Melaka: Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) has received an endowment grant contribution of RM51 million from Aeronas Aerocraft Sdn Bhd aimed at enhancing aerospace Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, UTeM announced that the contribution was presented by Aeronas managing director and acting chief executive officer Raja Shazreen Petra to UTeM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin during the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) Research Academia Conference with Industry 2026, recently. The event was also graced by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and attended by the director-general of the Higher Education Department Prof Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman, alongside the chairman of the UTeM Board of Directors Datuk Dr Husaini Omar.
In the same statement, Massila expressed that the contribution could aid UTeM in its efforts to bolster the aerospace TVET field, marking a strategic step to ensure the university remains a dynamic and primary reference point. She highlighted that the grant symbolizes the industry's confidence in UTeM, fostering a strategic partnership with direct positive impacts.
Massila noted that Aeronas' support would enhance UTeM's aerospace and advanced manufacturing capabilities, integrating industry programs with academic platforms. She emphasized that continued industry support could act as a catalyst for unlocking national grants, matching funds, and strategic investments. This initiative could propel UTeM as a center of excellence, supporting industry certification, manufacturing readiness, applied research, development, and talent cultivation.
The initiative aligns with the government's vision to establish Malaysia as a leading aerospace hub in Southeast Asia, characterized by a highly skilled workforce and a robust industrial ecosystem. The aerospace TVET program will be conducted entirely at the university's Faculty of Mechanical Technology and Engineering (FTKM) and Faculty of Manufacturing Industry Technology and Engineering (FTKIP). Additionally, UTeM is collaborating globally in the aerospace TVET field with the Moscow Aviation Institute in Russia.