Johari.