Suria Viswanathan Becomes First Indian in Melaka to Earn Full Sponsorship Cadet Pilot Training

Some dreams begin with a single glance at the sky. For Suria Viswanathan, that dream started in childhood and today, it has brought him one step closer to becoming an airline pilot.

Currently undergoing flight training at the International Aviation Training Academy (IATAC), Suria is among the cadet pilots selected under the Melaka State Government's full pilot sponsorship programme. More significantly, he is the first Indian candidate in Melaka to receive the prestigious sponsorship. 

But behind this remarkable achievement is a journey filled with discipline, sacrifice and strong determination.

Suria began his education at SJKT Durian Tunggal before continuing at SMK Durian Tunggal. His life took a significant turn when he earned a place at the Royal Military College (RMC), where he learned the values of leadership and discipline. During his time there, he received the Full Colour Award and served as a Sergeant, experiences that helped shape the person he is today. 

His love for aviation began long before he stepped into a cockpit.

"As a child, I was fascinated by airplanes. I would spend hours watching them and learning everything I could about aviation," he shared.

One memory remains especially close to his heart. When his family was planning to move house, Suria asked his father if they could live near Melaka International Airport so he could watch aircraft take off and land every day.

His father agreed.

 

 

 

 

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That simple decision became a constant reminder of the dream he refused to let go. Later, while studying at RMC, Suria had the opportunity to fly aboard an Airbus A400M operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The experience only strengthened his determination to one day become a pilot. 

Although aviation was always his passion, Suria chose to pursue a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). He graduated with First Class Honours after years of consistent hard work.

For him, success in engineering was never the final destination, it was another step towards achieving his childhood dream.

Every challenge Suria faced while studying Mechanical Engineering at UTHM only fueled his passion to become a pilot. After losing his father, this dream transformed into a promise to him, a promise to soar high and honour his belief in him.

"My education taught me discipline, problem-solving and perseverance. Those are qualities that every pilot needs," he said. 

Finances, however, remained one of the biggest challenges. Knowing that pilot training could cost close to RM500,000, Suria started preparing early. After completing SPM, he spent almost seven years working part-time and saving money because he did not want financial limitations to stand between him and his dream.

"There were times when I wondered if becoming a pilot was even possible. But instead of giving up, I focused on improving myself, gaining experience and staying prepared for any opportunity that came my way," he said. 

That opportunity finally arrived when he was awarded the Melaka State Government's full pilot sponsorship. For Suria, it wasn't just financial support, it was the chance he had been working towards for years.

One of the most emotional moments of his journey came when Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh personally pinned his cadet pilot epaulettes during the orientation ceremony.

Looking back on that moment, Suria said there was only one person he wished could have witnessed it.

"My late father. He believed in my dream before anyone else did. Receiving my epaulettes felt like I had finally fulfilled the promise I made to him."

He also credited his mother, who raised and supported him as a single parent, saying every milestone he has achieved reflects the sacrifices she made for him. 

Not to forget his family and friends to teachers and mentors, SJKT Durian Tunggal, SMK Durian Tunggal, Royal Military College, and all the amazing institutions that have helped the young man’s growth. 

As the first Indian recipient of the sponsorship in Melaka, Suria hopes his story encourages young Malaysians, especially those from B40 families, to never let their financial circumstances define their future.

"Your background doesn't determine where you'll end up. If you stay disciplined, keep improving yourself and never stop believing, opportunities will come."

Looking ahead, Suria hopes to become more than just a skilled pilot.

"I want to be someone who inspires others. I want young people to know that no dream is too big if you're willing to work hard and stay patient."

This is an exclusive story by Astro Ulagam. Any reproduction or adaptation requires prior consent from the interviewee to ensure accuracy. If referencing this article, please provide proper credit to Astro Ulagam along with a backlink in recognition of our editorial efforts.