SINGAPORE April 25, 2026 – A Malaysian entrepreneur who once struggled to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot has founded an innovative aviation academy in Singapore that is making flight training more flexible, affordable, and inclusive for aspiring aviators from all backgrounds.
Faris Iskandar Samat, co-founder of Aeroviation, drew on his own challenges in breaking into the aviation sector to establish the academy in 2018 alongside his wife, Nur Fadhilah Shuib.
Aeroviation is Singapore’s first private institution to offer training programmes for the Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) from Australia. The centre, located in Ubi, features state-of-the-art facilities including Diamond DA20 Katana and Cessna 172 Skyhawk flight simulators, an AI-powered air traffic control simulator, and virtual reality flight training equipment. It caters to aviation enthusiasts of all ages, from children as young as seven through its Junior and Young Aviator programmes to adults seeking hobby or career pathways.
“Susah sebenarnya – itu yang Faris Iskandar Samat alami,” Tengku Zafrul wrote in Malay. “Pengalaman itulah yang mendorong beliau membangunkan Aeroviation, sebuah akademi penerbangan di Singapura dengan misi menjadikan bidang ini lebih mudah diakses oleh semua golongan.” He praised the academy’s approach, which includes flexible and affordable training pathways as well as forward-looking programmes in AI and drone technology to open opportunities for the next generation.
Tengku Zafrul emphasised the sector’s immense potential, noting that the Asia-Pacific aerospace industry is projected to grow at approximately 13% annually until 2030. “Malaysia dijangka memerlukan ribuan tenaga kerja baharu – termasuk juruterbang, jurutera dan tenaga teknikal – untuk menyokong perkembangan industri ini,” he added. He urged Malaysia not to lag behind in developing local talent for this high-value industry, stating that while foundations exist, more must be done to scale up homegrown pilots, engineers, and technicians.
Aeroviation has expanded significantly since its early days, when the founders nearly closed shop due to slow initial uptake. It now has capacity for up to 80 students simultaneously, with theory and simulator classes held on weekends for adults and children alike. Faris, an Nanyang Technological University (NTU) mechanical engineering alumnus and licensed recreational pilot, has previously shared how the academy helps turn lifelong dreams into reality for those who may not want or be able to pursue full commercial pilot careers.
The visit underscores growing interest in regional collaboration on aerospace talent development, aligning with Malaysia’s broader push to position itself as a key player in the sector through initiatives under the 12th Malaysia Plan and the National Aerospace Industry Corporation (NAICO).
Aeroviation’s model — blending traditional flight training with emerging technologies — comes as demand for skilled aviation professionals surges across Asia-Pacific, driven by expanding airlines, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities, and advanced manufacturing.
For more information on Aeroviation’s programmes, visit their official website or contact the academy directly.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments in Malaysia’s aerospace ambitions and talent pipeline.
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