UUM TO HELP EXPEDITE KEDAH SUPERMEGA AEROTROPOLIS PROJECT 

Alor Setar - In order to successfully implement the high-impact project, Kedah Aerotropolis in this state, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) is among the 10 strategic partners selected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Development of the Kedah Aerotropolis Project with KXP Airportcity Holding at Wisma Darul Aman, recently.

The MoU was signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah, and the Chief Executive Officer of KXP Airportcity Holding, Mdm. Nur Salman Saad @ Bidin, in the presence of Kedah Menteri Besar, Dato' Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who is also the Chairman of KXP AirportCity Holdings.

According to Muhammad Sanusi, Kedah Aerotropolis will be the most important development catalyst for the Peninsula's Northern Region and the IMT-GT triangle area.

The Kedah Aerotropolis project, which includes the construction of the Kulim International Airport (KXP) in Mukim Sidam Kiri in the Kuala Muda district, is set to become a cargo hub and an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centre in the Asian region similar to Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America.

"Kedah Aerotropolis, which is designed to drive the economic transformation of the state, will span 9,800 acres (3,965 hectares) and will include the construction of KXP as well as supporting industries such as the Sidam Logistics, Aerospace, and Manufacturing (SLAM) Hub, which is expected to generate 75,000 to 80,000 high-wage skilled job opportunities.

"The state government welcomes the involvement of educational institutions to train young people in the field of study or courses related to aerospace including maintenance, repair and overhaul because the development mission of Kedah Aerotropolis is not limited to aviation operations alone.

"By converting the educational institution into an aviation and aerospace training centre, we will be able to provide skilled personnel in an effort to realise the establishment of a Technical University with the aerospace field as the core," he explained.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman stated that the collaboration had been long awaited, and that UUM would focus on training, research and consultation as well as student development in areas concerning logistics, transport, and supply chain.

"As an institution of higher education, we are pleased that KXP and the Kedah state government see us as a strategic partner in developing this big agenda. Praise be to Allah, UUM has signed an MOU with KXP, particularly in terms of sharing expertise.

"This expertise can be channelled not only in the context of lectures but also to the industry, therefore working closely with the industry provides an opportunity to learn the latest developments in the industry and then share this experience with students," he explained.

He expressed hope that this collaboration will allow UUM to provide the best human resources to organisations and businesses operating in the future Aerotropolis city.

Besides UUM, Universiti Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (UniSHAMS), ST Engineering, L3Harris, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), Maz Gerbang Sdn. Bhd., ZRST Training Sdn. Bhd., Wauavieco Sdn. Bhd., Giaan Flying Academy, Jet Fuels Sdn. Bhd. and Myhandlers services, too, signed the memorandum.

KXP AirportCity Holdings is a subsidiary of the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK) which operates Kedah Aerotropolis. The development of the Kedah Aerotropolis will provide opportunities for the state of Kedah to become a hub for transportation and logistics services, trade in goods and services, as well as the aerospace manufacturing and maintenance industry.