Netherlands-based Indian group to open aviation academy in Malaysia

The Netherlands-based Beta Empire Group is in talks with three Malaysian companies to open an aviation academy in Malaysia, catering to both local and international students.
Beta Empire chairman Rajmohan Pillai said it expects to sign an agreement with a local partner as early as next month.
He declined to reveal the names of the three Malaysian companies, except to say that they are all involved in the aviation sector.
The Indian group is willing to spend between US$40 million (RM136.4 million) and US$50 million (RM170.5 million) to set up the aviation centre in Malaysia.
The proposed academy will be an extension of its US$90 million (RM306.9 million) University of Aviation in Hyderabad, India.
The recently-completed university, which will open its doors next month, is the first of its kind in South-East Asia.
On whether the Government is receptive of its initiative, Rajmohan said his representative in Malaysia has already met with the Department of Civil Aviation officials and the response has been positive.
The investment in the aviation academy will either be in the form of equity in a company that already has existing infrastructure, or buil- ding up the infrastructure from scratch with the cooperation of a local partner.
“The centre here will be more of an initiative to enable students in this region to study in Malaysia, a country that is much more easier to adapt compared with other countries,” Rajmohan said.
14/05/07 Business Times – Malaysia, Malaysia