UPM, Airbus Strengthen Partnership to Advance Malaysia's Aerospace Talent Pipeline

By: Husnina Zahra Hadri
Photos by: Muhammad Syuqqree Mohd Dain

SERDANG, 5 June – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has strengthened its commitment to developing Malaysia’s future aerospace workforce through a strategic collaboration with Airbus, aimed at expanding opportunities in education, research, innovation and industry engagement.

UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah FASc, said the partnership aligns with the university’s True North strategic direction, which emphasises global connectivity through excellence in education, research, innovation and internationalisation.

“This collaboration provides our academics, researchers and students with direct exposure to cutting-edge knowledge, technologies, innovation and best industry practices from one of the world’s leading aerospace companies.

“UPM is also planning a series of joint initiatives with Airbus, including industrial visits, career talks, knowledge-sharing sessions and student participation in the annual Airbus Sustainable Week programme,” he said.

The partnership is expected to enrich UPM’s teaching and learning ecosystem by providing academic staff and students with greater access to emerging aerospace technologies and current industry practices, while strengthening university-industry collaboration.

Airbus Malaysia Head Representative, Burhanudin Noordin Ali, said the relationship between UPM and Airbus began in 2021 through a Career Sharing Programme involving UPM Aerospace Engineering alumni who are now serving with Airbus.

“Since then, the collaboration has delivered meaningful outcomes, including industrial training opportunities at Airbus and enhanced career pathways for graduates from UPM’s Department of Aerospace Engineering to join a globally recognised aerospace company,” he said.

He added that the initiative, led by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Adi Azriff Basri, has grown significantly over the years and has become a strategic platform for strengthening collaboration between academia and the global aerospace industry.

Meanwhile, Dean of the UPM Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab. Kadir, said the partnership reflects the faculty’s commitment to producing highly competent and industry-ready graduates.

“The Faculty of Engineering remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships with industry to ensure our teaching and research ecosystem keeps pace with global technological advancements.

“Our collaboration with Airbus not only broadens professional exposure for students and academics but also serves as a catalyst for talent development and innovation in Malaysia’s aerospace sector,” he said.

Also present at the event were UPM Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Ir. Dr. Abd. Rahim Abu Talib, Airbus Asia Pacific Head of Human Resources, Paul Coignec, and Airbus Malaysia Head of Human Resources, Tammy Lim.