Premier: Centexs Lundu set to become theoretical training centre for aviation industry

KUCHING (July 26): The Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) in Lundu is set to become a theoretical training centre for the aviation or aerospace industry, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to Abang Johari, this aligns with Sarawak’s efforts to develop the aerospace sector in the region.

“We already have a site for an aerospace training centre near Tanjong Bako, but the theoretical training will be conducted at Centexs Lundu as this is a collaboration between Centexs and those managing the aerospace discipline.

“This is an interim measure because we will open the aerospace faculty at i-CATS University College.

“This new programme is related to high-tech developments, including chip design for avionics used in aviation, forming part of the ecosystem we are building, so Centexs in Lundu has been identified as a training centre,” he told reporters when met after officiating at the Regatta and Pesta Batang Kayan 2024 at Lundu Waterfront in Lundu today.

Earlier in his officiating speech, Abang Johari noted that this initiative aligned with the discussion at his meeting with the Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia, Emir Salim Yuksel, earlier today.

The discussion with the ambassador included cooperation with Sarawak in the fields of aviation, aerospace and satellites.

“This is a high-tech field, and by implementing this initiative, we will be the first region in Malaysia to conduct aviation-related studies,” he said, adding that the initiative will also attract tourists to Lundu.

With Lundu now more accessible, he added, this will make Centexs easily reachable for everyone.

“With this educational or training centre here, more people will visit, not just from Lundu but from other places as well,” he said.

On a related matter, Abang Johari emphasised that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, under his leadership, remains committed to providing education for the state’s children to develop Sarawak’s human capital and to help families increase their household income, thereby lifting them out of poverty.

“That is why we aim to improve the lives of the people, whether in urban or rural areas, starting with the education of our children.

“If they are educated and their graduates earn a minimum salary of RM2,000 each, a family with two graduates will have RM4,000, helping them rise above the poverty line,” he explained.

Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Tanjong Dato assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan, Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang and Tupong assemblyman Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman.