SHAH ALAM: Selangor is exploring strategic collaborations in the aerospace sector and inviting Chinese firms to invest in the state’s newly-launched Aero Park through its participation in the Airexpo Shanghai 2025 recently.
State financial officer Datuk Haniff Zainal Abidin said the Selangor delegation, led by state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han, saw significant potential in bringing global aerospace players to Selangor.
“You can see a lot of high-tech solution companies here, and I believe some of these businesses should be brought to Selangor to consider investing in our Aero Park.
“We will support more business collaborations between aerospace companies in China and other parts of the world with our local players. The state government is committed to backing these efforts,” he said on the sidelines of the event.
Airexpo Shanghai, or the Shanghai International Aerospace Technology and Equipment Exhibition, was held from June 11 to 13 at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre.
It is an annual premier international aerospace trade exhibition, showcasing the latest in aircraft manufacturing, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul), airport infrastructure, unmanned aerial vehicles, and aerospace technology.
The Selangor Aero Park, located at KLIA Aeropolis, is part of the state’s long-term ambition to become Southeast Asia’s leading aviation and MRO hub.
Haniff said there were already potential investment leads engaged at the expo, with one company having expressed clear interest in establishing operations in Selangor.
“These are the kinds of opportunities we must pursue. We have to be proactive and expand our network internationally,” he said.
Haniff also spoke about his visit to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), which he described as “one of the most sophisticated aircraft manufacturers” he had seen.
“Their factory design is very systematic and high-tech. China now has the capacity to produce high-quality, innovative aerospace products. Comac can one day compete with Boeing and Airbus,” he said.
With over 160 aerospace companies already based in Selangor, Haniff encouraged local industry players to take advantage of the state’s facilities and infrastructure to forge international collaborations.
“I believe all companies should seize this opportunity. In Selangor, we have designated areas specifically for industrial development. We have the infrastructure, we have the facilities, and we also have Invest Selangor Bhd, which can help promote local companies to international partners.
“That’s why Malaysian companies should expand abroad and pursue more collaborations, so we can gain access to new technologies. These new technologies will benefit all companies involved in the aerospace sector.
“Our goal is for Malaysia to eventually develop its own expertise and technical knowledge, so that one day, we can produce a wide range of products for the aircraft industry,” he said.
The Selangor delegation to Airexpo Shanghai 2025 also includes representatives from Invest Selangor and the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (Naico).
