Sarawak Air Scouts soar to new heights
The recent Sarawak Air Scout Secretariat (SPUS) presentation ceremony in Kuching marked a defining moment in the history of Air Scouting in Sarawak, celebrating a legacy of perseverance, teamwork and trailblazing achievements.
Held on May 17, the event, graced by Sarawak Scout chief commissioner John Lim, deputy chief commissioner Methodius Macdonald, SPUS adviser Captain Zainuddin Amar Hamdan, regional commissioner Azizah Sulong and executive secretary Zasran Abdullah, paid tribute to the transformation and excellence embodied by the state's Air Scouts and leaders.
The highlight of the day was the recognition of the first-ever batch of 36 Scouts and Air Scouts in Sarawak who successfully completed a demanding aviation programme – progressing through stages of airmanship courses and ultimately achieving the Junior Leading Airman rank, symbolised by the prestigious Full Wing badge worn proudly on their uniforms.
'This Full Wing is not given; it is earned.
'They are the very first group in Sarawak to reach this level in the Air Scouting programme.
'They are trailblazers, and they have set the bar for future generations,' said Sarawak Air Scouts assistant chief commissioner Jerome Lim Ee Wu.
In another proud moment, five dedicated Air Scout leaders were presented with the Air Scout Leader Competency Badge, officially recognising them as certified Air Scout leaders.
'Sarawak now has a total of six Certified Air Scout Leaders, including myself.
'Together, we carry the responsibility – and the dream – of building strong and vibrant Air Scout units across the state.
'Our hope is that this spark of passion in our Scouts will one day grow into full-fledged dreams, whether in aviation, engineering or leadership,' Jerome added.
The ceremony also honoured the academic excellence of outstanding Scouts Shamus Zachariah Teo Jia Cheng, Faith Sarah Lim Ern, Alessandro Orlando and Deborah Ling Jia Xing, who achieved stellar results in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia 2024 exams.
Their success is a testament that scouting is not just a path to physical and leadership development, but also a discipline that fosters academic excellence, said Jerome.
'These Scouts are truly well-rounded – living examples of what it means to be disciplined, resilient, and role models to their peers,' Jerome said, describing the event as an affirmation of Air Scouting's mission – to shape character, ignite ambition, and inspire a generation to rise above and beyond.
In his keynote address, John called on all members to fully appreciate the opportunities the Air Scouting programme in the state offers.
'Make full use of it. Let it shape you. Use this foundation not only to dream big but to achieve big.
'Set your sights on becoming Air King Scouts, the highest honour in Air Scouting,' he said.
The ceremony concluded with the official installation of six SPUS officers.
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Malay Mail
28-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Jeju Air crash: Pilots shut down working engine after bird strike, probe reveals
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The right engine experienced a 'surge' and emitted flames and black smoke, but investigators said it 'was confirmed to be generating output sufficient for flight,' in the five-page update, which included post-crash photos of both engines. No reason for the crew's actions was given and the probe is expected to last months as investigators reconstruct the plane's technical state and the picture understood by its pilots. Experts say most air accidents are caused by multiple factors and caution against putting too much weight on incomplete evidence. More questions So far, public attention has focused on the possibility that the crew may have shut down the less-damaged engine, rekindling memories of a 1989 Boeing 737-400 crash in Kegworth, England, where pilots shut down a non-damaged engine by mistake. The disaster led to multiple changes in regulations including improvements in crew communication and emergency procedures. 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The right engine showed significant internal damage, the Korean-language update from South Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) said, but it did not describe the damage found in the left engine. The update did not say how the left engine was operating nor the state of systems connected to either engine, said former US National Transportation Safety Board investigator Greg Feith when shown the document translated by Reuters. It contains some new facts but omits far more, resulting in a 'cryptic' document, he said. ARAIB, which plans to issue a final report next June, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Safety experts say it is common for early reports to contain sparse facts and limited analysis while investigations continue. A preliminary report released in January said feathers and blood stains from ducks were found in both engines. The engines — made by CFM International, jointly owned by and France's Safran — were examined in May and no defects or fault data were found beyond the bird and crash damage, the report said. Families of those who died in the disaster were briefed on the engine findings but asked investigators not to release the July 19 report, saying that it appeared to apportion blame to the pilots without exploring other factors. The report was withheld but Reuters and South Korean media obtained copies. Boeing and GE referred questions about the crash to ARAIB. Safran did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Jeju Air has previously said it is cooperating with ARAIB and is awaiting publication of the investigation. Under global aviation rules, civil air investigations aim to discover crash causes without assigning blame or liability. The Jeju Air pilots' union said ARAIB was 'misleading the public' by suggesting there was no problem with the left engine given that bird remains were found in both. A source who attended the briefing told Reuters that investigators told family members the left engine also experienced a disruptive 'surge,' citing black box data. The pilot union and representatives of bereaved families have asked that evidence be released to support any findings. Relatives say the investigation also needs to focus on the embankment containing navigation equipment, which safety experts have said likely contributed to the high death toll. Global aviation standards call for any navigation equipment in line with runways to be installed on structures that easily give way in case of impact with an aircraft. South Korea's transport ministry has identified seven domestic airports, including Muan, with structures made of concrete or steel, rather than materials that break apart on impact and has said it will improve them. Designs for the new structures are in progress, a ministry official told Reuters last week. — Reuters
New Straits Times
27-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Sheds that heal: Why Malaysia should adopt this Aussie idea for retired men
ON a crisp, sunny winter morning in Sydney's Kenthurst countryside, my friend Mahendran — a Malaysian who has made Australia his home — pulled me from the comfort of my warm bed with the enticing promise of breakfast. As we drove through gently rolling paddocks bathed in the golden light of the rising sun, the cool breeze carried the fresh, invigorating scent of eucalyptus into the car. Yet, little did I know that the true highlight of the day awaited us was not at the breakfast table, but inside a modest, unassuming building known as the Kenthurst Men's Shed — a place that holds profound lessons for Malaysia's senior citizens. The Men's Shed at Kenthurst might appear simple from the outside, but stepping inside reveals a hive of quiet, purposeful activity. The walls are lined with pegboards and shelves meticulously organised with an array of tools — hammers, chisels, screwdrivers, clamps — and power tools like drills, sanders and saws, all well cared for and ready for use. 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John's teaching was patient and passionate; he even let me hold the rapidly spinning sharpening tool, guiding me carefully on how to shape wood artistically. This moment of hands-on learning embodied the shed's essence: a place where skills are shared freely and creativity is nurtured. As if the morning couldn't get any warmer, Billy fashioned a small spinning top from leftover timber and gifted it to me for my newborn grandson, who had just arrived a week earlier. This simple act of generosity spoke volumes about the community spirit thriving within these walls — a spirit of kindness, connection, and shared joy. HUB OF WARMTH AND CAMARADERIE The shed's pantry area was alive with warmth — not just from the steaming kettle but also from the lively spirit of the men gathered there. Around a large pitcher of boiling water, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the gentle scent of tea. Plates of homemade cakes, golden and still slightly warm, beckoned invitingly. 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Imagine if every local authority in Malaysia embraced this concept. Retired men, often perceived as redundant, would have a place to gather, to share their skills, to learn and to feel valued once again. They could engage in community projects, mentor younger generations, or simply enjoy the companionship of peers. The benefits would be profound: improved mental and physical health, stronger social networks, and a renewed sense of purpose and dignity for our elders. HOW TO BRING MEN'S SHEDS TO MALAYSIA Starting a Men's Shed is straightforward. It requires only a suitable space — a community hall, a vacant shop lot or even a garage — and a group of interested men. Tools and materials can be donated or sourced from local businesses. But the most vital ingredient is the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect. Local authorities can play a crucial role by providing support, funding and promotion. 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It is time for Malaysia to embrace this vision. Let us not wait any longer. Let us give our men the opportunity to belong, to create and to thrive — building a future enriched by the wisdom and vitality of our seniors.
Malay Mail
15-07-2025
- Malay Mail
India orders checks on Boeing fuel switches after deadly Air India crash
NEW DELHI, July 15 — India has ordered its airlines to examine fuel switches on several Boeing models after they came under scrutiny following last month's crash of an Air India jet which killed 260 people. A preliminary report, issued Saturday by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, found that the switches had flipped from run position to cutoff shortly after takeoff. The report did not offer any conclusions or apportion blame for the June 12 disaster, but indicated that one pilot asked the other why he cut off fuel, and the second pilot responded that he had not. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued the order Monday to investigate the locking feature on the fuel control switches of several Boeing models including 787s and 737s. The order came after Boeing notified operators that the fuel switch locks on its jets were safe. But it was in line with a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration, which recommended inspection of the locks to ensure they could not be moved accidentally. Several Indian and international airlines have already begun their own inspections of fuel switches. 'It has come to the notice of DGCA, that several operators—internationally as well as domestic—have initiated inspection on their aircraft fleet as per the SAIB,' DGCA said in a statement. In view of the SAIB, all airline operators of the affected aircraft must complete the inspection by July 21, it added. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was headed from Ahmedabad in western India to London when it crashed, killing all but one of the 242 people on board as well as 19 people on the ground. In a letter to employees on Monday, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the investigation into the crash was ongoing and it would be unwise to jump to 'premature conclusions'. — AFP
