Malaysian Universities and AMIC Partner for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Development
In a significant move towards sustainable aviation, the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) has announced a collaborative project with UCSI University and Universiti Malaya (UM) to develop a robust bio-feedstock supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Malaysia. The project, titled “Enabling Local Bio-Jet Fuel (Sustainable Aviation Fuel – SAF) Development of Robust Bio-Feedstock Supply Chain,” was formalized through Letters of Intent signed with both universities on September 13, 2024. This collaboration serves as a precursor to a full Research and Technology Agreement, marking a crucial step in Malaysia’s efforts to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.
Funded by a RM 3 million grant from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), with support from the National Aerospace Industry Coordinating Office (NAICO), the project is set to run for 24 months. Its primary focus will be on identifying and cultivating various algae species and alternative sustainable biomass sources, including municipal solid waste and used cooking oil. Key objectives of the project include developing lab-scale production of sustainable biomass, optimizing cultivation conditions for bio-feedstock, and identifying suitable locations for scaling up mass production across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.
This initiative aligns with AMIC’s broader mission to support Malaysia’s aerospace industry through research and technological advancements in sustainable aviation. By partnering with UCSI and UM, AMIC aims to leverage the academic and research expertise of these institutions to contribute to global efforts in reducing aviation-related carbon emissions. The collaboration is also in line with the objectives outlined in the National Aerospace Blueprint, which seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Malaysia’s aerospace sector.
As the aviation industry worldwide grapples with the challenge of reducing its environmental impact, this project positions Malaysia at the forefront of sustainable aviation fuel research and development in the region. The partnership between AMIC, UCSI, and UM represents a significant step towards creating a sustainable and resilient SAF supply chain in Malaysia. As the project progresses, it is expected to not only contribute to the country’s aerospace capabilities but also to its environmental sustainability goals.
For more information about this collaboration, interested parties can contact the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) at [email protected] or 03-8736 6000
AMIC and Skyways Technics Partner to Advance Automation in Aerospace MRO
In a significant move to enhance automation and digitalization in aerospace processes, Skyways Technics Asia Sdn. Bhd. and the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaboration, formalized on September 12, 2024, at the Selangor Aviation Airshow 2024 (SAS ’24), aims to boost Skyways’ repair, testing, and inspection capabilities while developing innovative processes within the company.
The partnership between AMIC and Skyways Technics Asia focuses on two primary objectives. First, it seeks to enhance current processes by automating and digitalizing existing procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Second, the collaboration aims to develop new capabilities by leveraging automation and digitalization, positioning Skyways at the forefront of the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) industry. AMIC’s extensive experience in aerospace automation, developed since 2017, is expected to play a crucial role in this initiative.
Dr. Liew Kan Ern, CEO of AMIC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This MoU with Skyways Technics Asia is an exciting opportunity to apply our R&D expertise in creating innovative solutions tailored to the MRO sector.” Echoing this sentiment, Mogens Nielsen, General Manager of Skyways Technics Asia, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, saying, “By integrating automation and digitalization into our processes, we are not only improving current operations but also setting the stage for future advancements in the aerospace industry.”
Skyways Technics is a global leader in MRO and Spare Parts provision, operating worldwide with hubs in Denmark, Malaysia, the U.A.E., the U.S.A., France, and Australia. The company offers tailored, end-to-end solutions to aircraft operators, lessors, MROs, and parts traders. With EASA, FAA, and UK CAA approved workshops, Skyways Technics specializes in repairing all types of structural components for ATR and narrowbody aircraft, with a particular focus on nose radomes and leading edges. This collaboration with AMIC is expected to further enhance their capabilities and maintain their competitive edge in the rapidly evolving aerospace industry.
The signing of this MoU at the Selangor Aviation Airshow 2024 underscores the growing importance of automation and digitalization in the aerospace sector, particularly in the MRO field. As the industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this between research institutions and industry leaders are becoming increasingly crucial in driving innovation and maintaining operational excellence. For more information about this collaboration, interested parties can contact the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) at [email protected] or 03-8736 6000
AMIC Partners with Industry Leaders to Drive Carbon Accounting in Aerospace Manufacturing
In a significant move towards sustainability in the aerospace industry, the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with key industry players to spearhead carbon accounting in aerospace manufacturing. The partnership, formalized on September 12, 2024, at the Selangor Aviation Airshow 2024 (SAS ’24), brings together AMIC, Spirit AeroSystems Malaysia, Upeca Aerotech (part of Senior plc), and Smastip for a six-month collaboration aimed at reducing the environmental impact of aerospace manufacturing.
The project, which is part of the RMK-12 initiative to establish a sustainable aerospace industry, is supported by EPU, MITI, and NAICO. It addresses the pressing need for precise greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting in the aerospace sector, an industry that plays a significant role in global transportation but faces increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact. The collaboration focuses on two primary objectives: accurately measuring carbon emissions across various stages of aerospace manufacturing to identify key sources and understand the industry’s carbon footprint, and building awareness and capabilities by equipping the aerospace sector with tools for effective carbon accounting and GHG emissions reduction.
This partnership comes at a crucial time when the global focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility is intensifying. By providing companies with insights and strategies necessary for sustainable development and ESG compliance, the project aims to position Malaysia’s aerospace industry at the forefront of environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. The collaboration is set to kickstart carbon accountability among aerospace manufacturing players in Malaysia, potentially setting a benchmark for the industry worldwide.
Leaders from the involved organizations have emphasized the importance of this partnership in advancing sustainability in aerospace manufacturing. The project is expected to yield valuable data and methodologies that could transform how the industry approaches its environmental impact. By bringing together the expertise of AMIC, a leading research and technology center, with the practical experience of major industry players like Spirit AeroSystems, Upeca Aerotech, and Smastip, the collaboration promises to deliver comprehensive and actionable results.
As the aerospace industry continues to grapple with the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint, initiatives like this MoA demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to being part of the solution. The outcomes of this six-month project could potentially influence industry standards and practices, not just in Malaysia but globally, as the world moves towards a more sustainable future in aviation and aerospace manufacturing. For more information about this groundbreaking collaboration, interested parties can contact the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) at [email protected] or 03-8736 6000
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Photos by Invest Selangor