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The Australian government has funded computers, equipment software and a new language laboratory for the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Australia sponsored the Air Force College’s Institute of Aerospace Technology language laboratory under the Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program.
The sponsorship was celebrated during a visit to the facility by Australian High Commission Malaysia defence adviser Colonel Corey Shillabeer and SO1 Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program Lieutenant Colonel Brad Smith, RMAF Lieutenant Colonel Junizam bin Aziz and RMAF Lieutenant Colonel Sang Yew Leung.
“Our deepest appreciation and gratitude goes to the Australian High Commission in Malaysia and the language cell of the Department of Education for all forms of support, assistance and guidance provided in the development and improvement of this laboratory facility in an effort to enhance the excellence of RMAF personnel,” according to a statement published by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (translated).
“They (Australia) have donated 27 new computer units as well as several other ICT equipment and an interactive learning platform through the ‘Clarity English’ application online with a five-year subscription licence.
“This platform is expected to improve the efficiency and mastery of the English language among trainees more effectively and comprehensively.
“Colonel Corey Shillabeer also presented the QAR (Gold) badge and a certificate of appreciation to Major Nor Zalifah Mat Ali for all her services and efforts as a certified ADFELPS assessor.”
Australia has traditionally pushed to strengthen ties with Malaysia as the Royal Australian Air Force conducts maritime patrol flights from Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth in Penang in efforts to safeguard security across the northern Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
No. 92 Wing Detachment Alpha was established at RMAF Butterworth in 1981 to provide ongoing infrastructure to regular visitors from 10, 11 and 292 squadrons and their maritime patrol platforms.
Officer Commanding 92 Wing Detachment Alpha and Operation Gateway 25-1/2 Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Andrew Bartlett, previously spoke of the lasting relationship with Malaysian counterparts that has fortified Gateway’s success since its inception.
“For almost 45 years, the P-8A Poseidon, and in the past, three variants of the P-3 Orion have patrolled the world’s busiest shipping routes under Operation Gateway,” SQNLDR Bartlett said.
“The success of the program is a testament to the enduring Malaysia–Australia relationship, and a key enabler of the Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program.”
After more than four decades, Operation Gateway continues to showcase the long-standing partnership between Australia and Malaysia, underscoring a shared commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region.
