KUCHING: Growing female participation in technical aviation training is emerging as a notable trend at the Centre for Technical Excellence (CENTEXS), particularly in machining and CNC programmes.
Acting Senior Instructor for Aerospace, Digital and Green Energy Academy at CENTEXS, Shiraz Yazmine Khir, said women are increasingly enrolling in hands-on technical programmes that were traditionally dominated by men.
“For the machining and CNC programmes, we see many women handling the machines and building aircraft components,” she said during a sharing session held in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Shiraz acknowledged that while technical roles in aerospace maintenance and manufacturing are often perceived as physically demanding, women trainees have demonstrated strong capability and interest in the field.
She added that industry perceptions remain a challenge, as some employers are still hesitant to recruit women for technical roles due to concerns over physical demands.
“Men are usually accepted without question, but there is still some hesitation when it comes to recruiting women, even though they are capable of doing the job,” she reiterated.
Despite this, Shiraz said CENTEXS continues to encourage female participation by providing industry-based, hands-on training that prepares graduates for real working environments.
She said the aerospace programmes at CENTEXS were developed in line with Sarawak’s ambition to become an aviation hub by 2030, as outlined by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, with a focus on developing a skilled and inclusive workforce.
CENTEXS’ Aerospace Academy, based in Lundu, offers six aerospace-related programmes, comprising three in manufacturing and three in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), all developed in collaboration with industry partners.
As part of its training facilities, two aircraft loaned by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) are stationed at CENTEXS Lundu, and are used for both display and training purposes, providing students with early exposure to real aircraft.
Shiraz said students who successfully complete the programmes receive industry certification alongside Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) qualifications, with clear career pathways from technician to aircraft engineer.
She added that CENTEXS guarantees job placement for students who are competent and pass the programme, with industry partners observing trainees throughout their studies and offering employment upon completion.
“By opening more opportunities for women in machining and aerospace manufacturing, we are not only addressing industry needs but also expanding career pathways for Sarawakian women in technical fields,” she stressed.
She added that theory classes are conducted at CENTEXS Lundu, while hands-on training takes place in Subang, Selangor, where students work in real hangars using actual aircraft, with accommodation, meals and transportation provided.
The sharing session is part of the ongoing APACE 2026 from January 27 to 29.
