Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT) is set to play a key role in supporting the growth of Malaysia’s aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector, as GE Aerospace expands its regional capabilities with Malaysia positioned as a strategic hub in the Asia Pacific.
As part of this effort, GE Aerospace has committed US$125,000 (approximately RM513,000) to support a series of initiatives led by UniKL MIAT to strengthen aviation education and workforce development in Malaysia.
The contribution supports programmes developed under UniKL MIAT’s Future Leaders in Youth Technical Empowerment (FLYTE) initiative, in collaboration with the Youth Aviation Club Malaysia (KRUM) and the Centre of Women Advancement and Leadership (CWAL).
The initiatives are designed to inspire early interest in aviation among secondary school students, bridge industry readiness gaps through technical skills development, and enhance instructor capability and leadership within the aviation education ecosystem.
The support reflects growing industry demand for skilled aviation professionals amid the global aerospace sector’s continued expansion.
GE Aerospace Executive Director for Asia Pacific and Offloads Overhaul Leader Mr. Suresh Shunmugam noted that the rebound in air travel following the Covid-19 pandemic has driven strong demand for engine maintenance and after-services.
“As airlines expand fleets and flying hours, the demand for engine services increases. Malaysia plays a critical role in helping us build the capacity needed to support our customers in APAC and beyond,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama.
Globally, GE Aerospace has committed up to US$1 billion (RM3.9 billion) to expand its MRO capacity, with Malaysia expected to receive a growing share of investment as the company strengthens its regional operations.
Through its collaboration with UniKL MIAT, the company aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable aviation workforce pipeline in Malaysia.
Amid the evolving opportunities and challenges in today’s aviation landscape, it is critical for fresh graduates and professionals to continuously upskill and remain competitive.
The initiative further reinforces UniKL MIAT’s longstanding role as Malaysia’s premier aviation and aerospace training institution.
For more than 25 years, UniKL MIAT has been preparing industry-ready graduates through hands-on training and exposure to advanced aviation technologies, supporting the growing demand for talent in the global MRO industry.
Note: The article was first published in Bernama on 4 March 2026. In line with Malaysia’s aspiration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) continues to strengthen and expand its efforts through various initiatives. This article particularly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
