By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 26: The Centre For Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) in Lundu is set to become a hub for aviation studies, furthering the State’s commitment to advancing educational opportunities in high-tech industries.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that this initiative is part of a broader effort to establish an aerospace faculty at i-Cats University College (i-Cats).
“I have decided that Centexs Lundu will become a centre for aviation studies because we will establish an aerospace faculty at i-Cats and place our children to train in Centexs Lundu as a training centre in the aviation industry,” he said.
Abang Johari made these remarks during his speech prior to inaugurating the 2024 Lundu Regatta and Batang Kayan Festival, which took place today at the Lundu Waterfront in Lundu.
“Centexs Lundu will not only train pilots but also provide comprehensive education on managing various aspects of aviation operations, including the maintenance and management of aircraft and balloons.
“This initiative will ensure that our youth are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the aviation industry,” he noted.
Furthermore, the Premier discussed the State’s vision for economic growth and development strategy, mentioning potential collaboration with the Republic of Turkiye in aviation, including satellite technology.
“Earlier today, I had a fruitful meeting with the Turkish Ambassador. We explored opportunities for collaboration in the field of aviation and satellite technology. Turkiye’s expertise in these areas will be invaluable as we build our capabilities,” he added.
Abang Johari further remarked that the initiative is also expected to attract students and professionals to Lundu, fostering economic growth in the region.
Meanwhile, during a doorstop interview with reporters, the Premier stated that the State is identifying specific industries to develop in Sarawak, one of which is aerospace.
“We already have a place to establish a training centre related to aerospace near Tanjung Bako. However, theoretical training will be conducted in Centexs Lundu. This is a collaboration between Centexs and the parties in charge of the aerospace discipline.
“This is an interim arrangement because we will be establishing an aerospace faculty at i-Cats. This is a new field of study that is also related to high-tech technology because we already have a chip design facility that manufactures chips, and one of the new applications for these chips is avionics.
“Because avionics is associated with the aviation industry, we are developing this ecosystem. Centexs in Lundu has been chosen as the training centre,” he said, adding that the first intake will be reviewed.
In addition, Abang Johari noted that the aviation studies would be open not only to Sarawakian students, but also to those studying related technologies.
“What we are producing includes aircraft components, such as avionics, wings, and fuselage components. This course will be held in Sarawak because we have the ecosystem for it,” he said.
The Premier emphasised the importance of this development for Sarawak’s youth, particularly in providing tuition-free education in relevant fields by 2026.
“Our study on the cost implications to provide free opportunities is currently underway and will be completed soon,” he added.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including federal Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM), Santubong Member of Parliament (MP), and advisor of 2024 Lundu Regatta and Batang Kayan Festival, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Tanjong Datu assemblyman and patron of 2024 Lundu Regatta and Batang Kayan Festival, Azizul Annuar Adenan, Opar assemblyman and patron of 2024 Lundu Regatta and Batang Kayan Festival, Billy Sujang, chief political secretary to the Premier and Tupong assemblyman, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, and Lundu District officer and chairman of 2024 Lundu Regatta and Batang Kayan Festival, Awang Yusup Awang Mostapha. — DayakDaily
