VR Training for Dangerous Goods Wins Award

MAB Academy, the training arm of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has been recognised with the prestigious 2025 IATA Competency-Based Training and Assessment Centre Innovation Award by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The award acknowledges MAB Academy’s use of immersive virtual reality (VR) in enhancing CBTA for dangerous goods handling, a first-of-its-kind initiative within the region.

Developed in collaboration with the University of Malaya’s Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, the VR training module simulates real-world warehouse scenarios to equip aviation personnel with essential hands-on experience in the classification, preparation, and acceptance of dangerous goods. This solution allows trainees to engage in high-risk training in a safe, controlled, and interactive environment, significantly improving knowledge retention, situational response, and operational safety.

Aida Salfaraz Ahmad Fadzil, Chief Operating Officer of MAB Academy said, “MAB Academy’s immersive VR training programme for dangerous goods handling was developed to provide a safe, realistic environment where trainees can build practical skills through simulated real-world scenarios, minimising risks while enhancing preparedness. It’s encouraging to see innovation in training being acknowledged as a key part of improving safety standards within the industry and foster a stronger safety culture.”

Initiated in 2023, the IATA CBTA Centre Innovation Awards encourage all members of the IATA CBTA Centre network to implement solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The awards were presented during the 3rd IATA CBTA Centre Conference, at the IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Dubai, UAE.

The selection process for the 2024 IATA CBTA Centre Innovation Award involved an evaluation by an independent jury comprising industry experts, IATA representatives, and independent validators. Entries were judged on their innovation, potential impact on industry priorities and sustainability, user-friendliness, implementation feasibility, and evidence-based effectiveness.