LUNAS CEO Ir. Azhar Jumaat on Innovation and Malaysia’s Maritime Future

Fresh off winning the Innovation Award in the Dredging category, Lumut Naval Shipyard CEO Ir. Azhar Jumaat shares how a bold reform strategy, relentless pursuit of innovation, and a commitment to workforce development are propelling LUNAS to the forefront of the maritime and defense sectors.

In this exclusive interview, Ir. Azhar discusses setting new industry benchmarks, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and building Malaysia’s self-reliance in shipbuilding, while positioning LUNAS as a global thought leader in maritime infrastructure.

Ir. Azhar Jumaat: This Innovation Award isn’t just an accolade; it’s an affirmation of our incredible transformation journey. This award truly validates each and every single member of our team. It also symbolizes a renewed trust in LUNAS as a competent and forward-thinking maritime partner, and that trust means the world to us.

This award is a concrete evidence that our reform strategy, constant challenge to the status quo and commitment to high standards are delivering tangible results. We take immense pride in knowing that our collective efforts are not just meeting expectations but are actively setting new benchmarks not only for ourselves but also for the industry.

ST: How does this achievement align with LUNAS’s broader vision and long-term goals for the company? 

Ir. Azhar Jumaat: It is a profound validation that directly and powerfully aligns with our broader vision and long-term goals for the company. Our aspirations for LUNAS are clear: to build ships, to build people, and to build the nation. This award marks a critical milestone on that journey, reflecting tangible progress in each of these strategic areas.

ST: In what ways does innovation factor into your leadership philosophy and the company’s culture? 

Ir. Azhar Jumaat: Innovation is something I always come back to in both my leadership philosophy and in shaping the culture of LUNAS. It is not just a principle I talk about; it is one of our core values and a guiding force in everything we do. To me, it’s not just about adopting the latest technology but also about cultivating a mindset that encourages our people to think differently, explore new ideas, and be open to better ways of doing things.

In an industry as vital and complex as maritime defence, standing still is simply not an option. That is why I believe in creating an environment where curiosity is welcomed, experimentation is encouraged, and every team member feels that their ideas can make a real difference. This approach allows us to keep evolving and moving forward together as a company and as individuals.

This also means dismantling traditional silos, empowering teams to challenge established norms, and providing the psychological safety for ideas to flourish even if they don’t succeed on the first attempt. I see myself as an enabler of innovation, ensuring our people have the resources, the space, and the mandate to explore new solutions.

ST: The project is described as setting a new standard for shipyard dredging. How do you see this influencing industry practices, both locally and internationally? 

Ir. Azhar Jumaat: When we talk about our recent shipyard dredging project “setting a new standard,” it is not just a technical achievement. It represents a real shift for the industry, and I believe its impact will be felt well beyond our shores.

The local impact in Malaysia and Southeast Asia is especially meaningful. This project has shown that with innovative planning, advanced technology, and a strong commitment to sustainability, dredging can be done with greater efficiency and with far lesser environmental impact. It sets a new benchmark for Malaysian ports and shipyards, and I can see a future where our methodologies and use of advanced survey technologies become the common standard.

We are not simply moving sediment; we are changing mindsets. By doing so, we are raising the capabilities and competitiveness of the entire national maritime ecosystem, strengthening Malaysia’s position as an attractive hub for shipbuilding and ship repair.

On the international stage, the influence is just as significant. Around the world, shipyard dredging is often under scrutiny for cost, efficiency, and disruption. Our project shows a different way forward and stands as a case study of what can be achieved when ambition is paired with innovation and responsibility.

ST: What steps is LUNAS taking to share its learnings or collaborate with other shipyards or industry stakeholders? 

Ir. Azhar Jumaat: My vision is for LUNAS to be recognized not only as a shipbuilder but as a thought leader in technologically advanced maritime infrastructure development. This dredging achievement gives us both a powerful story and concrete expertise that we can share at international conferences, industry forums, and with future collaborators. We are not just talking about innovation; we are putting it into practice.

This strengthens LUNAS’s position as a leader in comprehensive maritime solutions and supports our long-term goal of shaping Malaysia’s maritime future. We aim to deliver world-class shipbuilding and repair services that are powered by technology and driven by innovation.

ST: LUNAS is known for its skilled workforce and local expertise. How do you attract, retain, and develop talent to support ongoing innovation? And what role does workforce development play in maintaining your competitive edge? 

Ir. Azhar Jumaat: Our skilled workforce and deep local expertise are not just a point of pride; they are the non-negotiable foundation of our competitive advantage and the catalyst for continuous innovation at LUNAS. We invest heavily in our people and LUNAS’s vision, mission, and values are firmly built around them. In an industry as specialized, technologically advanced, and strategically critical as maritime defense, attracting, retaining, and developing the right talent isn’t merely an HR function; it’s a core strategic imperative directly linked to our long-term goal of becoming the employer of choice.

Our approach is deeply integrated, objective-driven, and forward-thinking. We attract talent by positioning LUNAS as a purpose-driven employer, actively engaging future talent through career fairs and partnerships with top universities in Malaysia. In doing so, we offer not just career opportunities but also growth, innovation, and a sense of national pride. At the same time, we develop talent by continuously investing in knowledge transfer, leadership training, and global exposure through strategic partnerships. This hands-on, real-world approach ensures our teams remain future-ready and globally competitive.

ST: How does LUNAS contribute to national maritime self-reliance and capability building? 

Ir. Azhar Jumaat: Our contribution stems from a forward-thinking, visionary approach that permeates every level of our operations. We have moved beyond mere assembly, with our local team successfully completing the LCS detailed design to international standards. This milestone marks significant progress toward self-reliant warship construction tailored to national needs. At the same time, we empower the local industry by uplifting SMEs through technology transfer, creating high-skilled jobs and strengthening a resilient domestic supply chain.

Our digital transformation efforts, exemplified by the Shore Integration Facility (SIF), enhance readiness by allowing complex systems to be tested on land. We also pursue strategic global partnerships selectively, ensuring that every collaboration drives technology transfer and workforce empowerment, making each engagement a step toward greater national strength.

ST: How do you see LUNAS’s role evolving in Malaysia’s broader maritime and industrial ambitions?

Ir. Azhar Jumaat: We see LUNAS’s role evolving around three key pillars: innovation, people, and sustainability. We are embracing digitalisation in shipbuilding technologies and forging partnerships with global players to accelerate knowledge transfer and raise industry standards. Just as importantly, we aim to serve as a platform for nurturing the next generation of Malaysian engineers and technicians. In doing so, we not only strengthen the maritime ecosystem but also align with the Malaysian Government MADANI vision of building a sustainable, prosperous, and resilient nation.

ST: What are your top priorities for LUNAS over the next few years, and how do you plan to build on the momentum from this award? 

Ir. Azhar Jumaat: LUNAS is always looking to evolve and elevate, with a firm commitment to delivering the LCS as part of our national mandate. Our vision is anchored in purpose, powered by innovation and people. It is to build ships that propel our nation forward, while nurturing the talent that will carry its legacy into the future.

Our growth strategy includes extending our clientele and forging new collaborations to position LUNAS on a stronger global footing. We aim to expand our market reach by leveraging our technical capabilities and proven track record, while continuously redefining excellence in everything we do. Achieving this also requires a mindset shift, ensuring that we remain agile, innovative, and future-ready.

ST: What message would you like to share with stakeholders and the wider maritime community following this achievement?

Ir. Azhar Jumaat: This achievement reaffirms our position as a leading force in the region’s maritime industry. It is not just a recognition of what we have done but a statement of who we are. To our stakeholders and the wider maritime community, LUNAS is charting the future of shipbuilding and ship repair, where tradition meets technology and experience powers innovation. This success also serves as a motivation for us to keep innovating, driving continuous improvement in everything we do.

As we continue to evolve, we remain committed to shaping a resilient, self-reliant and globally competitive maritime ecosystem for Malaysia and beyond. In doing so, we are also supporting the nation’s MADANI framework by advancing sustainability through green shipyard, promoting Innovation through digitalization and knowledge transfer, strengthening care and compassion by empowering local talent and SMEs, and reinforcing prosperity through industry growth that benefits the wider economy. By aligning our efforts with these principles, we ensure that every step forward contributes not only to industrial progress but also to the shared prosperity and resilience of the nation.

ST: Thank you, Ir. Azhar, for sharing your time and insights with us today. It’s inspiring to hear how LUNAS is driving innovation and setting new standards in the maritime industry, both in Malaysia and internationally. Your passion for empowering your workforce and fostering industry collaboration truly stands out. We look forward to following LUNAS’s continued growth and the positive impact your leadership will have on the sector.