SERDANG, June 26 — Selangor is stepping up efforts for its next phase of aerospace growth by strengthening its talent pipeline, supply chain capabilities, and industry readiness, said Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation), or (MBI).
MBI Aerospace and Aviation Special Unit head Zaniffa Azura Ahmad said infrastructure remains a crucial factor in attracting aerospace investments.
She added that with Selangor’s established ecosystem, strategic location, skilled workforce and cost competitiveness, it could continue to support companies looking to expand their operations.
“If you look at Selangor’s track record, you can see how this is demonstrated, with aerospace developments in Subang, including (Selangor) Aero Park and other aerospace support zones that provide ready infrastructure for industry players.
“All (of these have) infrastructure ready on site, so this actually encourages all the players to bring their operation here, land here, establish themselves and expand,” she said at the “Selangor as Malaysia’s Aerospace Growth Engine: Infrastructure, Talent Development, and Industry Readiness” forum, held at MAEPS here today.
Zaniffa however acknowledged that talent remains a main challenge for the industry, with a mismatch between available skills and aerospace requirements.
“We keep telling everybody that we do have skilled labour, but the reality is there is a skills mismatch and the talent pool subset is very limited,” she said.
She added that MBI is working with industry partners to strengthen the ecosystem, including by improving local supply chain participation and supporting companies entering the aerospace sector.
At the same forum, UMW Aerospace managing director Mohd Fariz Hashim said aerospace readiness goes beyond physical infrastructure — requiring reliable utilities, digital connectivity, strong supply chains and a skilled workforce.
“Infrastructure readiness is not just about the physical buildings; your office building; your factory; your warehouses… It is stable access to water, to power, technology infrastructure, stable networks, and connectivity,” he said.
Fariz said Selangor has a strong foundation, noting that about 80 per cent of UMW Aerospace’s suppliers are local and based in the state.
He pointed out that talent development is one of the industry’s biggest challenges.
“More efforts are needed to attract students into aerospace careers and ensure graduates are equipped with practical industry experience,” he said.
Fariz added that enhanced collaboration between industry, government and academia is needed to build a sustainable talent pipeline and accelerate innovation.
He said Selangor has a solid aerospace foundation but must continue developing its ecosystem through stronger R&D collaboration, industry clusters, and support systems to attract more suppliers and investors.
“It’s not enough to just have that technology know-how coming into the workplace, but you need to have that practical hands-on experience. This is where we are lacking.
“We don’t want to be a follower of technology and trends. We want to be the one setting it, and I think this is the gap that we need to improve,” Fariz said.
