LANGKAWI, May 31 (Bernama) -- The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) served as a platform to foster growth and development in Malaysia’s Aerospace and Shipbuilding & Ship Repair (SBSR) industries. The event brought together key industry players, distinguished speakers, and innovative companies to discuss the latest policies, advancements, and facilities in these thriving sectors, which significantly contribute to the nation's economic growth.

The Aerospace Industry Seminar, officiated by Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of MIDA, was a collective collaboration between MIDA, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), National Aerospace Industry Coordinating Office (NAICO) and Malaysia Aerosapce Industry Association (MAIA) took center stage and featured captivating presentations by industry giants, including Spirit AeroSystems Malaysia, UMW Aerospace, Safran Landing Systems, Asia Digital Engineering, Matcor Technology Services Pte Ltd, and SIRIM Berhad.

"The Aerospace Industry Seminar provided a platform to showcase Malaysia's remarkable achievements in the aerospace sector," stated Datuk Wira Arham. "Over the course of nearly four decades, from 1985 to 2022, Malaysia has approved a total of 131 projects in the aerospace industry, attracting investments worth RM16.7 billion. This remarkable track record highlights Malaysia's success in attracting significant investments and fostering continuous growth in the aerospace sector."

Speaking at the seminar, Datuk Zulkarnain Mohamed, Senior Director and General Manager for Spirit AeroSystems Malaysia, stated, "With the current recovery of the global aerospace industry, Spirit AeroSystems is looking to secure and expand its supply chain in this region and in Malaysia. A robust ecosystem will ensure the industry recovery is sustainable and further growth is protected. Developing qualified and competitive suppliers in Malaysia is in line with objectives set in the Malaysian Aerospace Blueprint 2015-2030 and also the Twelfth Malaysia Plan. Spirit AeroSystems Malaysia is supporting those initiatives and has been actively involved in promoting Aerospace industry growth in Malaysia."

Dato Abdul Rashid Musa, President of the Aerospace Division at UMW Group, shared his thoughts, stating, "UMW Aerospace's commitment to quality and excellence has led to various recognitions in recent years. Being inducted as 2021 Cohort of Rolls-Royce's High Performing Supplier Group ('HPSG') and maintained its position in 2022 and 2023 is a testament to our dedication and hard work to deliver high-quality products and services to Rolls Royce since 2015. We further added the Supplier Best Practice Award to the list, which recognises suppliers with exceptional qualities, including a focus on continuous improvement in operations and cost optimisation as well as our manufacturing commitment towards zero defects." He further acknowledged UMW Aerospace's dedication to sustainable practices, including the adoption of renewable energy and water conservation measures, leading to the company's membership in Rolls-Royce's Sustainability Working Group.

Noteworthy Tier-1 local players like UMW Aerospace, SME Aerospace, and CTRM Aero Composite have solidified their positions in the global supply chain ecosystem, showcasing Malaysia's aerospace industry strength. These leading companies drive innovation and efficiency in manufacturing processes, while Malaysian supporting companies such as Micron Concept Aerostructures Sdn. Bhd., Curge Advance Sdn. Bhd., and T7 Aerotech Sdn. Bhd. enhance industry vibrancy and competitiveness. Together, they form a robust and interconnected ecosystem that fuels continuous growth.\

In addition to the aerospace industry, the Ship Building and Ship Repairing (SBSR) industry seminar held during LIMA 2023 showcased Malaysia's thriving shipbuilding and ship repair sector. Despite global supply disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties in the global oil and gas industry, the SBSR industry has remained resilient. In 2022, MIDA approved a total of five projects with a combined investment of RM363 million, marking a significant increase of 451.7 percent compared to the previous year's investment of RM65.8 million. These projects are expected to generate 183 employment opportunities, further solidifying the industry's growth and impact on Malaysia's economy.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of MIDA expressed his appreciation for the vital contributions of shipyard owners, workers, technology providers, manufacturers, suppliers, port authorities, and government agencies. Recognising their roles in the industry's resilience and success, he stated, "As we march forward, the SBSR industry is poised for continued evolution and growth." He highlighted Malaysia's aspiration to become Asia's premier SBSR hub by leveraging smart solutions, seamless technologies, and Industry 4.0 advancements to construct modern and eco-friendly vessels.

The SBSR industry thrives within a dynamic ecosystem, where diverse stakeholders collaborate to design, construct, maintain, and upgrade vessels. This interconnected network forms the foundation for resilience and growth. Their expertise contributes to a robust and competitive shipbuilding and ship repair sector. Malaysia aims to strengthen its position as Asia's SBSR hub through collaboration and innovation, shaping a vibrant future for the industry.

With the extension of tax incentives and import duty exemptions until 31 December 2027, as announced by the Malaysian government, the SBSR industry is poised to attract more investments and enhance its capacity and capabilities. These measures reflect the government's commitment to supporting the maritime industry and establishing Malaysia as Asia's premier SBSR hub. The SBSR industry seminar at LIMA 2023 provided a vital platform for industry players to stay informed, forge connections, and collectively shape a prosperous future for the industry.

The SBSR industry seminar witnessed engaging presentations by entities such as the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) and MIDA. These presentations further highlighted the industry's potential and the collaborative efforts in driving its advancement.

The Aerospace Industry Seminar and the SBSR Industry Seminar served as significant milestones in bringing together key industry players, distinguished speakers, and innovative companies to discuss the latest policies, developments, and facilities within Malaysia's thriving aerospace and SBSR industries. These seminars showcased Malaysia's competitiveness, resilience, and commitment to innovation and sustainability in these sectors.

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