Accelerating Growth Through Technology and Collaboration
From a technology perspective, Malaysia can adopt an ecosystem-driven approach to strategically leverage emerging technologies to accelerate the growth of its aerospace sector and achieve the goals outlined in the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 (MAIB2030). Next-generation aero-manufacturing techniques including precision and intelligent robotics, additive manufacturing and advanced composite manufacturing methods-are vital enablers to advance production processes, improve product innovation, as well as reduce cost and cycle time. Integrating such technologies will position Malaysia better as a supplier of next-generation aerostructures, efficiently supporting global value chains and strengthening its role in the international aerospace market. Digital transformation is equally crucial, enabling higher levels of operational agility, lifecycle sustainability, and real-time data-driven decision-making. Implementing Smart Factory systems and using Artificial Intelligence (Al) for predictive maintenance and advanced simulation directly align with MAIB2030’s vision for a resilient, for a connected and globally competitive aerospace industry.
As part of our next-generation aerostructures programme, we are introducing advanced composite manufacturing technologies such as Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) and thermoplastic composites – a composite material system currently being rigorously developed but underexplored in Malaysia. We are also exploring additive manufacturing for metallic structures. As a research centre, AMIC brings these technologies to local suppliers to increase awareness, conduct trials and encourage adoption. We aim to transform the supply chain by increasing productivity, enhancing capabilities, and strengthening technical know-hows.
Meanwhile, digital transformation has always been a key focus area after the pandemic, highlighting the importance of data-driven operations. By tracking all resources and assets precisely, we can gain detailed insights into productivity behaviours, identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and address them directly to improve overall productivity and output quality.
Sustainability is no longer optional in aviation – it is a strategic imperative. Recognising this, AMIC began by raising industry awareness and advocating for decarbonisation across the aviation and aerospace sectors in pursuit of a net-zero CO2 future. As a key milestone in this effort, AMIC supported the demonstration of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) powered flight at LIMA 2023, showcasing readiness and signalling the industry’s shift toward cleaner alternatives. Beyond advocacy, AMIC actively conducts carbon assessments in collaboration with research partners from the manufacturing and MRO sectors, ensuring alignment with business operations and industry standards.
Progressing beyond monitoring, AMIC also leads feasibility studies to identify and validate locally available feedstock in Malaysia to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This end-to-end approach – from awareness to assessment, to applied research – underscores AMIC’s commitment to both the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 and the national aviation decarbonisation agenda.
The aerospace industry has been seriously focusing on sustainability for at least the past decade. First, next-generation aerostructures focus on developing parts using lightweight materials, advanced composites, and optimized optimised geometries, significantly improving emission reduction and fuel efficiency. When these structures are made from advanced technologies such as Al-assisted design, automated composite fabrication, additive manufacturing, smart assembly, and automated quality testing, not only do they achieve stricter sustainability standards, but they also improve production scalability and customisation for the global market.
This approach reduces waste, extends product lifespans, reduces resource consumption, and supports circular economy practices and continuous optimisation through real-time operational and lifecycle data – which are key focuses mentioned in both MAIB2030 and NIMP2030. Additionally, digital thread integration across the aerospace value chain promises quality assurance, traceability, and compliance monitoring at every stage, securing trust from passengers, stakeholders, and global partners. To maximise this trajectory, Malaysia must continue to invest in supporting the local innovation ecosystem, international research partnerships, and specialised human capital. Continued strategic collaborations with global OEMs and Tier-1s allow fast adoption of technological best practices and create opportunities to co-develop next-generation solutions, securing a sustainable and resilient position in the global aerospace market.
Integrating Aerostructures and Digital Transformation
Sivadas Chandra Sekaran :
Malaysian aerospace companies should adopt a “digital-first” mindset across the entire aerospace value chain – from design to end-of-life management. This will effectively integrate next-generation aerostructures with digital transformation technologies, thereby improving sustainability and operational efficiency, while aligning with the country’s broader aerospace development goals within the manufacturing paradigm. This will also fully embrace Industry 4.0 practices – like automated composite layup, additive manufacturing, intelligent robot assembly, integrated quality control (QC) and predictive maintenance – enabling the production of aerostructures with greater precision, shorter production cycles, and reduced material and energy waste.
Since 2016, AMIC has delivered high-impact projects in advanced manufacturing and digital transformation to industry players, supported by collaborations with universities and government agencies.
AMIC not only adopts and implements technologies suited to Malaysia’s aerospace ecosystem, but also provides end-to-end support to stakeholders, guiding them through complete implementation qualification.
Syazwan Ahmad Rashidi :
“To stay competitive, Malaysian aerospace industry must view the next-generation aircraft architecture and digital transformation not just as technologies – but as strategic investments that unlocks new business values.”
To integrate next-generation aerostructures with digital technologies effectively, Malaysian aerospace companies must move beyond conventional manufacturing and build stronger engineering capabilities. This shift will allow companies to contribute earlier in higher-value involvement in the aerospace value chain, particularly in areas such as design and engineering, and manufacturability improvements.
Then, digital transformation enables companies to design production systems that are efficient, flexible and sustainable from the beginning. By adopting automation, robotics and data-driven operations in new facilities, businesses can reduce waste, improve traceability, and enhance responsiveness– critical factors in today’s competitive aerospace market. Although the initial investment in new technologies and equipment is substantial, the long-term nature of aerospace contracts makes such investment financially viable. Furthermore, companies demonstrating technical capabilities and environmentally responsible operations, will be better positioned to secure global work packages. By combining next-generation manufacturing with a digital-first approach, Malaysian aerospace companies can elevate their position in the worldwide supply chain and contribute meaningfully to the goals of MAIB2030.
Achieving MAIB2030 Goals and Global Competitiveness
How can Malaysia’s aerospace industry use advanced technologies to meet MAIB2030’s sustainability goals and improve its global position?
Sivadas Chandra Sekaran :
The aerospace industry has been seriously focusing on sustainability for at least the past decade. First, next-generation aerostructures focus on developing parts using lightweight materials, advanced composites, and optimized optimised geometries, significantly improving emission reduction and fuel efficiency. When these structures are made from advanced technologies such as Al-assisted design, automated composite fabrication, additive manufacturing, smart assembly, and automated quality testing, not only do they achieve stricter sustainability standards, but they also improve production scalability and customisation for the global market.
This approach reduces waste, extends product lifespans, reduces resource consumption, and supports circular economy practices and continuous optimisation through real-time operational and lifecycle data – which are key focuses mentioned in both MAIB2030 and NIMP2030. Additionally, digital thread integration across the aerospace value chain promises quality assurance, traceability, and compliance monitoring at every stage, securing trust from passengers, stakeholders, and global partners. To maximise this trajectory, Malaysia must continue to invest in supporting the local innovation ecosystem, international research partnerships, and specialised human capital. Continued strategic collaborations with global OEMs and Tier-1s allow fast adoption of technological best practices and create opportunities to co-develop next-generation solutions, securing a sustainable and resilient position in the global aerospace market.
Syazwan Ahmad Rashidi
Successfully integrating next-generation aerostructures with digital transformation is key to achieving MAIB2030’s and sustainability goals. While sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is critical for flight operations, Malaysia’s opportunity lies in transforming manufacturing and supply chain practices to meet environmental benchmarks. Combining advanced manufacturing with digital capabilities allows Malaysia to move up the value chain and secure high-value, complex work packages – aligning with the goals of the NIMP2030, to shift from traditional aerospace manufacturing and MRO, which have seen limited growth, towards high-complexity sectors.
Breaking this cycle requires new knowledge and integrated approaches across aerostructures, digitalisation and sustainability – an agenda AMIC is actively championing. When these pillars aligned, Malaysia’s aerospace supply chain can deliver industry breakthroughs and enhance its global competitiveness, reinforcing its ambition to lead Southeast Asia’s aerospace sector by 2030. Over the past decade, AMIC has contributed to implementing MAIB2030 by shaping national aerospace technology roadmaps and delivering more than 70 industry-led projects worth RM52.5 million. These initiatives cover a wide range of strategic technologies, including advanced composites, robotics and automation, predictive maintenance, and sustainable aviation driving innovation and strengthening Malaysia’s aerospace ecosystem.
