KUCHING: Seven strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were inked at the launching of the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE) 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening Sarawak’s aerospace ecosystem.
Hosted by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak and organised by Borneo Business Connect Sdn Bhd, APACE 2026 brings together government, industry, academia and technology leaders to foster collaboration, talent development and innovation across the aerospace value chain.
Among the key MoUs signed involved MEITD Sarawak partnering with the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) to strengthen the state’s talent ecosystem.
The collaboration focuses on boosting graduate employability, expanding access to social protection via the MYFutureJobs portal, coordinating reskilling and upskilling programmes, and integrating talent data to create a unified labour market database for Sarawak.
i-CATS University College, Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) and Turkish Aerospace Malaysia (TUSAS) signed a collaboration to advance research and development in next-generation aerospace technologies, including unmanned systems, aerospace systems engineering and avionics, as well as talent localisation.
i-CATS University College also partnered with H2 Energy Sdn Bhd to support Sarawak’s hydrogen strategy in clean aviation, logistics and disaster resilience.
The collaboration will focus on deploying hydrogen-powered drones for rural logistics, emergency response, and delivery of critical items such as medicines, vaccines and essential supplies to remote areas.
Sarawak Skills signed two MoUs, one with Prima Tech Solution Sdn Bhd to deliver upskilling programmes, customised aviation courses, internships and employment pathways, and another with Borneo Aerospace Sdn Bhd to promote training in advanced and urban air mobility as well as autonomous aerial technologies.
This initiative also aims to establish a low-altitude aviation and UAV learning hub in Sarawak.
Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) partnered with EarthEye Space Technologies Pte. Ltd. to enhance the state’s capabilities in space-based remote sensing and Earth observation intelligence.
The collaboration will focus on synthetic aperture radar and optical satellite imagery processing, analytics and data extraction to support infrastructure planning, disaster management and environmental monitoring.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) joined forces with Tsinghua University and Asia Pacific Professional Development Sdn Bhd to deliver training, research and testbed initiatives across artificial intelligence, robotics, green mining and quarrying, and aerospace launch systems.
The partnership will provide structured pathways for CENTEXS graduates to advance to Tsinghua University programmes, while enabling technology transfer and certification.
APACE 2026, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from Jan 27-29, will continue to bring together regional and international stakeholders in aerospace manufacturing, aviation services, space technologies and talent development.
The exhibition is open to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore aerospace innovations, technologies and career pathways.
