Young Semai Female Pilot Breaks Barriers in Malaysian Aviation

LANGKAWI, May 23 (Bernama) -- Under the blazing sun at the Aircraft Static Display area of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25), a tall young woman could be seen meticulously cleaning a microlight aircraft.

Wearing a constant smile and speaking with enthusiasm, Wak Elizabeth a/p Tan Say Hong, 19, cheerfully explained the features of the small aircraft and the services offered by Flytrike, a light aviation company participating in the 17th edition of LIMA.

What many may not expect, however, is that Elizabeth is not just part of the exhibition team - she is one of Flytrike’s pilots. Even more remarkably, she is of Semai descent from Cameron Highlands, with Chinese heritage through her father.

“I never imagined becoming a pilot. But my father always dreamed of being one, and that sparked my own interest,” she told Bernama when met at the display area of the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC).

Elizabeth's passion for aviation began after she casually tried paragliding following her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams. That first experience sparked a genuine desire to fly.

“My early career started with Flytrike, a private light aviation company that offers tandem services. I trained under them until I completed my first solo flight. I’m now undergoing tandem training,” she said.

According to her, the requirements are simple - good health, not being colour-blind, and legs long enough to reach the throttle.

The second of four siblings, Elizabeth also hopes to inspire others from the Orang Asli community to chase their dreams.

“My mother is Orang Asli from Batu 17, Jalan Tapah in Cameron Highlands. She grew up in the jungle, without internet or even a fridge. After marrying my Chinese father, they moved to Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

“To succeed, there’s really nothing impossible - no matter where you come from or your background,” she said. Elizabeth is now working to complete the required flying hours to qualify for her full pilot’s licence.

Attending LIMA’25 for the first time, she said she was thrilled by the experience, especially seeing aircraft and helicopters from various countries up close on the tarmac.

Describing the microlight she flies, a 409kg Pegasus Quantum as unique, Elizabeth said the aircraft seats two people and offers a different kind of flying experience compared to conventional planes.

“The microlight’s control system works in reverse - push to go up, pull to go down. Its open design gives a more immersive flight experience. You can feel the wind and the surroundings directly, unlike looking through a small window in a commercial plane,” she said.

LIMA’25, held from May 20 to 24 in Langkawi, is Southeast Asia’s largest maritime and aerospace exhibition since its inception in 1991.

-- BERNAMA