LUNDU: The Sarawak government is preparing to develop the aerospace industry in the state by launching an Aerospace Academy at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Lundu.

The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said he also suggested that the Aviation Academy of CENTEXS be rebranded as an Aerospace Academy.

According to him, the rebranding is appropriate since the academy not only focuses on the aviation industry but also covers the study of space.

"This industry is constantly changing and Sarawakians need to be trained through changes in technology (in the aerospace industry).

"That's why we have iCATS (for Bachelor's Degree) first as a foundation, then to CENTEXS for training. 

"Then, it can help the industry to grow," he said.

He said this in a press conference after the Launching Ceremony of the Aerospace Academy at CENTEXS Lundu here on Tuesday.

The Sarawak Premier explained that this industry is also one of the core pillars for the development of data centres through satellites that will capture and store the data required for economic planning in Sarawak.

Commenting on the aerospace industry, he is very confident in its development in Sarawak due to the government's direction in the industry.
    
"We in the government already have a direction to develop this industry and that is why we are asking CENTEXS together with other institutions of higher learning (IPTs) to establish training centres.

"We will work with Aircraft Inspection, Repair & Overhaul Depot Sdn Bhd (AIROD) and Aviation Design Centre (ADC) where they will relocate their training facilities here, in addition to forming partnerships with airlines such as Airbus and others," he noted.

The training programme will cover various aspects including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and avionics as well as aerospace manufacturing focused on metal fabrication, machining and CNC processes.

It is understood that 200 students have been accepted into the training programme at CENTEXS.

Also present were Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Sarawak Minsiter for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Tanjung Datu Assemblyman, Azizul Annuar Adenan, Opar Assemblyman, Billy Sujang, CENTEXS Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense, Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews