Premier launches aerospace academy at Centexs

LUNDU: The Aerospace Academy located at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) here was officially launched on today (Oct 8).

Prior to its official launch, the academy was known as the Aviation Academy, with the name change later suggested by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In his speech, Abang Johari said the aerospace industry is important and thus required the younger generation of today to have the skills and knowledge to propel this sophisticated industry forward.

“Against that background, I suggest that we change this academy’s name because aviation only covers the area of flights.

“Therefore, if possible, I would like to propose that we rename it (the academy) to Aerospace Academy,” he said during the launching here on today (Oct 8).

Abang Johari gives his thumbs up as he poses for photograph inside Nuri helicopter. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre) cuts the ribbon to officiates Aviation Academy while other digniaries look on at Centex Lundu campus. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

Abang Johari signs on a plaque to mark the opening of Aviation Academy in Centexs Lundu campus. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

Abang Johari said in line with the launching of the academy, the state will collaborate with higher learning institutions and their partners abroad.

“I understand that in terms of technology, particularly in defence, Turkey is very strong in this area. Their expertise is in engineering, especially for defence equipment including fighter jets,” he said.

The Premier said in the areas of aviation, the state will work with Airbus or Boeing through the Aircraft Inspection, Repair, and Overhaul Depot (AIROD).

“Thirdly, hopefully one day, we will have our own satellite in orbit, a Sarawak-owned satellite in orbit, and this is for economic purposes, not military,” he said.

He said having just one satellite would not be enough and that the state would need at least four to six satellites to gather and analyse the data and have better management on resources in the state.

Meanwhile, Sarawak aims to become a global aviation hub and is working towards establishing its own airline to serve regional routes.

Abang Johari and others take a close look at the helicopter’s turbine engine. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

Abang Johari and others take a close look at the helicopter’s turbine engine. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

Abang Johari (third left) and others being explained on aerospace sheet metal part. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

Abang Johari (centre) and others watching Aviation Design Centre (ADC) instructor Malek Samad brief the student on sheet metal part for aerospace. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

In line with this goal, Centexs said its centre in Lundu positions itself as the Aviation Academy Centre, serving as a catalyst for various aerospace and aviation-related activities and programmes, including aviation studies, to offer comprehensive aviation education and training.

Centexs will be collaborating with AIROD, Aviation Design Centre (ADC), and i-Cats (i-Cats University College), and this programme is expected to attract students from across the region, thereby boosting the local economy and preparing youth for careers in aviation and related technologies.

It also mentioned that the training programme will cover various aspects, including Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) for helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, avionics, and aerospace manufacturing focused on metalworking, machining, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) processes, and will cover commercial airlines, helicopters, and defence jets.

Abang Johari delivers his speech. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

Abang Johari (third right) launch the Centexs Aerospace Academy while other dignitaries look on. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

Overall, the Aerospace Academy offers six certification programmes including Certification in Aerospace Sheet Metal, Certification in Aerospace Machining Operations and Certification in CNC Machining.

Additionally, it offers Certification in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Aircraft Turbine), Certification in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Helicopter Turbine), and Certification in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Avionics).

During the event, Abang Johari also witness the signing of Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) between Centexs, Aviation Design Centre (ADC) and i-CATS and followed by a signing of a smart collaboration agreement between HRD Corp, Centexs, and Centexs Commercial.