KOTA KINABALU, Aug 21, 2026 — Sabah youths pursuing technical and vocational training in the aerospace sector have received a boost following the approval of RM500,000 in funding by the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) to support students at the Mega Aerospace Centre, also known as the KKIP Aerospace Training Centre.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Datuk Ewon Benedick welcomed the allocation, describing it as an important first step towards expanding access to high-skilled aerospace training for young Sabahans.

He said the funding would help students pursuing TVET programmes at the centre while supporting the development of a local workforce equipped with skills required by the aerospace industry.

“I appreciate the approval of RM500,000 in funding to support students at this centre.

“I am confident this initial allocation will help build a better future for Sabah youths who choose to pursue TVET education here,” he said.

Ewon said the Sabah Government was also supporting students through the Sabah State Government Scholarship and the Sabah Education Fund, providing additional avenues for those seeking financial assistance for their studies.

He was speaking after a working visit with Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan to the Mega Aerospace Centre in Tuaran today.

Ewon said expanding TVET opportunities in high-skilled fields such as aerospace was important to ensure Sabah could produce more local workers with qualifications and technical capabilities aligned with industry demand.

The visit also saw the signing and exchange of a Letter of Intent between Mega Aerospace Centre Sdn Bhd and ADTEC JTM Kota Kinabalu Campus, aimed at strengthening collaboration in TVET training and aerospace skills development in Sabah.

The partnership is expected to enhance cooperation between training institutions and support the development of a stronger local talent pipeline for the aerospace sector.

Also present were Mega Aerospace Centre chairman Senator Datuk Nelson Angang, Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation permanent secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin, and KKIP Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Cecilia Amid.

The RM500,000 allocation comes as Sabah seeks to expand opportunities in high-value technical sectors and equip more young people with specialised skills to meet future industrial needs.