Activity 6
Asia Digital Engineering –
Understanding Capital A’s MRO PowerhouseDate: 24 July 2025 (Thursday)
Time: 1:00PM – 6:00PM
KLIA
As an ICAP Fan Club member, I recently had the privilege of joining fellow enthusiasts on an exclusive site visit and research trip to Capital A’s Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar bay. The opportunity to witness firsthand the inner workings of one of Southeast Asia’s premier aviation engineering facilities was both informative and inspiring.
Upon arrival, our group underwent a rigorous security screening process—similar to boarding an aircraft—underscoring ADE’s commitment to safety and confidentiality. Once cleared, we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Mahesh Kumar, CEO of ADE, and his dedicated team. Mr. Kumar began the session with a comprehensive presentation covering ADE’s history, core capabilities, and operational milestones. I was particularly impressed by how ADE launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and, through Mr. Kumar’s team’s contrarian vision and determination, not only survived but expanded its business during challenging times.


Following the presentation, we enjoyed a networking Hi-Tea generously hosted by Santan. The spread featured Santan’s delicious specialties, including their signature Wantan Mee, Kaya Butter Toast, and Teh Tarik Kaw Kaw. The casual setting allowed us to exchange observations and questions directly with ADE staff, deepening our understanding of the facility’s day-to-day operations.


The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the guided tour of ADE’s hangar bay. We had the rare opportunity to observe Airbus aircraft undergoing base maintenance up close. It was truly impressive to see the intricate structure of these advanced airframes and appreciate the level of precision and technical expertise required for each maintenance step. From the hydraulic systems to the composite panels, every component underscored the complexity of modern aviation engineering.

This site visit reinforced my admiration for ADE’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the MRO sector. I left with a deeper appreciation for the rigorous standards and collaborative teamwork necessary to keep commercial aircraft safe and operational.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Mahesh Kumar and his team at ADE, as well as the Santan hospitality staff, for organizing this exceptional experience. Participation in this site visit has significantly enriched my knowledge of aviation maintenance.

Special thanks also to Mr. Tan Teng Boo and the ICAP Fan Club organizing committee for coordinating the trip. The RM50 participation fee was more than worth the insights gained and the opportunity to connect with industry professionals. I eagerly await our next ICAP Fan Club adventure—wherever our curiosity takes us next!
Yap Shong Waey
Member of ICAP Fan Club
It’s not every day one gets to walk into, inside, and around an aircraft hangar of record proportions in Malaysia. This largest free column span hangar houses 14 planes (8+6). We gained an insight into how the service crew works to get the plane up in the air, allowing us to sit comfortably and safely. I now have a much better appreciation for the millions of things that could go wrong, but don’t because there is an “A-Team” on the ground that meticulously goes through every step in compliance with manuals and SOPs, performing check after check to ensure the big bird is tuned to fly again.

Kudos to the team at ADE for their long and far-sighted adventure to build an MRO business and bring a whole global supply chain back to our own backyard.

Congratulations to icapital.biz Berhad for bringing value and meaning to the dollars and cents that go into the portfolio. An understanding of where the money is put to work and intimate engagement with the business owners of ADE definitely adds depth to investors’ knowledge and skillsets in terms value investing. We can always watch a YouTube program, but being there, seeing is believing. As the CEO of ADE says, Capital A is all about EMOTIONS... either you are with me or you are out – a sentiment that mirrors the same passion for icapital.biz Berhad’s investors.

Tai Kim Fui
Member of ICAP Fan Club