Johor Sultan awards amphibious aircraft to UTHM
BATU PAHAT: The Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar is awarding an amphibious utility aircraft, Lake Renegade LA-270, to Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (UTHM) in a show of support for the development of the institution’s aeronautic programme.
In announcing this, the sultan advised the university to take good care of the Americanmade aircraft.
“I feel proud because UTHM is offering aeronautics.”
“The programme has its own uniqueness, one that combines aspects on aeronautical engineering technology with professional flight licensing that is recognised in the market,” he said at a ceremony which was held in conjunction with the university’s 25th anniversary in Parit Raja near here yesterday.
Sultan Ibrahim, who is UTHM chancellor, said he also agreed that the old landing strip at Tanjung Labuh near here, be re-developed and turned into a flight training centre for UTHM students.
According to Sultan Ibrahim, he was made to understand that the Bachelor in Aeronautical Engineering Technology programme was the first in Malaysia and the only one offered in South-East Asia.
In fact, in the world, there are only four universities offering the combined programme, he added.
As such, he expressed the need for the fed- eral government to support and provide the necessary assistance to ensure the success of the programme.
“This aeronautic programme will not only boost UTHM’s name, but it will also open up huge opportunities in the development of the aeronautic industry in the country,” he added.
The Sultan of Johor also expressed his support for the university’s proposal to introduce the Bachelor in Rail Transport Engineering Technology programme as trains had become the main public transport system in the world.
“More so, with the implementation of several rail projects in Johor, such as the GemasJohor Baru electrified double-track rail and the high speed train project between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, it will be the best platform for UTHM to contribute skilled work force,” he added.
He suggested the programme be carried out on a joint-venture basis with industry players to ascertain its quality and is in tandem with current technology industrial needs.
He also called on the government to provide bigger allocations for learning institutions, including schools, to produce knowledgeable human capital.
At the event, the Johor Sultan launched a book Dian Desa: Dari Pulau Sialu ke Sungai Layau published by UTHM.
Also present was UTHM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Wahid Razzaly. — Bernama