According to the Right Honourable, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, the federal government has identified Sarawak as an optimal hub for the space industry and satellite operations.
The government has launched several initiatives to advance its space industry vision, which is in line with Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS) and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, both of which underscore the importance of digital and technological advancements in driving economic growth.
Space Industry and Satellite Committee (Siscom)
In pursuit of Sarawak’s goal to drive progress in the space industry and satellite technology, the government has established a new task force known as the Space Industry and Satellite Committee (Siscom).
According to the Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Siscom was established to formulate a comprehensive policy framework and establish a governance structure to support the state’s long-term goals in space technology.
He also stated that the Premier of Sarawak has ambitions to deploy its own orbital assets in the future.
Skilling and Talent Development
The Premier of Sarawak, recognising the need for support services within the space industry, directed Sarawak Skill Group via its i-CATS University College to set up a space study centre that focuses on teaching STEM subjects. The purpose of this centre is to prepare and nurture the love of STEM subjects in young Sarawakians.
Aside from that, during the Sarawak Skills 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner, the Premier of Sarawak stated that the state has set up a semiconductor academy to train Sarawakians in chip design to support the space industry.
Also, according to the Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, the department has developed Nasa Space Apps Sarawak to foster young STEM talent in Sarawak, especially in rural schools across the state.
Strategic Location and Geopolitical Advantage
Due to Sarawak’s strategic location, which offers the distinctive advantage of being near the equator—launching from an equatorial site reduces costs and increases payload efficiency—the state has capitalised on this to promote Sarawak as a key hub in the space industry.
Additionally, the state’s proximity to key markets in Southeast Asia makes it an attractive location for regional space-based services, such as satellite communications and Earth observation services.
Collaboration with National Agencies and Private Sector
In October 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Sarawak Multimedia of Authority (SMA) and MEASAT Global Berhad, Malaysia’s premier satellite solutions provider, to enhance Sarawak’s space industry development, as well as exploring joint projects such as satellite operations and management.
In January 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Spaceport Malaysia, Spaceport Sarawak Chapter, and Astrum Dynamic Sdn Bhd that enables the three parties to present the Sarawak Light Airlaunch System for High-Altitude and Orbital Access (SLASH) methodology to Sarawak, specifically for the launch of a proposed microsatellite for the Sarawak government, Kenyalang-1.
In addition, the Premier of Sarawak stated that they are working with a company in Tokyo, Japan to produce low-carbon (materials) based on chemicals to develop textiles that are used by astronauts.
With Sarawak’s proactive approach to infrastructure, education, and international collaboration, the state is on track to become a significant player in the space industry.
Reference:
- Bernama (2023) ‘Sarawak identified as key hub for space industry’, Bernama, 15 October. Available at: https://bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2365575
- Sarawak Premier’s Department (2023) ‘Sarawak government to form new committee to drive space industry’, Sarawak Premier’s Department, 14 October. Available at: https://premierdept.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/4573/UKAS#:~:text=KUCHING%3A%20The%20Sarawak%20government%20has,be%20chaired%20by%20his%20ministry
- SMA (2023) ‘New Space Industry and Satellite Committee to drive space sector in Sarawak, says Julaihi’, Sarawak Multimedia Authority, 2 August. Available at: https://www.sma.gov.my/web/publications/news_view/234#:~:text=Publications-,New%20Space%20Industry%20and%20Satellite%20Committee,Sector%20in%20Sarawak%2C%20Says%20Julaihi&text=KUCHING%20(Aug%202)%3A%20The,space%20industry%20and%20satellite%20technology
- The Borneo Post (2024) ‘Abg Johari: Sarawak to become nation’s satellite launch hub’, The Borneo Post, 24 August. Available at: https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/08/24/abg-johari-sarawak-to-become-nations-satellite-launch-hub/
- The Borneo Post (2025) ‘MoU on developing launch system for Sarawak’s Kenyalang-1 microsatellite inked’, The Borneo Post, 3 January. Available at: https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/01/03/mou-on-developing-launch-system-for-sarawaks-kenyalang-1-microsatellite-inked/
- The Borneo Post (2024) ‘Sagah: NASA Space Apps Sarawak earns national award, expands to underserved areas’, The Borneo Post, 15 October. Available at: https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/10/15/sagah-nasa-space-apps-sarawak-earns-national-award-expands-to-underserved-areas/
- The Borneo Post (2025) ‘Sarawak aspires to produce textiles for space suits, says Abg Jo’, The Borneo Post, 14 January. Available at: https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/01/14/sarawak-aspires-to-produce-textiles-for-space-suits-says-abg-jo/
