AirAsia plans to train Sabah youth in aviation roles
KOTA KINABALU: AirAsia intends to collaborate with higher learning institutions in Sabah to train new generations of pilots, engineers, and flight technicians.
AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said this is part of the airline's initiative to develop local human capital, focusing on B40 youth.
He noted that while tourism remains Sabah's main economic contributor, AirAsia aims to enhance its contributions through local talent and skilled resource development.
"We already have many cabin crew, engineers, and pilots. We wish to help create more pilots, engineers, and technical crews from Sabah youths," he said.
Fernandes made these remarks during a courtesy visit to Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman on Tuesday (June 3).
He mentioned they are ready with the syllabus and programme structures and will establish a working committee for implementation soon.
Applications will open once programme funding is sufficient, he added.
"We aim to start this programme before the end of the year, beginning with pilot training," said Fernandes.
He said that the programme will eventually cover other areas like engineering, technical roles, and artificial intelligence (AI), in line with the company's investment in the latest technology.
"In the flight industry, AirAsia is moving towards AI for network scheduling, fuel saving, and luggage management," he said.
AirAsia wants Sabahans to be part of this technological advancement, Fernandes added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
13 hours ago
- Daily Express
Warisan told to stop politicising investments
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 Text Size: Chan (left) questioned whether Chong (right) and Warisan were opposed to industrialisation, noting that every time the Sabah Government secures credible investors, the opposition resorts to baseless accusations rather than constructive solutions. Kota Kinabalu: Political Secretary to the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Chan Loong Wei, has called on Warisan's Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong to stop politicising the State's efforts to attract investments and focus on fostering economic growth. He said this in reaction to Calvin's repeated criticisms of the RM31 billion Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd project, a major investment set to transform Sabah's industrial sector and create thousands of jobs. 'Instead of welcoming this historic investment, the largest in Sabah and among the biggest in Malaysia, Calvin has chosen to distort facts and mislead the public, just as he did with the Kibing Group and Sandakan EV Assembly Plant projects,' Chan said in a statement, here, Wednesday. He questioned whether Chong and Warisan were opposed to industrialisation, noting that every time the Sabah Government secures credible investors, the opposition resorts to baseless accusations rather than constructive solutions. 'Politicising investments is reckless and harms Sabah's reputation. If Calvin truly seeks accountability, he should raise his concerns in the State Assembly,' Chan said. Pointing out Calvin's silence during the Sandakan EV Assembly Plant debate in the Assembly, Chan said Calvin is a populist rhetoric for publicity rather than genuine advocacy. Chan also defended Esteel Enterprise, pointing out its credibility as a company founded by a top Chinese entrepreneur with a proven track record, including the acquisition of Penang's Southern Steel Berhad in 2024. 'For an elected representative to attack without basic research is unacceptable. It disrespects the due diligence carried out by Federal and State agencies like the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysian Industrial Development Authority, and the Department of Environment,' he added. Urging Sabahans to judge Calvin's leadership, Chan said politics should be about progress, not theatrics. 'The State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry is committed to creating jobs and making Sabah investor-friendly. Continually undermining strategic projects without offering alternatives is damaging to our economy,' he said. Chan called for an end to using investments for political gain, warning that such actions risk deterring future investors and harming Sabah's development. 'Sabahans deserve better. Let us work together for a more prosperous State,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hype Malaysia
a day ago
- Hype Malaysia
AirAsia To Launch Kota Kinabalu To Fukuoka Route Via Taipei This August; Promo Fares Up For Grabs!
Pack your bags, wanderlusters! AirAsia Malaysia has further strengthened connectivity from its second-largest hub, Kota Kinabalu, with the launch of a brand new fifth-freedom route to Fukuoka, Japan via Taipei! Starting from 15th August 2025, AirAsia will be operating the additional route connecting Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka through a short stopover in Taipei with daily flights. The new route underscores the airline's commitment to expand its Kota Kinabalu hub, enabling more Sabahans to fly beyond ASEAN and offering more travel options for globetrotters seeking new adventures. Taipei is one of AirAsia's key virtual hubs within its extensive network. The new route provides more flexibility for Malaysians looking to explore more destinations in Japan, offering an alternative to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Fukuoka via Don Mueang (Thailand), operated by Thai AirAsia. Dato' Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, said: 'We are excited to launch this new fifth-freedom flight from Taipei to Fukuoka, marking another significant milestone as we continue to explore new opportunities from our Kota Kinabalu hub. Since reinstating the Kota Kinabalu-Taipei route three years ago, we have flown more than 130,000 guests, and the numbers continue to grow. This launch aligns with our vision of connecting people across Asia, enhancing regional connectivity and boosting tourism opportunities. 'With this new route, Sabahans now have more choices and flexibility when travelling to their preferred destinations, while supporting the state government's vision of positioning Sabah as a top tourism destination. We remain committed to facilitating air travel for everyone through enhanced connectivity, convenience and accessibility.' In celebration of the launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares for flights from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka starting from just RM609* all-in one way, whereas flights from Fukuoka to Kota Kinabalu are also available from JPY21,390* all-in one way. Guests can book their flights from today onwards until 8th June 2025, for travelling between 15th August 2025 and 29th March 2026, available on the AirAsia MOVE app and Flight Schedule Between Kota Kinabalu (BKI) & Fukuoka (FUK) Via Taipei (TPE): Fukuoka is a popular destination in Japan where tradition meets modernity. The city is renowned for its iconic Tonkotsu ramen and serves as a paradise for foodies. It is also the best go-to destination for nature lovers, especially as the city offers tranquility for a perfect getaway trip – stroll through the Ohori Park or the Fukuoka Castle and immerse yourself in the city's rich history. From 15th August onwards, AirAsia will operate flights to 13 international destinations across Asia from the Kota Kinabalu hub, with a total of 79 flights weekly, further solidifying the hub's position as Malaysia's second-largest hub. *All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Call for State autonomy against unfair gas cylinder rules
David Ong KOTA KINABALU (June 4): Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President David Ong strongly urges the Sabah State Government to exercise its constitutional autonomy and refrain from implementing the Federal Government's new gas cylinder regulations that burden small business operators and the rakyat. Under the new regulation, eateries are required to switch from subsidized household gas cylinders priced at RM26 to commercial purple cylinders costing RM70 — a staggering 169% increase. For small restaurant operators using 100 cylinders per month, this translates into a monthly cost jump from RM2,600 to RM7,000 — a crippling RM4,400 rise. This measure comes at a time when businesses are already struggling with compounding cost pressures from SST hikes, rising electricity tariffs, and the minimum wage adjustment to RM1,700. Ong stressed that Sabah is one of Malaysia's largest natural gas producing States, contributing significantly to the nation's energy wealth. It is fundamentally unjust for the Federal Government to supply gas at higher costs to the very state that produces this resource. Current evidence shows East Malaysian consumers already face price discrimination. Gas cylinder deposits cost RM90 in Sabah/Sarawak compared to RM80 in Peninsular Malaysia – highlighting an ongoing pattern of inequitable treatment. 'We urge the Sabah State Government to utilize its constitutional powers to safeguard the welfare of its people from federal policies that disproportionately affect Sabahans. The State should immediately pursue special arrangements with the Federal Government to secure preferential pricing for gas used in Sabah, just as East Malaysians have been granted continued diesel subsidies in recognition of regional cost differences,' Ong said in a statement. Additionally, he said the State should implement targeted exemptions or support schemes to protect hawkers, coffeeshops, and small eateries until a fair and regionally appropriate policy is established. Sabah inherently faces higher transportation and distribution costs due to its geography and limited supply networks. At the same time, many food operators here earn less than their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia yet bear higher operational costs, he pointed out. Despite these disadvantages, he said Sabah continues to contribute significantly to Malaysia's gas revenue via royalties and taxes — yet receives no preferential benefit. This disparity must end. 'The burden of rising gas prices will inevitably lead to higher food costs, hurting all Sabahans — particularly low-income families and threatening the viability of small eateries. The timing of enforcement under 'Operation Gasak' is especially insensitive, as it comes during a period of widespread economic strain. 'I call upon the GRS Government to defend the interests of Sabahans by exercising the State's rightful autonomy. Such powers exist precisely to counter federal policies that fail to reflect the realities and challenges of Sabah. 'Sabah must not be punished for being a gas-producing State. We demand fair treatment and urge immediate action to suspend the implementation of these regulations in Sabah until just and practical solutions are put in place,' Ong added.
