KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 11, 2025 – The National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (NAICO Malaysia) celebrated its 10-year anniversary today, reflecting on a decade of growth in the country’s aerospace sector and outlining ambitious plans for the future, including expansions in drone services and advanced air mobility.
In his opening remarks at the event, NAICO Malaysia CEO Prof. Ts. Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah highlighted the organization’s evolution from a small coordinating office established in 2015 to a full-fledged corporation in 2023, crediting partnerships with government agencies and industry players for its success.
“Today, we gather not just to mark an anniversary, but to celebrate a decade of perseverance, partnership and progress,” Shamsul said, addressing dignitaries including Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, MITI Secretary-General Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, and Weststar Group Managing Director Tan Sri Dr. Syed Azman bin Syed Ibrahim.
Shamsul recounted NAICO’s humble beginnings as the National Aerospace Industry Coordinating Office (NAICO) under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), launched alongside the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in 2015. He acknowledged support from sister agencies like MIDA, MATRADE, SME Corporation Malaysia, and MIGHT, which provided officers to form a “small but strong nucleus team.”
Despite initial doubts about Malaysia’s potential to become a regional aerospace hub, Shamsul emphasized the organization’s resilience. “Many doubted whether a small team could deliver real change. Some asked, ‘Can Malaysia truly rise in aerospace?'” he said. He attributed success to MITI’s work culture and diplomatic approach, which helped navigate challenges.
The transition to a corporation in 2023 granted NAICO a stronger mandate and resources, fulfilling an idea first proposed in 1997 for a national aerospace coordinating body. Key milestones include the establishment of the Malaysia Aerospace Centre of Excellence (MyAERO Centre) under the 12th Malaysia Plan, focusing on talent development, supply chain integration, and research. Additionally, a 3D Visualisation Lab, launched by the minister last year, symbolizes the sector’s advancements.
Shamsul reported significant industry growth, with revenues reaching RM25.1 billion in 2024—a 116% increase since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He cited new investments and expansions by companies such as CTRM, Sime UMW Aerospace, Asia Digital Engineering, MAB Engineering, Base Maintenance Malaysia, Collins Aerospace, GE Aerospace, Airbus, Boeing, and HS Aerosystems as evidence of Malaysia’s rising status in the global supply chain.
“These are not isolated stories—they are proof that Malaysia is a trusted partner in the global aerospace supply chain,” he stated. “And today, we can say with confidence that Malaysia’s aerospace journey is real and it is gaining momentum.”
Looking ahead, Shamsul issued a call to action: urging industry to invest in technology and upskill workers, academia to produce globally competitive talent, and government partners to maintain long-term policy consistency. He noted that aerospace progress is built over decades, not years.
As NAICO enters the third phase of the Blueprint 2030, aligned with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, Shamsul anticipated opportunities in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), as well as emerging sectors like the New Space Economy and Low Altitude Economy, including drone services and advanced air mobility. These could position Malaysia as a leader in Southeast Asia.
He highlighted initiatives from the recently announced 13th Malaysia Plan, such as developing the unmanned aerial system (UAS) and advanced air mobility sub-sectors, including an Unmanned Valley ecosystem.
“NAICO Malaysia, with the supports of relevant agencies, academia and industry players, is ready to spearhead this emerging business,” Shamsul said.
To further ecosystem development, NAICO plans to expand its flagship Malaysia Aerospace Summit (MyAERO Summit 2026), scheduled for June 25-27, 2026, at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS). It aims to be the largest yet, showcasing Malaysia’s aerospace leadership globally.
Shamsul concluded on an optimistic note: “We began as a small office with a big dream. Today we are a corporation with an even bigger responsibility. The first decade was about building foundations. The next decade must be about breakthroughs. Let us fly together—further, higher, stronger—for Malaysia.”
The anniversary event underscores NAICO’s role in driving Malaysia’s aerospace ambitions, with social media buzz highlighting the sector’s innovation potential. Industry observers note that sustained collaboration will be key to achieving the Blueprint 2030 goals amid global competition.