MARKING a significant milestone, NAICO Malaysia today celebrated its 10-year anniversary, reflecting on a decade of relentless pursuit in advancing Malaysia’s aerospace industry.
Speaking at the event held at MATRADE Tower, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz highlighted the industry’s remarkable journey from vision to reality.
"Today, we celebrate 10 years of NAICO Malaysia. A decade of relentless pursuit, a decade of building dreams into reality, a decade of putting Malaysia firmly on the global aerospace map," he declared.
Recalling the launch of the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, he noted, "That vision is not only alive and breathing but has also taken flight."
The minister emphasised the strength of Malaysia’s strategic planning in aerospace, pointing out the launch of the MAIB 2030 in 2015 and the industrial reform agenda via the National Industry Master Plan 2030 two years ago.
These clear policies have attracted significant investment, reinforcing the sector’s credibility and growth. Tengku Zafrul stated, "The MAIB 2030 specifically targets to achieve self-reliance and larger market dominance in aerospace component manufacturing as well as MRO excellence within the region and globally."
The aerospace industry’s financial and workforce achievements were underscored with the announcement that in 2024, revenue reached RM25.1 billion, the highest in a decade, supporting 30,000 skilled workers within the aerospace ecosystem.
Highlighting recent investments, the minister referenced Airbus and Boeing’s expanded footprint, CTRM’s leadership in composite manufacturing, China’s HS Aerosystems, and NAFCO’s US\$40 million facility in Seremban.
These developments, he said, reflect "the confidence of both foreign and domestic investors in Malaysia’s growing capabilities as a hub for advanced, high-value aerospace manufacturing in Asia-Pacific."
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) has also flourished, with new facilities such as Asia Digital Engineering’s 14-bay hangar at KLIA Aeropolis, Singapore Airlines Engineering Company’s state-of-the-art hangar, Airfoil Services Sdn Bhd’s Rolls-Royce turbine blade repair centre, Aircraft Propeller Service’s specialised MRO facility in Shah Alam, and GE Aerospace’s expansion at Subang.
Tengku Zafrul emphasised that Malaysia’s progress extends beyond manufacturing and MRO, touching "advanced engineering design and research."
He described these milestones as "a testament to our facilitation of investments, the capability of our people, and the resilience of our ecosystem."
Looking ahead, the minister urged the industry to embrace innovation as the driving force of future success.
"The winds of change are blowing, and we must rise to turn them into tailwinds to propel our industry forward. The future of aerospace lies in innovation — in daring to imagine and in daring to do," he said.
He highlighted the Aerospace Technology Innovation Report (ATIR) 2025/2026, developed by MIGHT and supported by NAICO Malaysia, MAIA, and AMIC, which identifies automation, robotics, advanced materials, sustainability, and digitalisation as core engines of growth.
The MyAERO Centre of Excellence, he explained, "serves as the crucible of aerospace excellence, a national proving ground," where government, industry, and academia unite to develop the next generation of aerospace professionals.
Tengku Zafrul also pointed to Malaysia’s semiconductor sector as a strategic advantage, enabling convergence with aerospace technologies.
He described aerospace as a true High-Growth, High-Value industry, stating, "It is no longer about aircraft alone; it is about embracing specific technologies to shape and define next gen aviation."
To support ongoing development, flagship initiatives such as the Program Iltizam Usaha Insan and supply chain development programs are underway.
These are designed not only to maintain Malaysia’s competitiveness but also to position the country as a proactive contributor to global aerospace advancement.
In preparation for future growth and greater collaboration, Tengku Zafrul welcomed the announcement of the MyAERO Summit’s return in June 2026, to be held on a larger scale.
"It will serve as an important international annual Gateway to Aerospace Technology, Business and Talent Networks — one that unites regional stakeholders," he said, underscoring its role in engaging SMEs and the general public to attract STEM talent and enhance B2B engagement.
The minister reflected on the decade past and the opportunities ahead: "The first 10 years of NAICO Malaysia have been about taxiing, and taking off. We are already airborne, and the flight plan is clear."
He called on all stakeholders to aim higher and lead the sector: "Let us not settle for being followers. Let us claim our place as a leader in this space. Let us continue proving to the world that Malaysia is the preferred destination for aerospace investment."
He ended with a congratulatory note: "To everyone in NAICO and the Malaysian aerospace industry, congratulations on your remarkable first decade! Together, may our next decade see Malaysia’s aerospace industry soar higher and stronger than ever before." - September 11, 2025
