Abg Johari: Sarawak to become nation’s satellite launch hub

KUCHING (Aug 24): Sarawak is planning to develop a space industry now that the federal government has identified the state as the site to launch satellites.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the decision to make Sarawak the satellite launching location was reached at a meeting on the physical development of Malaysia chaired by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which he also attended in Putrajaya last week.

“The meeting agreed that because of our location, which is an advantage, Sarawak is to be the place to launch satellites in Malaysia.

“The federal government has identified Sarawak and will gazette it as such. Meaning, Sarawak will launch satellites,” he said at the Sarawak Skills 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner at a hotel here last night.

He noted that the space industry, sometimes called the satellite industry, requires support services.

Recognising this need, Abang Johari directed Sarawak Skills Group via its i-CATS University College to set up a space study centre or faculty. The centre will focus on subjects such as astronomy, physics, chemistry and algorithm, which are the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

“Therefore, we have to prepare our young Sarawakians to love STEM subjects, including mathematics, to launch satellites. This is our way forward since we have been identified as satellite launch site,” he said.

Abang Johari also said Sarawak has also set up a semiconductor academy to train Sarawakians in chip design to support the space as well as the aerospace industry, as they all involve avionic engineering.

These chips will not only be for analogue usage but also compound chips for storing data, he added.

He said the semiconductor academy will be useful because a very important component of a satellite industry is aerospace communication that needs chips.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Skills Chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain, in his welcoming speech, highlighted the achievements of the group.

“From the development of cutting-edge training programmes to fostering strong industry partnerships, Sarawak Skills has made significant contributions to the field of vocational education and training.

“Each achievement represents a step forward in our mission to elevate the quality of skills development and to support the professional growth of individuals across Sarawak,” he said.

Among their achievements were the setting up of the Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (Awisar) which has received a rating of 5 Stars from the Department of Skills Development for all of its programmes; the establishment of Sarawak Skills Sri Aman branch early this year having its first intake of students for Electrical and Plantation Course in October 2024; the setting up of Sarawak Skills Satellite Campus at Advanced Technology College (Adtech) in Bintulu, whereby this campus is the collaboration between the State and Federal government initiative; and also Sarawak Skills is the only certified institution for underwater welding and cutting operation programmes in Malaysia, accommodating trainees throughout the country in its Miri branch.

The launch of the new vision of the Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions, “TVET Trendsetter,” is an eloquent testimony to Sarawak Skills’ voyage over the past three decades, said Abdul Aziz.

He also said the group has been a staunch supporter of Sarawak transformative narratives that include the digital economy, green economy, and net-zero emission by 2050 and the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

Also present were Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and his deputy Datuk Francis Hardin Hollis.