KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore Airlines' engineering arm, SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) has clarified its recruitment efforts in Malaysia, stating that they are in line with the company's operational manpower requirements and investment strategies.

Since launching its Subang facility in September 2023, SIAEC has collaborated with Malaysian Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), such as ADMAL Aviation College and APR-Aviation Training Centre.

Through these partnerships, SIAEC has recruited 35 trainees and plans to continue expanding its workforce in the coming years to develop local talent and support its Malaysian subsidiary, Base Maintenance Malaysia Sdn Bhd (BMM).

"These efforts will help to ensure that there is a steady pipeline of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) technical personnel in Malaysia, strengthen the country's talent pool, and contribute to the growth of its aviation industry," SIAEC told Business Times. 

SIAEC came under fire, with several quarters blaming the company for pinching aircraft engineers from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG). 

MAG said in its statements last month that the group is facing manpower challenges as one of the factors that are causing the operational issues faced by its airline subsidiaries, Malaysia Airlines Bhd, FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly), and Amal. 

On Aug 28, Transport Minister Anthony Loke shared the findings of an audit done by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) on Malaysia Airlines and MAB Engineering Services from June 24 to June 28. 

The minister said the findings revealed that 63 of 411 qualified MAB Engineering's staff have left since January this year. 

"CAAM found that these resignations may be due to more attractive salary offers from other maintenance companies," Loke told reporters in a press conference. 

SIAEC emphasised that its recruitment activities in Malaysia have been conducted through open exercises, ensuring a fair and transparent process that complies with local regulations and industry standards.

The recruitment activities are also aligned with the company's operational manpower requirements and investment initiatives, it said.

"SIAEC believes in the potential of the Malaysian aviation sector, values our relationships with all industry partners, and is committed to contributing positively to its growth. Our investment in BMM is aimed at complementing and enhancing the existing ecosystem," the company said. 

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/09/1103855/singapore-airlines-unit-clarifies recruitment-efforts-malaysia