KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said this century could well be the “Asean Century”, with the region no longer a minor player in the global economy and moving up the value chain in crucial aerospace and semiconductor industries.
Speaking at the UMW 10th anniversary celebration in conjunction with the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS), he said Asean members, through collective effort and regional collaboration, have the potential to emulate Europe’s success with Airbus.
“The world today is at a crossroads that diverges into two paths; one filled with pessimism and fear, and the second filled with optimism for a brighter future. That second road is what you will see in Southeast Asia, and especially Selangor, as I truly believe this century could be the Asean Century.
“This means Asean can no longer settle to be a bit part player in the global economy,” he said in his speech at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today.
Amirudin said Asean’s growing expertise in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) positions it strongly to advance into higher-value industries.
He also expressed optimism that Southeast Asia’s top minds could one day work together to build commercial aircraft in the region, marking a milestone that would reflect Asean’s industrial maturity and technological capabilities.
“We don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but we can learn from the best on other continents as we, a number of Southeast Asian countries, are already deeply involved in major components of the aircraft MRO supply chain.
“I’m delighted that UMW Aerospace has been a pivotal player in this sector. This complements the Selangor government’s own focus on future-ready jobs and high-value industries, which are central to our economic strategy,” he said.
He added that the Selangor Aero Park (SAP), which took off in May, has attracted strong interest to the over 240ha site near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), with expansion to continue in stages until 2028.
“Selangor is honoured to be your home, and as you turn the page to the second chapter of the next 10 years, I wish your entire team the very best, and give you my commitment that my administration in Selangor will double down on the aerospace industry as we are serious in making Selangor and Asean a true aerospace hub,” Amirudin vowed.
