UTeM partners with Naico to elevate aerospace technical education

The Star

2 days ago

MELAKA: Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) is pressing ahead with efforts to strengthen its position as a leader in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with a focus on the aerospace sector.
UTeM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Ts Dr Massila Kamalrudin, said the university was embarking on strategic, high-impact initiatives to break new ground and take the lead in aerospace TVET.
She said that UTeM had received strong backing from the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (Naico), which had paved the way for strategic collaborations with major players in the industry.
'In line with this, we are actively developing an aerospace TVET curriculum that is relevant, dynamic and aligned with the current demands of the global job market.
'This approach will ensure that every aerospace TVET graduate from UTeM attains recognised professional qualifications and technical competencies, significantly enhancing their employability both locally and internationally,' she said in an interview on Friday (August 15).
Massila noted that the collaboration marks a strategic leap to keep UTeM dynamic and recognised as a key reference point in high-technology TVET, particularly in aerospace.
She added that with Naico Malaysia's support, graduates would not only have academic qualifications but also competency endorsements that make them a top choice for employers.
Massila said the initiative also supports the government's aspiration to position Malaysia as a leading aerospace hub in Southeast Asia, underpinned by a highly skilled workforce as well as a robust and competitive industrial ecosystem.
She said UTeM was also building international partnerships in this field, including a collaboration with Russia's Moscow Aviation Institute.
'This clearly reflects UTeM's commitment to strengthening aerospace TVET not only on the national stage but also across international borders,' she said.
Meanwhile, Naico's Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ts Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah, said the organisation was committed to fully supporting UTeM in developing an aerospace TVET curriculum that meets industry standards and needs.
'This includes facilitating connections with key industry players and ensuring graduates are equipped with up-to-date skills in line with the latest technological advancements in aerospace.
"With these initiatives, UTeM will not only produce graduates ready to enter the aerospace industry but will also help advance the nation's agenda of building a strong, competitive high-technology TVET ecosystem capable of thriving on the global stage,' he said.