(Kuching, 28th) Sarawak is strengthening air connectivity within Borneo and the ASEAN region through the operation of AirBorneo (Borneo Aviation).
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that the development of Tanjung Embang Airport, alongside the state’s existing airports, will support the growth of an integrated aerospace ecosystem, encompassing smart digital airports, flight operations, advanced manufacturing, as well as aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
He pointed out that airlines and airports are not the end goal, but platforms to drive broader aerospace industry development, emphasizing that the aviation sector is the most prominent and visible component at the forefront of the aerospace economy.
He said: “MRO is one of the most credible entry points into the aerospace value chain. It can create high-skilled employment, strengthen safety culture, consolidate technical expertise, and attract related supporting industries. Sarawak is developing MRO alongside avionics, advanced materials, digitalized maintenance systems, and data-driven safety and asset management.”
“This will establish a pragmatic and investment-attractive aerospace industry foundation.” He made these remarks when launching the 2026 Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE 2026) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Tuesday (January 27).
Speaking on the blueprint for nurturing aerospace talent in Sarawak, Abang Johari mentioned that the system has been conceived as a seamless and continuous development pathway, starting from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), advancing to high-end engineering and system capabilities, further deepened through research and innovation, and ultimately empowered by commercialization.
He said: “Through this development pathway, creativity will be transformed into industry, talent into capabilities, and the professional strength of Sarawakians will become an important force shaping the future of the aerospace sector in the region and beyond. This approach ensures that aerospace education generates real economic value, and not just academic results.”
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that the development of Tanjung Embang Airport, alongside the state’s existing airports, will support the growth of an integrated aerospace ecosystem, encompassing smart digital airports, flight operations, advanced manufacturing, as well as aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
He said: “MRO is one of the most credible entry points into the aerospace value chain. It can create high-skilled employment, strengthen safety culture, consolidate technical expertise, and attract related supporting industries. Sarawak is developing MRO alongside avionics, advanced materials, digitalized maintenance systems, and data-driven safety and asset management.”
“This will establish a pragmatic and investment-attractive aerospace industry foundation.” He made these remarks when launching the 2026 Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE 2026) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Tuesday (January 27).
Speaking on the blueprint for nurturing aerospace talent in Sarawak, Abang Johari mentioned that the system has been conceived as a seamless and continuous development pathway, starting from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), advancing to high-end engineering and system capabilities, further deepened through research and innovation, and ultimately empowered by commercialization.
He said: “Through this development pathway, creativity will be transformed into industry, talent into capabilities, and the professional strength of Sarawakians will become an important force shaping the future of the aerospace sector in the region and beyond. This approach ensures that aerospace education generates real economic value, and not just academic results.”