Date: 29 April 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Venue: A380 Meeting Room, Podium B, Level 3, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia Headquarters, Putrajaya
Introduction
The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), through its Mechanical Engineering Technical Division (METD) Aero Subcommittee, successfully conducted an official courtesy visit to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) on 29 April 2026.
This visit marks a historic milestone, representing the first formal institutional engagement between IEM and CAAM. It reflects IEM’s strategic intent to strengthen mutual support with the national aviation regulator and to position the engineering profession as a key contributor to Malaysia’s aerospace development.
IEM METD Delegation
- Ir. Dr. Ricky Liew Chee Leong – METD Chairman
- Ir. Chek Chang Jie – METD Aero Subcommittee Chair
- Major Eugene Owi – METD Aero Subcommittee
- Tc. Mohd Nazrul bin Md Zin – METD Aero Subcommittee
- Mr. Lim Zhian Wei – METD Aero Subcommittee
CAAM Representation
- Captain Mohd Radzi Mohamad Alias – Deputy CEO (Regulatory)
- Ir. Collin Joshua Mehling – Senior Director of Airworthiness
- Mohd Zaidi bin Ibrahim – Deputy Director, Head of Airworthiness Certification & Engineering Section
- Ts. Nik Farhan Nik Azlan
- Muhammad Nazirul Izzat bin Mahat – Senior Executive, CEO’s Office
The delegation was received in a professional and engaging environment, enabling open dialogue and reinforcing mutual understanding.
Purpose of Visit
The primary purpose of the visit was to seek CAAM’s support for the IEM Aviation Safety Competition (ASC) 2026, a key initiative aligned with national aviation safety awareness and professional development.
This engagement also served as a platform to establish stronger mutual support between IEM and CAAM in advancing engineering professionalism within the aviation sector.
Key Discussion Highlights
CAAM’s Regulatory Transformation
CAAM shared its strategic direction towards becoming an engagement-driven and user-centric regulatory compliance facilitator, moving beyond traditional bureaucratic practices.
This transformation emphasises:
- Proactive industry engagement and guidance
- Facilitation of practical compliance implementation
- Alignment with operational realities of the aviation sector
This progressive approach reflects a modern regulatory philosophy that strengthens both safety oversight and industry development.
Strategic Significance for IEM
This engagement reinforces IEM’s evolving role beyond a learned society, positioning itself as a strategic interface between aerospace engineering practice, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders.
Through METD Aero Subcommittee, IEM will continue to:
- Promote aerospace engineering professionalism and regulatory alignment
- Support initiatives that enhance aviation safety culture
- Facilitate engagement between engineers, regulators and industry leaders
- Contribute towards strengthening Malaysia’s aerospace capability and standards
Symbolism and Institutional Aspiration
The METD Room continues to serve as a symbolic representation of IEM METD’s aerospace vision.
The display featuring the handwritten message from former NASA Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise (Lunar Module Pilot and Space Shuttle Enterprise Commander), together with the message from former Air Force One specialist engineer James Danley, reflects a unified expression of aerospace and aircraft engineering excellence.
In simple terms, these two icons represent what engineers are truly capable of at the highest level. In Apollo 13, engineers on the ground and in space worked under extreme pressure to solve life-threatening failures with limited resources and brought the crew home safely. In Air Force One, engineers ensure that one of the most critical aircraft in the world operates with absolute reliability, security and precision at all times.
Together, they remind us that whether in space or in flight, engineering is not just about systems and machines, it is about discipline, responsibility and the ability to deliver when it matters most.
Conclusion
The courtesy visit to CAAM represents a defining step forward in IEM’s aerospace engagement journey.
It signifies not only a successful meeting, but the beginning of a strategic relationship built on mutual support, shared objectives and national interest.
As IEM continues to expand its footprint, such engagements will play a critical role in positioning the Institution as a leading voice in engineering excellence within Malaysia’s aerospace sector.
From left: Ts. Nik Farhan, Tuan Muhammad Nazirul Izzat, Tuan Mohd. Zaidi, Tuan Ir. Collin Mehling, Capt Mohd. Radzi, Ir. Dr. Ricky Liew, Ir. Major (R) Jeff Chek, Major Owi Eugene, Mr. Lim Zhian Wei, Tc. Mohd Nazrul Md Zin
