4 days ago
Sarawak gears up to be Asean aerospace hub, plans industrial park
Awang Tengah said the development of Aerospace Industrial Park will support high-value aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, and sustainable aviation fuel research. – Bernama file photo
KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak is gearing up to become a competitive aerospace hub in the Asean region with plans to establish an Aerospace Industrial Park.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the development of this industrial park will support high-value aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, and sustainable aviation fuel research.
'We are partnering with Airbus to expand the aerospace industry, create high-value job opportunities and attract foreign investment,' he said in is ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today.
Awang Tengah, who is International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister, said the global aerospace industry is projected to broaden in 2025, accelerated by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives and increasing air demand.
'As industry continues to evolve, Sarawak is actively developing our aerospace capabilities, focusing on aviation, space technology and satellite launch potential.'
He said the newly established Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council will spearhead aerospace industry development by enhancing education, workforce training and forging global partnerships to drive future investment and accelerate industry growth.
'With a strong emphasis on talent development, Sarawak has launched the Aerospace Academy at the Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) Lundu and i-CATS University College's Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, equipping future professionals with hands-on expertise and globally recognised qualifications,' he added.
On another matter, Awang Tengah said Sarawak is emerging as a regional leader in Southeast Asia's hydrogen economy, leveraging strategic investment opportunities through the Sarawak Green hydrogen hub in Bintulu and the upcoming hub in Kuching.
'These integrated facilities operate on a 'plug-and-play' model, enabling multiple investors to co-locate hydrogen projects without requiring standalone infrastructure.
'This approach optimises efficiency, reduces costs and accelerates hydrogen deployment, attracting global investors to Sarawak's hydrogen ecosystem.'
He said SEDC Energy and clean energy solutions provider Gentari continue to advance the Sarawak Green Hydrogen Hub, with plans for a joint venture company to develop centralised investor facilities.
'The hub is currently in its Scope Development and Engineering phase. Meanwhile, flagship projects H2ornbill and H2biscus are progressing toward Front-End-Engineering-Design completion by year-end.
'Malaysia and Japan have also reaffirmed their commitment to hydrogen collaboration, solidifying Sarawak's leadership,' he said.
He said the Distribution of Gas Ordinance was amended in November 2024 to ensure safe, responsible and structured development of hydrogen activities.
'This milestone legislation, which came into force in March 2025, reinforces investor confidence and ensures the sustainable growth of Sarawak's hydrogen economy,' said Awang Tengah. aerospace hub Aerospace Industrial Park Awang Tengah Ali Hasan lead
