CEO Insights Magazine

In the dynamic landscape of corporate leadership, a Chief Operating Officer (COO) holds a pivotal role, serving as the linchpin in orchestrating operational strategies and driving the overall growth trajectory of a company. As a key architect of efficiency and innovation, a COO's influence is indispensable in ensuring seamless operations, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. In this context, Afzal Hakimi Bin Shaari, the Chief Operating Officer at Aerostar Technologies, emerges as a noteworthy figure. With a profound passion for electronics design and repair, Afzal Hakimi brings a wealth of expertise to the helm. His strategic insights and dedication are instrumental in propelling Aerostar Technologies toward excellence in defense Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), exemplifying the transformative impact a dedicated COO can have on a company's growth. Let’s dive into this interaction.

Can you provide a concise overview of your professional trajectory and share the driving forces behind your daily routines?

After earning my bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia – Akademi Tentera Malaysia (ATMA), I embarked on a fulfilling professional journey. Commissioned as an Engineer in the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), a significant highlight was serving as a Su-30MKM fighter aircraft avionics and RAT-31/ SLE Air Defense radar engineer. My retirement from RMAF in 2015 marked a transition to pursuing my passion for electronic Printed Circuit Board (PCB) repair. Currently, as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Aerostar Technologies for over 24 months, I am dedicated to realizing our vision of becoming the leading Defense Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company in the Asia-Pacific region. To achieve this, we focus on supporting RMAF by repairing legacy weapon systems PCBs in our Avionics workshop at RAC Skypark. My current goal is to establish a center for overhauling and repairing electronic components for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). This facility will conduct diagnostics, reverse engineering, and fabrication of electronic printed circuit boards for MAF's legacy weapon systems. Aerostar Technologies' substantial investment in diagnostic and functional test equipment for electronic printed circuit boards inspires both me and my team. These advanced tools motivate us to diagnose and repair electronic PCBs with increased effectiveness and efficiency, aligning with our commitment to excellence in Defense MRO services.

Characterize Aerostar Technologies as a company and elucidate its market positioning.

Aerostar Technologies is at the forefront of tackling obsolescence concerns surrounding electronic components, with a specific emphasis on those linked to RMAF legacy weapon systems. What sets the organization apart is its notable expertise in a spectrum of operations, encompassing the diagnosis, repair, reverse engineering, and fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCBs). The commitment to addressing obsolescence issues aligns seamlessly with the intricate landscape of electronic components tied to legacy defense systems. In doing so, Aerostar Technologies establishes itself as a multifaceted solution provider, contributing significantly to the market with its comprehensive approach to sustaining and enhancing the functionality of legacy defense technologies.

In your role as the COO, what factors do you consider when formulating policies for Aerostar Technologies?

Aerostar Technologies is committed to addressing the obsolescence of electronic components within RMAF legacy weapon systems. The regulatory oversight comes from the Directorate General Technical Airworthiness (DGTA), which has provided specific compliance guidelines for defense Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) companies. To ensure alignment with DGTA standards, several key factors are considered in shaping Aerostar Technologies' policies. These encompass revising the organizational chart for optimal efficiency, investing in, and retaining the expertise of Armed Forces veterans through continuous training and strategic recruitment.

Procedurally, significant investments are made in diagnostic and functional test equipment to execute precise testing and repair methodologies for electronic weapon system printed circuit boards. Collaboration with electronic component manufacturers is prioritized to obtain crucial datasheets. Maintenance practices are highlighted, with Aerostar Technologies holding accreditation with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and actively pursuing AS9100D certification. This comprehensive approach underscores our commitment to compliance, operational excellence, and the sustained innovation necessary in the realm of defense MRO.

In monitoring the company's advancements, what methods or metrics do you employ to gauge and assess its progress?

Indeed, throughout the past year, I have actively employed the Objective Key Results (OKR) methodology to oversee and gauge the progress of Aerostar Technologies. This strategic approach involves formulating objectives that intricately align with the company's overarching mission and vision. The Key Results, in turn, function as tangible and quantifiable metrics, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of goal fulfilment. OKRs, as a structured framework, play a pivotal role in providing a measurable trajectory for tracking the evolution of our initiatives. This method has proven instrumental in not only monitoring progress but also in evaluating the overarching success and impact of our strategic endeavors.

In what ways do you cultivate opportunities for improvement and growth within the company?

Certainly, flexibility serves as the linchpin in cultivating growth opportunities for improvement within the company. Through the implementation of OKRs, I empower our engineers and technicians, granting them the autonomy to make informed decisions and choose optimal approaches in repairing electronic PCBs. This approach not only encourages innovation but also fosters a dynamic work environment where continuous improvement is prioritized. In addition, Aerostar Technologies currently signed Letter Of Intent (LOI) with UniKL-MIAT in developing a Non Standard Repair for military aircraft structure manual and able to seal government grant to purchase additional Funtional tester. Such adaptability is instrumental in nurturing a culture of innovation, ensuring the sustained growth and advancement of the company.

What future destination are you steering Aerostar Technologies towards, and, drawing from your experience, what advice do you have for emerging leaders in the industry?

My aim for Aerostar Technologies is to establish a cutting-edge center specializing in the overhaul and repair of electronic components for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). This facility will excel in diagnostic procedures, reverse engineering, and fabrication of electronic printed circuit boards for MAF legacy weapon systems. Considering my experience, I advocate for strategic investment in local capabilities within the Malaysia Defense Industry. Nurturing these capabilities through continuous specialized training is crucial, providing a solid foundation for emerging leaders to drive innovation and growth in the industry.

Afzal Hakimi Bin Shaari, Chief Operating Officer, Aerostar Technologies

Afzal Hakimi Bin Shaari, Chief Operating Officer at Aerostar Technologies, is fervently passionate about electronics design and repair. His role is pivotal in steering the company towards excellence in defense Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO).