The Expert Interview Series: Mohd Shahiman Sulaiman
(CEO of Turkish Aerospace Malaysia)

Welcome to the final part of our "Expert Interview Series". For the final installment, we had the privilege of speaking with Mohd Shahiman Sulaiman, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Malaysia. With a career that spans decades and even continents, Mr. Sulaiman’s journey and story will undoubtedly be both inspiring and instructive for all our UNIMY students and beyond who are aspiring to excel in the aerospace industry.

Mr. Sulaiman’s passion for technology began during his undergraduate studies when he encountered the IEEE Spectrum magazine. A particular article on autonomous insect-inspired robots at NASA piqued his interest in engineering. This early exposure only fueled his desire to delve deeper into technology, eventually leading him to specialize in IC design.

When he got his first job in California, it allowed him to work on advanced space and military technologies, which just further deepened his roots within the desired industry that he wanted.

When asked about emerging technologies, Mr. Sulaiman expressed his excitement about, like his peers before him, Artificial Intelligence (AI), in particular. For him, AI is a game-changer that goes beyond just software, influencing every aspect of technology, including hardware and systems.

He overall envisions AI to be a catalyst that will significantly enhance the productivity of engineers, designers and management, revolutionizing the way we live and work.

His Day as a CEO and Views for the Future

white rocket under nimbus clouds at golden hour

Mr. Sulaiman starts his day with morning exercise, which he says is essential for his own mental clarity and creativity. His workday is a blend of his leadership roles with his leadership team and his own commitment to continuous learning.

He emphasises the importance of understanding not just engineering but also business, psychology, and geopolitics to navigate the complex global landscape in which Turkish Aerospace operates.

But how about our UNIMY students? Can they take part in internships and research projects at Turkish Aerospace?

When asked these questions, Mr. Sulaiman responded with enthusiasm. The possibility of it made him feel particularly excited, with him even stating that over 50 percent of their staff being fresh engineers, the company is committed to nurturing new talent.

He sees collaboration with educational institutions like UNIMY as vital to growing the aerospace ecosystem in Malaysia, which is seen to be accelerating over the years.

Overall, we are excited for our UNIMY students and thrilled for them to be associated with such industry powerhouses across different fields. With such encouragement for our future graduates, we are surely looking forward for the greatest years ahead as an institution.