SELANGOR’s plans to become South-East Asia’s leading hub for aerospace and semiconductor industries are slowly taking shape, says state investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han.
He said the focus was on attracting investments, fostering innovation and developing local expertise to drive economic growth and high-income job opportunities.
He was replying to questions from Ong Chun Wei (PH-Bala-kong) and Dr Quah Perng Fei (PH-Bandar Baru Klang) at the Selangor State Assembly in Shah Alam.
Ong had asked about the state’s aerospace industry investments and workforce development.
Ng said Selangor Aerospace Action Plan (SAAP) 2020-2030 served as a driver for the development of the industry.
“In 2023, Selangor recorded RM55.3bil in investments, surpassing its RM45bil target, with significant contributions from the aerospace sector.”
He said ongoing projects included developments for the expansion of aerospace activities for companies like Dassault Aviation, Collins Aerospace, Smartlink Engineering, Singapore Airlines Engineering and Malaysia Airlines Engineering.
“The state aims to meet demand for 32,000 skilled workers by 2030 through projects like Selangor Aero Park and Selangor Aerospace Apprenticeship Programme (SAAP),” said Ng.
He said affordable housing initiatives such as Rumah Selangorku would also support workforce in the aerospace industry.
“To retain skilled talent, Selangor will collaborate with aerospace companies on high-impact projects and offer training programmes and financial incentives through SAAP.
“This strategy aims to reduce brain drain and encourage skilled professionals to return from abroad to contribute to Selangor’s growing aerospace industry,” he added.
On the semiconductor industry, Ng said the state was set to benefit directly from foreign investments by venture capitalists and international semiconductor companies setting up shop at Selangor Integrated Circuit design hub.
“This strategic shift for Malaysia’s semiconductor industry from ‘Made in Malaysia’ to ‘Designed by Malaysia’ will also create high-income job opportunities and stimulate local economic sectors such as food and beverage, housing and transportation,” said Ng.
