29 Nov 2007Soaring to new heights with Nilai International University College
Cyberjaya: Nilai International University College (NUC) launched its Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) today. The Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation, Malaysia, Y.B. Dato’ Azharuddin Abdul Rahman (representing the Deputy Minister of Transport II, YM Tengku Dato’ Seri Azlan Ibni Sultan Abu Bakar), along with NUC’s President Professor Emeritus Tengku Dato’ Shamsul Bahrin, launched this milestone event.
Various aviation industry players, including NUC’s industry partners in this special project, witnessed the launch ceremony. These partners are Berjaya Air Sdn. Bhd., Dnest Aviation Services Sdn. Bhd., Gulf Golden International Flying Academy, KLAS (DRB-HICOM), Integrated Training and Services Sdn. Bhd., Sabah Air Sdn. Bhd., Subang General Aviation Sdn. Bhd. and Systematic Aviation Services Sdn. Bhd.
Tengku Shamsul said there was a pressing need for properly qualified staff in all aspects of AME. “This is a rapidly growing industry and demand for skilled AMEs far outstrips supply.
“Many of our trained engineers are lured to greener pastures in the Gulf States as well as to other neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong which are also facing an acute shortage of trained personnel in aircraft maintenance,” Tengku Shamsul adds.
The Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is the person who decides whether a plane is airworthy. He ensures that the plane is safe and ready to take to the skies with its valuable cargo of human passengers. The AME must be well versed in the maintenance and repair requirements for the aircraft he certifies.
“NUC is proud to offer this opportunity to young, ambitious adults to launch themselves into a high-flying career in this field. Furthermore, in collaboration with Air Service Training (Engineering) Ltd, NUC is seeking approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom to make NUC a Second Examination site for the internationally recognized European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Examinations. This programme is tailor-made to develop and empower young individuals to be Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers,” Tengku Shamsul continues.
It is still a common practice for aircraft maintenance personnel to work for a few years before going to Europe to sit for the EASA examination. Becoming a Second Examination Site will enable the examinations to be completed at Nilai.
The approval from the Civil Aviation Authority, United Kingdom will allow NUC to add value to its own Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Diploma programme and to offer candidates the opportunity to enter the aviation industry suitably qualified. AME Diploma holders will also be able to continue their studies for a BSc degree in Aircraft Engineering at Perth College, United Kingdom. Whichever path a candidate chooses, he will have gained the essential knowledge for the maintenance of large commercial aircraft.
“At the moment, the aviation industry here is heavily dependent on foreign engineers. Our long-term goal is to populate this industry with local talent. It is my sincere hope that this programme will be a ticket for many to soar to greater heights,” concluded Tengku Shamsul.
First intake for this two year six month course will be in January 2008 and is expected to draw in 80 students per year.
For more information, please go to http://www.nilai.edu.my/ or call 06-8502338.
Pix left: Peter Farrow (CEO Air Services Training UK), Dato' KH Gan (CEO Nilai UC), Y.B. Dato’ Azharuddin Abdul Rahman (Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation, Malaysia) & Tengku Dato' Shamsul Bahrin witnessing the official launch of the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme.
pix above: Peter Farrow & Tengku Dato' Shmasul Bahrin exchanging documents.
