By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 28: Sarawak is exploring the development of an Aerospace Industrial Park to position itself as a key hub for high-value aerospace component production and research.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the initiative aims to attract investments, drive industry collaboration, and reinforce Sarawak’s role in Asean’s rapidly expanding aerospace sector.
Recognising the sector’s strong growth across the region, Abang Johari g underscored the Sarawak’s readiness to be a key hub in this high-growth industry, capitalising on its strategic location and commitment to high-tech innovation.
“Our plans to develop an aerospace manufacturing and maintenance ecosystem are attracting investments in high-value aerospace components, aircraft maintenance, and research in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF),” he said in his keynote address at the Asean Sarawak Business and Economic Forum 2025 held at a hotel here today.
A key element of this initiative, he shared, is the establishment of the Aerospace Academy at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) in Lundu.
The academy will equip Sarawak’s workforce with expertise in aerospace engineering, drone technology, and satellite manufacturing, preparing them for the industry’s future demands.
Sarawak’s ambitions align with Malaysia’s plans to establish the nation’s first satellite launch site, leveraging the State’s geographical advantages.
The Lundu-Sematan region has been identified as the ideal location due to its vast land area, long one-directional coastline, expansive forests and seas, and Malaysia’s longest river—all crucial factors for satellite launches near the equator.
Abang Johari also highlighted the upcoming launch of AirBorneo, a Sarawak-based airline set to revolutionise Asean’s air connectivity.
“As a Sarawak-based airline, AirBorneo will strengthen regional routes, expand international accessibility, and foster new opportunities in tourism, trade, and logistics. Sarawak is no longer just part of the Asean airspace – we are shaping it,” he affirmed.
He noted that Sarawak’s recent acquisition of MASwings from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which will be rebranded as AirBorneo, comes at a crucial time.
“The move is expected to enhance Sarawak’s tourism sector—particularly medical tourism—and bolster economic ties with Asean partners by improving regional air connectivity,” he added.
The Asean Sarawak Business and Economic Forum 2025 drew over 200 business leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders from across Asean.
Notable attendees included Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific president and Asean Economic Club (AEC) chairman Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, and Asean Business Club (ABC) president and Institute for Capital Market Research Malaysia (ICMR) chairman Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid.
Under the theme “Collaborative Growth in Asean’s Evolving Economic Landscape”, the forum spotlighted Sarawak’s strategic role in fostering regional cooperation and sustainable growth, particularly within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). — DayakDaily
