- Positioning Malaysia as a regional aerospace hub, Dato' Nonee Ashirin highlights Malaysia’s strategic advantage in the ASEAN region, backed by strong MRO capabilities, skilled talent, and infrastructure.
- Under Nonee’s leadership, Global Turbine Asia is embracing digitalisation, AI-driven maintenance, and ESG integration to attract more foreign investors.
- Inspiring the next generation through space education, the Nonee Ashirin Foundation in partnership with the Young Cosmonauts School in Russia, is offering Malaysian youth access to global space opportunities and making space careers a reality.
By Anansa Jacob
AS MALAYSIA sets its sights on becoming a regional powerhouse in aerospace and defence, leaders like Dato' Nonee Ashirin Dato' Mohd Radzi are charting an ambitious course. The Executive Chairman of Global Turbine Asia (GTA) is not only steering her company through digital transformation and ESG adoption, but also laying the groundwork for a new generation of aerospace innovators.
“Malaysia is very much poised to be a regional hub,” she shared during a recent interview with New Asia Currents. “We’re the ASEAN chair this year, and there’s a lot of effort in aligning policies across member countries. Aerospace and defence are part of that conversation.”
Malaysia’s geographical advantage, strong port infrastructure, and established MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) capabilities give it a natural edge. “We sit at a crossroads,” she added. “We’ve developed our aerospace infrastructure well, and we have the talent.”
From legacy to leadership: Building on MRO expertise
Nonee’s foundation in aviation maintenance has broadened her perspective. “MAS Engineering was a pioneer 10–15 years ago in third-party repair. Our skilled workers and government support are national assets.”
Now, as the aerospace sector evolves, GTA is transforming in tandem.
“In the past six months, we’ve embraced digitalisation and AI,” she said. “We’re using AI-driven diagnostics and predictive maintenance to reduce customer downtime and improve operational efficiency.”
Beyond tech, Nonee is championing sustainability and inclusion. GTA recently became a signatory to the UN’s Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP). “At my level as director, I make sure we see women in the C-suite. There aren’t many of us in aerospace."
Sustainability starts with internal culture. “Sometimes it’s just about encouraging small changes — like separating waste properly. But it builds accountability.”
As GTA eyes a future IPO, ESG frameworks are front and centre. “There’s no fixed timeline. ESG is constantly evolving. But to be taken seriously globally, you need structure, KPIs, and consistent monitoring.”
Malaysia’s aerospace value proposition
Nonee is confident in Malaysia’s competitiveness. “We can absolutely compete. Historically, we’ve invested in composites, sheet metal, and aerospace design. We sent people abroad to train. But the pace of tech change is a challenge — we have to keep up.”
She stressed that Malaysia offers best value. “Not the cheapest, but the smartest. Malaysians are skilled and adaptable.”
Initiatives like InvestKL have helped attract global players such as Honeywell and ECM. “We were aggressive about courting big companies, and it paid off. But we must improve implementation — our policies are strong, but enforcement is inconsistent.”
Inspiring the next generation of space leaders
Turning to Malaysia’s space ambitions, Nonee reflected on the plan. “We sent a ‘cute’ astronaut to space once,” she laughed, referring to Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor. “But what came after?”
She called for clearer direction under the 2035 Space Blueprint. “We have an ecosystem. But we need focus — will we lead in launch systems, satellites, or systems engineering?”
Her belief in private sector leadership led her to establish the Nonee Ashirin Foundation, aimed at aerospace education. “I was inspired by the Tom Coleman Foundation in the United States, which sends kids to NASA. Why not us?”
She recounted a visit to Pulau Tuba, where schoolkids were building and flying RC fighter jets. “What they see is what they believe. If we don’t show them possibilities, how will they dream?”
The foundation’s first phase will focus on outreach in Penang, eventually building towards global partnerships. “I’ve reached out to the Young Cosmonauts School in Russia. They offer flight training and aerospace science. Imagine getting Malaysian students there on exchange.”
For Nonee, global partnerships depend on trust and compliance. “You must have a track record. My European partners demand strict trade compliance — that’s why they keep working with us.”
She remains grounded about her goals. “Nonee can’t do everything yet,” she smiled. “But it’s a long journey. And it’s worth it.”
Memorandum of Understanding with CWC Enterprise Pte Ltd
That journey will soon take a bold leap at LIMA 2025, where the Nonee Ashirin Foundation will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CWC Enterprise Pte Ltd, represented by Managing Director, Winfred Khoo.
The historic agreement will be witnessed by a distinguished group, including Tan Sri Mazlan Othman, who will be the adviser for the International Youth Space Academy (IYSA) to be set up by CWC, where YCS is an important component; Timofey Egorov, the Chief Coordinator of YCS; and Khoo Boo Wooi, CEO of Tech Dome Penang, that will set up the IYSA in Penang. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum (SSTM) has agreed to come on board as co-developers of the IYSA curriculum.
Future in flight — and in orbit
As Malaysia aims for RM50 billion in aerospace revenue by 2050, Nonee remains optimistic. “Boleh lah. Kita smart, kita figure lah."
Whether through AI-powered jet engines or student space exchanges, Nonee is helping to ensure Malaysia’s aerospace future is inclusive, innovative, and boldly forward-looking.
“Lead with vision, act with courage,” Nonee said. “And always bring others along for the journey.”
