UMPSA Seals Collaboration with Aviation Australia to Strengthen Aerospace Sector
Media Release
Pahang, Malaysia (UMPSA Gambang), 3 February 2026
Aviation Australia has 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 strengthening cooperation within the aerospace sector and advancing talent development for the aviation industry.
The ceremony was attended by UMPSA Vice-Chancellor Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah binti Alias and Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology Professor Ir. Dr. Mohd Fairusham Ghazali. Representing Aviation Australia were Chief Commercial Officer Brendan Mikkelson and Executive Dean of Higher Education and Technology Professor Talal Yusaf.
Aviation Australia Chief Commercial Officer Brendan Mikkelson, who signed the MoU on behalf of the organisation, said the partnership would 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, the MoU represents far more than a formal agreement and reflects a collaborative relationship built on mutual trust, shared aspirations and a long-term commitment to excellence.
“UMPSA consistently emphasises the importance of remaining 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 said.
She added that UMPSA’s aerospace focus extends to advanced aviation technologies, including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drones and rocket development, alongside a commitment to producing ethical and highly skilled graduates.
The partnership follows preliminary discussions held in November between UMPSA, Aviation Australia and Central Queensland University. These discussions identified several high-impact areas for collaboration that have now been formalised through the 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 under the collaboration include:
• Remote pilot training programs, offering drone operator qualifications with certifications recognised locally and internationally.
• Development of an innovation hub through the UMPSA Centre for Advanced Mobility and Aerospace, supporting skills development, innovation and applied research.
• Enhanced learning and research opportunities for students, researchers, academics and industry partners through stronger alignment with real-world industry needs.
“UMPSA deeply values the trust placed in us by Aviation Australia and is confident this partnership will continue to flourish for the benefit of our institutions, the industry and society at large,” Professor Yatimah said.
The signing of the MoU reflects UMPSA’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships and supporting the development of highly skilled talent to meet the evolving needs of the global aviation industry.
Also in attendance were:
• Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International)
• Professor Datin Ts. Dr. Mimi Sakinah Abdul Munaim, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Internationalisation and Academic Collaboration)
• Professor Dr. Rizalman Mamat, Senior Director of the Centre for Advanced Mobility and Aerospace
• Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Herma Dina Setiabudi, Director of the Centre for Global Networking
Media Contact:
Kylie Hine
Aviation Australia
Email: [email protected]
Website: aviationaustralia.aero
