‘This venture into the aerospace and satellite industry marks a significant shift for Sarawak into advanced space technology.’
KUCHING: Sarawak is embarking on an ambitious plan to build and launch its own satellite, marking a pioneering step into the space industry.
The project, which is taking shape in southern Sarawak, will involve collaboration with British aerospace and satellite experts from the University of Bristol in England, according to a statement by the State Public Communications Unit.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg is currently in England to discuss the project with the university, accompanied by senior representatives from state high-tech firm Sarawak SMD Semiconductor.
“Sarawak is developing our own Low Earth Orbit satellite project, which will be the first of its kind not only in Sarawak but also in Borneo.
“The satellite will be built with foreign partners, including the University of Bristol.
“This venture into the aerospace and satellite industry marks a significant shift for Sarawak into advanced space technology.
“Having our own satellite will help Sarawak chart its future development in forestry, land use, maritime industries, as well as natural disaster monitoring and management,” Johari reportedly said during his meeting with aerospace and satellite experts at the university.
Johari is on a working visit to England and Ireland.
The statement did not specify when the satellite would be constructed and launched, or the total cost of the project.
However, it was reported in May last year that Sarawak is planning to develop the Sarawak Aerospace Hub at the southern end of Kuching, with a targeted completion date of 2030.
Sarawak is pursuing the aerospace and satellite industries to attract foreign investment and create up to 30,000 new jobs by 2030, State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah had said.
“The state government is planning to build the Sarawak Aerospace Hub in the southern part of the state, near the capital, Kuching.
“Sarawak is well positioned to become an aerospace and satellite hub, not only due to its vast resources but also its geographical location.
“Situated along the equator, it is an ideal location for launching satellites into outer space.
“Sarawak could serve as a regional base for Low Earth Orbit satellite missions.
“The National Aerospace Industry and Sarawak’s i-CATS University College are working together to establish the Sarawak Aerospace Hub.
“We can create up to 30,000 new jobs in the coming years,” Sagah said during a briefing on the plans.
He added that Sarawak has also engaged the Malaysian Space Agency and regional companies involved in satellite technologies as part of the initiative.
The global aerospace industry is projected to attract investments of up to US$1.4 trillion by 2030, he said, adding that Sarawak aims to capture a share of these investments through its space-related projects.
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