KUCHING: The international achievements of Sarawakian aerospace and technology leader Abdul Qaiyum Alidin continue to strengthen the state’s aspirations to emerge as a regional aerospace and space economy hub.
The deputy dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at i-CATS University College has recently received three international recognitions for his contributions to innovation development, aerospace technology, and the building of high-impact engineering and talent ecosystems.
The first recognition was received in December 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where Abdul Qaiyum was awarded the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award at the Founders 2.0 Conference, recognising his outstanding entrepreneurial achievements and ability to inspire innovation across aerospace, green technology, and digital transformation.
This was followed by two further recognitions in Bali, Indonesia and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he received the Asia Most Innovative Award 2026 and the Global Excellence & Leadership Award 2026 respectively.
The awards recognised his professional contributions, innovation leadership, and active role in developing technology capability and talent, particularly at the Asian and international levels.
The Global Excellence & Leadership Award 2026, conferred under the category Visionary Leader in Aerospace & Sustainable Innovation, was presented by Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, president of the University of Dubai and a respected international leader in engineering, technology and innovation, in recognition of Abdul Qaiyum’s visionary leadership and long-term contributions to aerospace and sustainable innovation.
Abdul Qaiyum said the achievements should not be seen as personal success alone, but as a reflection of Sarawak’s growing progress in science, technology and aerospace, driven by policies that emphasise innovation, talent development and strategic collaboration between government, industry and educational institutions.
“This recognition reflects the ecosystem being built in Sarawak — one that supports knowledge, encourages the courage to innovate, and enables local talent to compete at the global level,” he said.
Abdul Qaiyum is actively involved in the development of Sarawak’s aerospace initiatives, including aerospace engineering talent programmes, satellite technology research, unmanned systems, and space technology applications for public services, security, energy and sustainability.
The recognition also coincides with the organisation of the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference & Exhibition (APACE) 2026 in Kuching.
The three-day APACE 2026, which began today at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), is organised by the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), with i-CATS University College as a strategic partner.
APACE 2026 brings bring together policymakers, aerospace agencies, industry players, researchers and innovators from across Asean and the Asia-Pacific, focusing on aerospace development, space technology, sustainable aviation and regional cooperation.
Abdul Qaiyum is also scheduled to speak at the forum ‘Strength Through Collaboration: Building a Connected Asean Space Ecosystem’, which will explore the role of regional cooperation in building a resilient and competitive Asean space ecosystem.
He said Sarawak is well positioned to serve as a bridge between policy, industry and academia in the emerging space economy, leveraging its geographical advantages, policy stability and strong focus on human capital development.
The hosting of APACE 2026, together with the international recognition received by local talent, is widely seen as a clear indication that Sarawak is steadily advancing in high-technology sectors, in line with the state’s long-term development aspirations.
