KUCHING: The Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference & Exhibition (APACE) 2026 serves as a strategic platform to strengthen Sarawak’s aerospace industry ecosystem, particularly in local talent development, aircraft maintenance, and aerospace manufacturing.
Beyond industry growth, the event also plays an important role in nurturing future talent by opening doors for students and young Sarawakians to explore high-value, future-ready education and career pathways in the aerospace sector.
The Sarawak Centre of Technological Excellence (CENTEXS) Lundu campus is among the institutions participating as an exhibitor at the prestigious event to promote six specialised programmes related to aerospace maintenance and manufacturing engineering, offered exclusively under CENTEXS.
CENTEXS Executive, Partnership Management Business Development, Nor Affiezah Menjeri, said participation in APACE 2026 aims to provide early exposure to school students and the general public about education and career opportunities in the aerospace industry, which is considered a future-oriented sector.
“At CENTEXS Lundu, we offer six programmes related to aerospace maintenance and manufacturing engineering.
“In line with the government’s Free Higher Education Scheme, all programmes offered are completely free of any enrolment fees,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
She added that the entry requirements are minimal, only requiring a pass in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination in Mathematics, English and Science, thus providing broad opportunities for school leavers to join the aerospace field.
“Three main engineering programmes are offered over a 22-month study period, covering helicopter turbine engineering, aircraft turbine engineering, and avionics, while the manufacturing programmes emphasise high-tech technical skills.
“These programmes are not only suitable for school leavers but can also serve as additional skills for those seeking to improve their employability in the industry,” she added.
Meanwhile, Senior Associate of the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA), Muhaimin Yusof, said the organisation fully supports Sarawak’s initiative to explore and develop the aerospace industry by offering expertise to build industry capability in the state.
According to him, the aerospace industry adheres to the highest safety and quality standards, making the skills and certifications obtained applicable to other sectors such as oil and gas, automotive, and electrical and electronics industries.
“Investing in aerospace is a worthwhile long-term investment. The skills gained can be applied across multiple industries,” he said.
He added that the increased production and expansion of aircraft in the Asian region have created high demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services and aerospace component manufacturing.
“With its large land area and strategic location, Sarawak has an economic advantage to attract aerospace investment.
“Malaysia, in turn, is recognised as a country with competitive costs and trusted quality,” he added.
Commenting on the importance of APACE 2026, Muhaimin said state government support is crucial to accelerate industry growth, as the aerospace sector typically requires five to six years to achieve a return on investment.
At the same time, Training Director of APR Aviation Training Centre, Amiranorkisza Amirudin, said the aviation and aerospace industry will require technicians and engineers over the next 10 years, but that Malaysia’s current training capacity is still insufficient.
She said that APR Aviation Training Centre is an institution recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and provides training for engineers, aircraft technicians, as well as in composite and aircraft painting fields.
“Currently, Sarawak does not have a flight school like this. We hope more Sarawak youth can be given the opportunity and exposure to enter this field, especially with the development of AirBorneo,” she said.
She also suggested that future APACE events be expanded to include education and consumer-oriented programmes to attract students and the public to the aerospace industry.
