On 17 June 2025, Mechanical Engineering Technical Division (METD) of IEM conducted a courtesy visit to Malaysia Airlines Berhad Engineering Services (MABES) at the Malaysia Airlines Engineering Complex, South Support Zone, Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Originally intended as a visit to Dato’ Capt. Izham, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, the visit was redirected and held with Tuan Eke Nazri, Chief Operating Officer of MABES, who warmly welcomed the METD delegation.
The meeting commenced with welcome remarks and introductions from both parties, setting the tone for a productive engagement. The IEM team, led by Ir. Dr. Liew Chee Leong, Chairman of METD, consisted of five representatives, while MABES was represented by 15 senior managers and executives. The discussions that followed were constructive and forward-looking, covering a broad range of collaborative opportunities between IEM and MABES.
IEM presented its vision and ongoing initiatives through a corporate video, highlighting the Institution’s commitment to advancing engineering professionalism and fostering strong partnerships between industry and academia. A dialogue session followed, focusing on key areas such as talent development, regulatory recognition pathways, and deeper industry-academia engagement. Both sides expressed mutual interest in strengthening ties and exploring joint initiatives. Malaysia Airlines’ long-standing contributions to aviation engineering in Malaysia were formally acknowledged during the visit. IEM commended MAS for producing generations of high-calibre engineers who have significantly contributed to the growth and excellence of the country’s aerospace sector. This recognition underscored the importance of collaboration between IEM and MABES in nurturing future engineering leaders.
It was mutually agreed to explore strategic collaborations in several areas, including talent development and certification programs, technical knowledge exchange platforms, and joint engineering projects aimed at developing innovative solutions and end-products. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting the professionalisation of Licensed Aircraft Engineers (LAEs), with MABES expressing strong support for IEM’s framework in recognising and developing LAEs. Reference was made to recent milestones involving the registration of Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) engineers as Professional Engineers (Ir.).
In addition, Malaysia Airlines welcomed IEM’s proposal to enhance branding and visibility initiatives that reflect the excellence, professionalism, and national pride associated with Malaysian engineering. These efforts align with IEM’s broader mission to promote the engineering profession and raise its profile across key industries.
As a result of the positive discussions, Malaysia Airlines has agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IEM, formalising the collaboration across all agreed-upon areas. A dedicated team will be formed under MABES to work closely with IEM METD in identifying and executing joint projects.
This visit represents a strategic milestone in IEM’s outreach to key industry players. It reflects a shared commitment to elevate engineering standards, foster innovation, and strengthen the recognition of engineering excellence within Malaysia’s aviation sector. We look forward to progressing the MoU and initiating collaborative initiatives with MABES in the near future.
