RM42 mln for i-CATS Trombol campus as Sarawak develops aerospace, satellite talent

Sarawak Budget 2027: Aerospace & Space-Tech Development budget under the development and attracting strategic industries initiative. Photo credit: Office of Premier of Sarawak (OPS)

By Christine T

KUCHING, Oct 12: Sarawak has allocated RM42 million for the preliminary development of i-CATS University College’s main campus at Trombol, Kuching, as the State steps up efforts to develop local talent and strengthen its aerospace and space technology industries.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the development would support i-CATS’ transformation into a full-fledged university, with industry-based learning, applied research and professional certification to be intensified next year, particularly in aerospace and satellite systems.

“The i-CATS main campus at Trombol, Kuching will serve as a catalyst for the State’s innovation ecosystem.

“Under this Budget, sum of RM42 million is allocated for the preliminary development of i-CATS main campus at Trombol,” he said when tabling the Supply Bill (2027), 2026, or Sarawak Budget 2027, at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.

Complementing the initiative, the Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) has launched its Aerospace Academy and established aviation and engineering programmes in collaboration with AIROD-ADC.

CENTEXS has also signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Angkasa-X, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Tsinghua University to develop talent in space technology (SpaceTech), satellite engineering and aerospace research and development (R&D).

“These collaborations will accelerate human capital development and create pathways for Sarawakian graduates into globally recognised programmes,” he added.

To further strengthen the sector, the Sarawak government will undertake a Masterplan Study for Space and Aerospace Development, with RM1.5 million allocated next year to support the study.

The masterplan will guide the State’s long-term strategy for developing the aerospace and space technology sectors, with the Sarawak Space Agency (SSA) entrusted to spearhead the development of Sarawak’s space sector.

The SSA will also coordinate research, establish industry collaborations and oversee initiatives, including the planned launch of Sarawak’s first nanosatellite by 2030 using CubeSat technology.

Abang Johari said the combined efforts of i-CATS, CENTEXS and SSA would help nurture industry-ready talent, strengthen Sarawak’s aerospace ecosystem and position the State to participate in high-growth, high-value industries of the future. — DayakDaily