By UOW Malaysia 

The skies were filled with ambition, innovation and excitement as aspiring young aviators from across Malaysia gathered at the UOW Malaysia Glenmarie Campus for the Aerosim International Aviation Tournament (AIAT) Malaysia 2026 Grand Finale on 19 and 20 September 2026. Organised by Aerosim Hong Kong Limited and co-organised by the University of Wollongong Malaysia, the tournament welcomed 63 participants from 10 schools, competing as 14 teams in a dynamic showcase of aviation-inspired STEM learning.

Designed to ignite students’ interest in aviation and engineering, AIAT goes beyond conventional classroom learning by demonstrating how science, technology, engineering and mathematics are applied in real-world aviation scenarios. Throughout the competition journey, participants explored flight mechanics, aerodynamics, navigation and flight planning, weather systems, engineering design, simulation technology, and communication skills.

The grand finale marked the culmination of a series of AIAT STEM workshops conducted in schools across Penang and the Klang Valley. Students who excelled during these preliminary programs earned the opportunity to compete at the national finale, while others qualified through the AIAT Elite pathway, which included specialised workshops and flight simulator training.

The two-day competition challenged participants to demonstrate their knowledge, critical thinking, teamwork and practical skills through STEM presentations, glider performance challenges and flight simulation exercises. Their outstanding efforts were recognised across several award categories.

Award Winners

Outstanding STEM Presentation Award
1st Place: Haribo Raptors, SMK Kota Kemuning
2nd Place: 9M-PBS, Politeknik Banting Selangor
3rd Place: Team A, Stonyhurst International Penang

STEM Glider Performance Award
1st Place: Sri Tenby, Sri Tenby Setia Eco Park
2nd Place: Haribo Raptors, SMK Kota Kemuning
3rd Place: Aero Niners, SMK Seksyen 9 Shah Alam

Top Pilots
1st Place: Muhamad Adib Bin Muhammad Alias, Politeknik Banting Selangor
2nd Place: Chin Yuen Long, Ryan, Young Aviator Academy
3rd Place: Asyraf Shafiy Bin Mohd Zairy, Young Aviator Academy

Top 10 Overall
1st: Yeong Thean Yau, SMK Kota Kemuning
2nd: Zachary Khoo Yu Zhe, Sri Tenby Setia Eco Park
3rd: Adam Rayyan Bin Mohd Zulaimi, SMK Seksyen 9 Shah Alam
4th: Aqil Waqiyuddin Bin Azizuddin, SMK Kota Kemuning
5th: Aariz Ilhan Bin Muhammad Iman, SMK Seksyen 9 Shah Alam
6th: Izzat Nashwan Bin Ismuni, Sri Tenby Setia Eco Park
7th: Max Decha Bowen, Stonyhurst International Penang
8th: Regino Lim Eugene, Sri Tenby Setia Eco Park
9th: Alvaro Bryan Angkasa, Sri Tenby Penang
10th: Joshua Wong Yung Xean, SMJK Chung Ling

Grand Champions
Gold: Yeong Thean Yau, SMK Kota Kemuning
Silver: Zachary Khoo Yu Zhe, Sri Tenby Setia Eco Park
Bronze: Adam Rayyan Bin Mohd Zulaimi, SMK Seksyen 9 Shah Alam

Among the tournament’s highlights was the crowning of Yeong Thean Yau from SMK Kota Kemuning as the Grand Champion Gold Award recipient. As the overall champion, the student will receive a fully sponsored flight training and flying experience at a local flying school, an opportunity that reflects AIAT’s mission of inspiring future aviation professionals.

The event was attended by students, parents and teachers from schools across Penang and the Klang Valley. Distinguished guests included Mattis Tsang, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Aerosim (HK) Ltd, Kodie Tse, Founder and Chairman of AIAT, Amin Romadhon, Founder of Young Aviator Academy, and Professor Dr Yeap Gik Hong, Head of School, School of Engineering, University of Wollongong Malaysia.

By combining academic learning with hands-on aviation experiences, AIAT Malaysia 2026 successfully empowered students to explore the exciting possibilities within aviation, engineering and technology. The tournament not only showcased exceptional talent from schools across the country but also reinforced University of Wollongong Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing future-ready graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on the challenges of tomorrow.