Your Excellency Ambassador
Edward D. Kagan
Ambassador of the United States to Malaysia
Ms Penny Burtt
President, Boeing Southeast Asia
Mr Brian Moran
Chief Sustainability Officer, Boeing
Prof. Ts. Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah
Chief Executive Officer, National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (NAICO Malaysia)
Captains of the industry,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Selamat Sejahtera, and Salam Malaysia Madani.
1. It is my honour to be here today for the official launch of Boeing’s new Malaysia office in Kuala Lumpur. This is a testament to Boeing’s commitment to Malaysia as a part of our nation’s aerospace journey.
2. Boeing’s journey with Malaysia spans over 70 years, beginning with the delivery of the Douglas DC-3 aircraft in 1947. Since then, Boeing has played an important role in supporting our aviation and aerospace growth. To date, more than 140 Boeing aircraft have been delivered to Malaysian carriers, including over 100 Boeing 737s to Malaysia Airlines.
3. This is further enhanced with the announcement by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) of its intention to purchase 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, with an option to procure 30 more. This announcement provides an opportunity for Boeing and Malaysia to collaborate on the next phase of aerospace development, from local supply chain expansion to talent upskilling and sustainability leadership.
4. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) supports such high-impact collaborations. The New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) lists aerospace as a priority sector to drive innovation, deepen economic complexity, and achieve net-zero ambitions. Within MITI, the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (NAICO Malaysia) serves as the key implementing agency to realise this vision.
5. NAICO Malaysia has been instrumental in positioning Malaysia as the preferred aerospace hub in ASEAN. Through the Malaysia Aerospace Centre of Excellence (MyAERO Centre), NAICO Malaysia connects government, academia, and industry to accelerate progress in technology adoption, talent development, industrialisation, and sustainability. Boeing is one of our strategic partners on this journey.
6. Boeing’s presence in Malaysia goes beyond aircraft sales. Located in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, Boeing Composites Malaysia (BCM) stands as Boeing’s only wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia. With a workforce of nearly 1,000 Malaysians, BCM has an impeccable record in producing composite parts for the 737, 767, 777, and 787 programs—contributing directly to Boeing’s global production network.
7. We thank Boeing for positioning Malaysia as a gateway to the Asia Pacific aerospace market. With Malaysia’s robust industrial ecosystem, strategic geographical position, stable talent supply and progressive policies, this is the beginning of a stronger and even more enduring partnership.
8. I also wish to acknowledge the efforts of MIDA, MATRADE, NAICO Malaysia, and all ecosystem partners who have worked to make today possible.
9. Congratulations once again on this launch.
Thank you.