KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 — The aerospace industry's strength has helped Selangor maintain its momentum as the largest contributor to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP), said state executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman.
The focus given to it over the past several years has borne fruit, as the sector continues to expand and drive the state's economic growth.
“Education and expertise in the aerospace industry are more advanced in Selangor compared to other states. This advantage must be maintained to sustain the state's momentum as the country’s primary economic contributor.
“In fact, the involvement of more students in the aerospace industry provides them with greater exposure and encourages them to venture into this field.
“We acknowledge that they receive education in their respective higher learning institutions, but conferences like this serve as motivation for them to enter the field and meet market demands,” he said.
Papparaidu was speaking to the press after attending a dialogue session at the Selangor Aerospace Summit, held in conjunction with the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
Meanwhile, Crew Lounge Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Karim Eletre said Selangor’s initiative to focus on the aerospace industry is timely, as it opens up more job opportunities and attracts investment.
“This is an excellent idea, and as one of the industry players, I see Selangor as having huge potential to become an aerospace industry hub.
“The younger generation should not miss this opportunity, as they are the successors of the future,” he said.
The three-day SIBS, which started yesterday and continues until tomorrow, features over 700 booths for both local and international industry players.
The summit, held since 2015, has introduced two new events this year: the Selangor International Care Summit (SICS) and the Selangor Aerospace Summit (SAS), previously known as the Selangor Aviation Show.
Last year, SIBS, held for the first time in two separate editions in July and October, recorded transactions worth RM13.86 billion, more than double the RM6.12 billion achieved in 2023.
