RAWANG, April 23 — Selangor’s aerospace sector is set to continue growing in terms of investment and revenue contribution, said state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han.
According to him, the state’s expanding aerospace sector is strengthening Malaysia’s position as a regional hub, while external pressures such as rising energy costs and West Asia geopolitical tensions present both challenges and opportunities for the industry.
“The biggest challenge from the West Asia conflicts is energy costs.
“However, I believe the aerospace sector will remain on a growth trajectory. It may soften slightly, but it will continue expanding,” he said.
“Every crisis also brings opportunity. This could be a chance for Malaysia and Selangor to position (themselves) as a regional aerospace hub.
“Previously, (West Asia) was a key transit hub for flights to Europe, but geopolitical instability there may open opportunities for Malaysia to become an alternative hub,” Ng told reporters after the maiden delivery ceremony of 100 per cent Malaysian-made rear fan case by UMW Aerospace Sdn Bhd at its headquarters here today.
Selangor’s aerospace industry received a major boost as UMW Aerospace delivered its first 100 per cent Malaysian-made rear fan case to Rolls-Royce.
The achievement was commemorated at an event graced by Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah. Also present were Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amiruddin Shari, state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han, and representatives from Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, as well as industry leaders and senior government officials.
Meanwhile, when asked about the long-term collaboration between UMW Aerospace and the state government, Ng said Invest Selangor Bhd and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) have been important to the development of UMW Aerospace’s presence in Serendah over the past decade.
“The effort to bring UMW Aerospace to Serendah started 10 years ago. At that time, Invest Selangor together with MIDA worked very hard to make this investment successful.
“After 10 years, we are now seeing long-term results from local innovation and strong facilitation by Invest Selangor in supporting this investment,” he said.
Ng added that the success of the project reflects a strategic partnership between the state and the aerospace player, which has played an active role in state-led industry initiatives.
“UMW Aerospace is a strategic partner to the Selangor government. They regularly participate in our programmes, including the Selangor Aviation Show, and even provide sponsorship.
“The relationship is very close, and through this, we better understand their needs and are able to facilitate investments more effectively,” he said.
He stressed that such close cooperation is essential in enabling hi-tech projects to take root and grow in Selangor.
“This kind of strategic partnership is very important to ensure projects like this can succeed,” he said.
Ng also highlighted talent development, with ongoing collaborations between the industry and technical education institutions, including partnerships linking UMW Aerospace vendors with local TVET institutions.
“For skills development, Invest Selangor has successfully connected a UMW Aerospace vendor, GSE in Jenjarom, with Politeknik Banting.
“Politeknik Banting is an anchor institution providing aerospace TVET training. This is an important step in talent development.”
Similar collaborations are being extended beyond Selangor, Ng added, saying: “This is just one example. UMW is also working with polytechnics and universities in other states.
“We need a larger pool of skilled workforce for this sector.”
He also reaffirmed Selangor’s ambition to draw more aerospace investments, citing strong sector performance and economic contribution.
“It’s a very important sector. Based on 2025 statistics, the aerospace industry generated RM32.5 billion in revenue, RM7.95 billion in exports, and has created about 34,500 jobs so far, with continued year-on-year growth.
“This sector supports our economic expansion,” Ng said.
