By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Sept 10 — Civil aviation stakeholders and experts have nothing but high praise for the recently concluded Selangor Aviation Show (SAS) 2023, commending the annual event for its role in helping to propel the industry.
With 67 per cent of Malaysia’s civil aviation activities based in Selangor, the airshow has emerged as a pivotal event, bringing together industry players, spotlighting technological innovations and facilitating discussions on pertinent developments.
Speaking to the Selangor Journal, Universiti Kuala Lumpur’s Centre for Women Advancement and Leadership coordinator Hazariah Mohd Noh highlighted SAS’ role as an invaluable platform to advocate and exhibit the latest industry innovations.
“SAS offers a chance to share best practices in specific sectors. For instance, this year, I presented on the advancements in the digital Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) sector and its benefits for the aviation industry as a whole.
“It’s heartening to see comprehensive platforms like SAS where professionals can engage in meaningful discussions about advancements and innovations. Such interactions undoubtedly benefit both current participants and those keen to join the industry,” she said.
Digital MRO is an innovative approach that harnesses the internet of things, artificial intelligence and robotics for aircraft repair, allowing aviation engineers to perform repairs and diagnostics using digital solutions, collaborating seamlessly with those on the ground.
Hazariah has been a guest at the SAS since its inception in 2021. Over the years, she has addressed diverse topics, including aviation safety and women’s involvement in the industry.
This year, Hazariah served as both a moderator and panellist for the forum entitled ‘Women and the Next Generation Aviation Professionals in the Era of Digital MRO’.
University Kuala Lumpur, which offers aviation related courses to its students, is also participating as one of the exhibitors of SAS 2023.
Another panellist at the airshow, SG Education Group Bhd business development manager and chief remote pilot Muhammad Syafiq Salleh, commended the SAS for providing a platform to showcase drone technology more prominently this year, recognising its position in the rapidly evolving aviation sector.
He said this is timely, considering the burgeoning talent pool of drone pilots in Malaysia, whose expertise could be used to stimulate economic growth, as well as the rising use of drones in commercial applications.
Syafiq also lauded the Selangor government for its forward-thinking approach towards drone technology.
“They’ve undertaken multiple initiatives, such as pothole monitoring and environmental impact assessments using drones. SAS has rightly placed emphasis on this transformative technology. I’m convinced of its potential to bolster Selangor’s and, by extension, Malaysia’s economy.”
Syafiq added that the fast-paced evolution of drone technology, which could soon see a single operator managing multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, underscores the importance of broader training in the field.
Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation head of drone tech WM Farhan WM Fuaad said SAS is unique due to being one of the only platforms in Malaysia that gather local aerospace and aviation players, including drone technology stakeholders.
“It’s a rare event in the region, attracting participants from Thailand and Singapore, who are eager to understand drone technology advancements in Malaysia.”
For Farhan, the significance of the event lies not just in showcasing technological prowess but also in understanding and promoting the broader drone technology industry’s needs.
“It allows us to advocate for the industry, comprehend market demands and discover new innovations. As a government agency, our dual mission is to help the industry expand and ensure our operators function safely,” he said.
SAS 2023, which was held at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre in Bukit Jelutong, here, saw the participation of over 20,000 visitors throughout the three-day event that started on September 7.
The attendees included a mix of trade and industry players, along with members of the public, which reflected the show’s wide appeal.
One of the key highlights of SAS 2023 was the signing of 27 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), collectively worth RM700 million in potential transactions.
This year’s airshow also saw the participation of 119 exhibitors, close to double last year’s 66, demonstrating the increasing popularity and prominence of SAS in the global aviation calendar.
