by Dr Rahim Said
For far too long, Kedah has been seen merely as Malaysia’s “Rice Bowl,” an agrarian state content with feeding the nation while its closest neighbour, Penang, with its high-tech dominance, and Selangor, with its industrial might, stole the spotlight.
But those days may be fading fast. Kedah is no longer just about paddy fields and traditional industries. With Boeing’s deepening footprint in the state, Kedah is now firmly on the world map as a critical player in the global aerospace supply chain.
Boeing’s Global President, Brendan Nelson, recently reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Malaysia, announcing a 20 per cent increase in its local workforce over the next two years. This means Kedah’s Boeing composite manufacturing plant — its only one in Southeast Asia — will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation as it makes key aviation components like aileron skins, spoilers, spars, flat panels, leading edges, and trailing edges.
More than 1,000 Malaysians are already part of this groundbreaking journey, manufacturing high-tech composite components that go into every Boeing aircraft flying across the globe.
From Rice Fields to Runways
The transformation of Kedah into an aerospace hub is nothing short of remarkable. Traditionally overshadowed by the likes of Penang’s Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and Selangor’s Subang Aerospace Park, Kedah is proving it can stand on its own as a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse.
The Kulim Hi-Tech Park, once seen as a secondary alternative to the bustling industrial zones down south, is now an integral part of Malaysia’s push into high-value industries.
Boeing’s continued investment is a game-changer, reinforcing that Kedah is not just catching up — it is leapfrogging into the future. When Nelson proudly stated that “Malaysians are making a little bit of Malaysia that goes into every Boeing aircraft in the world,” it was more than just corporate talk. It was an acknowledgment that Kedah is now a crucial node in a trillion-dollar global aviation industry.
Aviation Boom and Malaysia’s Future
The timing of this expansion could not be better. Southeast Asia’s aviation sector is projected to need 4,700 new aircraft over the next 20 years, as air travel demand surges across the region. Malaysia Airlines’ recent decision to acquire 30 new Boeing aircraft underscores its commitment to future growth. But this isn’t just about Malaysia Airlines; it’s about the entire ecosystem — from manufacturing and engineering to job creation and technological advancements..
While skeptics may argue that Malaysia has struggled to retain high-tech industries in the past, Boeing’s growing presence suggests otherwise. This is not a short-term investment — it’s a long-term partnership.
Malaysia’s pro-business policies, skilled workforce, and strategic location make it a natural hub for aerospace expansion. Boeing’s presence in Kedah, alongside existing aerospace giants in Selangor, cements the country’s standing as a key player in the aviation supply chain.
Kedah’s Moment to Shine
For Kedahans, like me, this is more than just an economic boost — it is a point of pride. The same state that once produced rice to feed the region is now producing aerospace components that help the world fly. It is a testament to Malaysia’s ability to evolve, innovate, and take its place on the global stage.
For too long, Kedah has been overlooked in Malaysia’s industrial success stories. No more. With Boeing’s commitment and the government’s push for high-tech industries, Kedah is proving that it is ready to take off — literally and figuratively.
The rice fields will always be there. So will the crucial composite aircraft components flying off at great speed from Bukit Kayu Hitam.
WE