Arya News - Tracing his path from a small fishing village in Perak to chief engineer at Airbus China, Malaysian aviation entrepreneur Ng Yon Wei shares his journey pioneering passenger "air taxis" and bringing eVTOL technology toward commercial mass production.
Chu Jing Her – When a plane takes off, we love to look down—watching buildings, roads, and vehicles shrink until they disappear.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could constantly fly at low altitudes, weaving through cities, islands, and mountain ranges, shortening travel time while enjoying the scenery along the way?
With the rise of the low-altitude economy, such an imagination may no longer be far-fetched.
TCab Tech explores commercialisation of E20 with Sidec
Two weeks ago, China’s TCab Tech signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) to explore the commercialisation path for TCab Tech’s E20 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Malaysia, as well as to support the development of the nation’s low-altitude economic ecosystem.
This aircraft, specifically developed for passenger transport, is also known as an “air taxi.”
In simple terms, it can be understood as an electric helicopter—but cheaper and safer.
Sin Chew Daily interviewed Ng Yon Wui, founder of TCab Tech, to hear his perspectives on the low-altitude economy and explore the entrepreneurial journey of this Malaysian pioneer.
Leaving Airbus China as chief engineer to develop “air taxis”
When he founded TCab Tech in 2021, the concept of a low-altitude economy had not yet gained traction. Many were skeptical about the prospects of passenger electric aircraft, citing high technical difficulty, an immature supply chain, and doubts over whether a private company could develop an aircraft that meets aviation safety standards.
However, as the electric vehicle (EV) market expanded, Ng became increasingly convinced that electrification in aviation was merely a matter of time.
At the time, he was already serving as the chief engineer for Airbus China. Yet, he chose to step out of the corporate comfort zone to dive into entrepreneurship, focusing exclusively on developing passenger electric aircraft.
“I think I’m just stubborn, and I like doing interesting things. This is the only thing I know how to do, and I feel this is how it ought to be done,” he said.
Having worked in aerospace engineering for over 20 years, Ng Yon Wui turned his sights toward passenger electric aircraft long before the low-altitude economy became a hot topic, making him one of the early pioneers in passenger eVTOL research
E20 targeted for commercial mass production by 2028
After six years of hard work, the E20 eVTOL aircraft developed by TCab Tech has finally entered the certification phase. It is expected to begin commercial mass production and operational deployment within two years.
Ng revealed that trial operations for related projects have already begun in the United States, with preliminary commercialisation expected next year, while China is anticipated to witness broader commercial adoption around 2028.
This means that in the near future, the way people travel may undergo a revolutionary transformation.
Not a self-driven flying car; operating model resembles a bus
While “air taxi” sounds futuristic and sci-fi, Ng first wants to clear up a common public misconception about such aircraft.
“People always mistake it for a flying car, expecting to buy one, drive it themselves, and shuttle through the skies like in the movie The Fifth Element. But in reality, that’s not the case,” he explained.
He clarified that the E20 is not a “flying car” for private purchase and self-piloting through cities, nor is it an autonomous drone. It is a passenger aircraft operated by a professional pilot.
“Its performance is essentially comparable to a helicopter, and it similarly requires a human pilot. The only difference is that fuel is replaced by electricity,” Ng explained.
He added that its operating model closer resembles that of a bus: manufacturers sell the aircraft to airlines or helicopter operators, who then provide passenger transport services to the public. Typically running point-to-point routes, passengers board along planned flight paths.
In the future, users might book services through e-hailing platforms based on travel needs, time, and price.
Vertical take-off and landing eliminates need for runways
The E20 utilises an electric vertical take-off and landing design, eliminating reliance on traditional airport runways.
“All we need is a spot like a bus stop for take-off and landing—no massive terminal infrastructure required,” Ng said.
He noted that the E20’s cruising altitude ranges from 300 to 600 meters, with a maximum flight range of around 200 kilometers. However, he believes around 150 kilometers is the sweet spot for operations.
“Beyond that, people will opt for high-speed rail or commercial jetliners; any closer, taxis and subways are more than sufficient,” he said.
In other words, the value of “air taxis” lies in providing differentiated service—especially suited for routes with significant terrain barriers, time-consuming ground commutes, or where passengers are willing to pay a premium for time savings and an elevated experience.
Taking Malaysia as an example, routes from Subang Airport or Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Genting Highlands and Melaka are prime options in Ng’s view.
For tourist destinations like Langkawi, Perhentian Islands, and Semporna, island-hopping sightseeing services could be developed, allowing passengers to shorten travel time while taking in aerial views along the way.
Urban traffic congestion remains in the short term
However, Ng does not expect these aircraft to solve traffic congestion in major cities overnight.
“Traffic congestion involves millions of vehicles jammed on roads simultaneously, whereas an aircraft can only carry four passengers. It cannot directly replace massive ground transport,” he noted.
Ng explained that alleviating traffic gridlock through aircraft would require an exceptionally high operational density with large fleets deployed. That would entail an overhaul of the entire transport ecosystem, including communications systems, airspace management, and coordination mechanisms between eVTOLs, helicopters, drones, and commercial airplanes.
“This is certainly not achievable in the short term—just as electric cars simply swapped fuel for electricity without changing road widths or traffic light infrastructure.”
Therefore, the more practical approach at this stage is to start with specific routes and commercial use cases rather than expecting air taxis to overhaul urban traffic dynamics.
Affordable aerial travel: Estimated fares at RM2–RM3 per kilometre
Regarding pricing, Ng tentatively estimates that if the E20 is deployed in Malaysia, fares could range from RM2 to RM3 per passenger per kilometre, though final pricing will depend on local operating costs, market demand, and business models.
He believes the primary significance of electrification is making once-expensive helicopter rides affordable for ordinary citizens to enjoy aerial travel.
Safety is another major point of public interest. Ng pointed out that the E20 is equipped with six motors, six propellers, four battery packs, and three flight control systems, minimising the risk of single-point failure through redundant design. This means that even if a subsystem fails, backup systems remain functional to maintain flight.
Additionally, the E20 features fixed wings. Ng explained that compared to conventional helicopters, wings provide gliding capability under certain flight conditions, giving the aircraft a window to attempt emergency landings.
Weather constraints remain
However, this does not mean the E20 can transcend all traditional flight limitations. In the event of thunderstorms, strong winds, or adverse weather, decisions on whether to take off must still strictly adhere to standard flight safety regulations and operating procedures.
“If a helicopter can fly, we can fly; if it can’t, neither can we,” said Ng.
He added that reduced noise is another key advantage of electric aircraft over traditional helicopters.
“During test flights, we found it remarkably quiet. Interior cabin noise is around 70 decibels, while at a flight altitude of 300 meters, ground noise is only about 50 decibels—equivalent to conversational speech. It’s very quiet, and the overall experience is comfortable.”
Ng Yon Wiu’s hometown, Kuala Sepetang, is a fishing village in Perak.
Expanding regional operations: Using Malaysia as a gateway to Southeast Asia
With the E20 nearing launch, Ng hopes to use Malaysia as a springboard into the broader Southeast Asian market and explore regional expansion opportunities.
He noted that Malaysia possesses a solid aerospace supply chain foundation, particularly in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), backed by skilled talent and industry experience.
Furthermore, the country’s helicopter use cases, tourism resources, and island transport demands offer promising application scenarios for the low-altitude economy.
In recent years, Malaysia has begun advancing policy and regulatory frameworks for the low-altitude economy. Minister of Transport Loke Siew Fook announced in June this year that guidelines for the low-altitude economy are expected by year-end to support governance, regulation, and operations.
In August, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) launched a public consultation on the proposed low-altitude economy framework.
Malaysia and China have also engaged in exchanges regarding transport and civil aviation safety cooperation to drive the low-altitude economy forward.
“Overall, Malaysia’s stance toward developing the low-altitude economy is very proactive.”
As for his final reason, he smiled and said: “Most importantly, it’s because I am Malaysian.”
Born in Kuala Sepetang: A Homegrown Malaysian
This young entrepreneur who founded an electric aircraft company in China—and previously served as chief engineer for Airbus China—is a true-blue Malaysian.
Now 46, Ng was born in Kuala Sepetang, Perak. In this small fishing village free of light pollution, the night sky was always ablaze with stars, sparking his boyhood fascination with the sky. He loved studying constellations, comets, and meteors, and was deeply curious about airplanes.
When he reached Year 4, his family relocated to Sitiawan, where he attended SJK (C) Chung Cheng and SMJK Nan Hwa. His father ran a stationery shop, while his mother worked as a seamstress. As the youngest of four siblings, Ng helped out at the shop from an early age, learning how to hem edges, sew buttons, and repair sewing machines and photocopiers.
Childhood passion for dismantling old appliances
He also enjoyed collecting discarded radios, walkmans, and old electronics, taking them apart and reassembling them into gadgets that could light up or emit sounds.
“Since I was young, I was always doing hands-on or machinery-related things.” Though seemingly unrelated to aerospace engineering, these experiences helped him grasp mechanical principles early on, pondering possibilities through dismantling and reassembling.
To him, learning wasn’t confined to the classroom; it was an active exploration of his interests.
Even though aerospace engineering courses were not widely available in Malaysia at the time, he actively sought out books on the subject to study independently.
After graduating from secondary school, considering his family’s financial situation, he decided to work in Singapore for a year to earn money while preparing for university.
Studying in Australia and working in aeronautical design
At the time, Malaysia did not offer aerospace engineering majors. He self-studied for TOEFL exam while in Singapore and later enrolled in aeronautical engineering at RMIT University in Australia. After graduating, he remained in Perth, Australia, working for five years in modification design for general aviation aircraft and helicopters.
However, as his career progressed, he encountered practical career limits. Because certain Australian aviation projects involved military-civil dual use, job opportunities were sometimes restricted by nationality and security clearance requirements.
Keen to work on larger and more diverse aerospace projects, he joined Airbus China before eventually embarking on his entrepreneurial path.
Blind in right eye since age five: Turning negative experiences into drive
From a small fishing village in Sepetang to studying in Australia, joining a multinational aerospace giant, and founding his own aircraft company, Ng’s journey appears seamless on the surface.
Yet, he too experienced self-doubt and faced skepticism from others.
During the interview, Ng shared a lesser-known chapter of his life: he has been blind in his right eye since the age of five.
As a child, he was conscious about his eye and sensed others doubted his capabilities.
“Everyone thought, ‘What good is a kid who is blind in one eye?”
However, as he grew older, he learned to channel those negative experiences into motivation.
As his academic performance improved, he stopped dwelling on his visual impairment, choosing instead to focus on what he could accomplish.
During his university days in Australia, Ng Yon Wui poured all his energy into studying and exploring his passions, gradually building up his self-confidence.
Never view himself as disabled
He noted that he is an engineer, not a pilot, so his visual condition never hindered his engineering work. He never deliberately hid his eye condition, brushing it off with a smile whenever asked.
“To this day, I have never viewed myself as disabled.”
He realised that labels can sometimes become self-fulfilling prophecies. Once a person believes they are incapable, they defeat themselves before even trying.
“As long as you believe you are incapable, you will become incapable.”
Aligning passion, industry trends, and personal capability
Beyond pursuing professional breakthroughs, Ng advises young people to find what they truly love when choosing their life direction, and to reflect on the relationship between personal interests, industry trends and individual capabilities.
He recalled that after school as a child, he always had to help out at home, making studying feel almost like a “side hustle”—which only heightened his hunger for knowledge.
Consequently, when he arrived in Australia and could finally devote all his time to studying, he found academic coursework remarkably easy.
He began studying topics he wanted to learn—plowing through books on calculus and engineering one by one, dissecting them step by step.
It was this pure passion—and the stubborn resolve to press forward once a goal was set—that brought him to where he is today.
Three pillars for planning the future
In Ng’s view, choosing a rising industry, finding a genuine passion and cultivating the necessary capabilities are three pillars worth considering when planning for the future. One might not possess all three at the outset, but one should strive to align with at least two.
He also reminded young people that beyond professional skill, personal character, creativity, and values are equally crucial. A person doesn’t need to walk the exact same path as others; the key is finding one’s own direction and consistently building capability.
For Ng, the boyhood wonder of gazing up at the starlit sky never faded with age. His imagination of the skies gradually evolved into a concrete profession, a multinational career, and a venture aimed at reshaping future mobility.
Now, he hopes to bring the journey he has walked, the expertise he has built, and his enduring passion for aviation back to the land where he was born.
As to whether we can truly board an air taxi for just a few ringgit in the future, the answer remains tied to technical certification, operating costs, and market demand.
But as electric aircraft move steadily toward commercialisation, low-altitude flight is no longer a sci-fi fantasy—it is a new transportation choice coming to fruition.