Pahang, Malaysia (UMPSA Gambang) , 3 February 2026
Aviation Australia entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA). The signing ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of UMPSA Gambang, marks a strategic milestone in bolstering cooperation within the aerospace sector and advancing talent development for the aviation industry.
The ceremony featured UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah binti Alias, and the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Professor Ir. Dr. Mohd Fairusham Ghazali. Representing Aviation Australia were Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Brendan Mikkelson, and Professor Talal Yusaf, Executive Dean of Higher Education and Technology.
Aviation Australia Chief Commercial Officer Brendan Mikkelson, who signed the MoU on behalf of Aviation Australia, said the partnership will support both nations in developing a highly skilled aviation workforce.
“UMPSA is an excellent technical university with strong engineering capability. This collaboration brings together complementary strengths to deliver industry-focused aviation training, knowledge exchange, and innovative research. We look forward to creating new pathways that benefit students, staff, and the wider aviation industry across the region.”
According to Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah, this MoU transcends a formal agreement; it represents a continuation of a collaborative relationship built upon mutual trust, shared aspirations, and long-term commitment.
“UMPSA consistently emphasises the necessity for the university to remain relevant by addressing industry requirements and future trends. The aerospace field has been identified as a strategic focus for the university, aligning with UMPSA’s strengths in engineering, applied research, and industry-driven education,” she stated.
She further noted that UMPSA’s aerospace focus encompasses advanced aviation technologies, such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drones, and rocket development, in alongside a commitment to producing ethical and highly skilled human capital.
This partnership is the culmination of preliminary discussions initiated last November involving UMPSA, Aviation Australia, and Central Queensland University. These discussions identified high-impact collaborative areas now formalised through this MoU. Aviation Australia brings extensive regional and global expertise in aviation training, helping UMPSA address emerging workforce challenges and build future‑ready capabilities
Key Initiatives of the Collaboration:
“UMPSA deeply values the trust placed in us by Aviation Australia and is confident that this partnership will continue to flourish for the benefit of our institutions, the industry, and society at large,” she added.
The signing of this MoU reflects UMPSA’s dedication to expanding its international network and supporting the development of high-skilled talent in line with the requirements of the global aviation industry.
Also in attendance were:
#UMPSAMalaysia #TeknologiUntukMasyarakat Photo by Khairu Aidilnishah Rizan
Media Contact:
Kylie Hine
Aviation Australia
📧 [email protected]
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