Sarawak allocates RM150 mln for international-standard astronomy centre, says Abang Johari

KUCHING (Jan 17): The Sarawak government has earmarked an initial allocation of RM150 million to develop an international-standard astronomy centre, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the initiative is part of a strategic effort to strengthen knowledge in space science, aerospace and future technologies among the younger generation.

Speaking at the Thanksgiving and Special Prayers Ceremony of Islamic agencies on Friday night, he said the proposed centre would go beyond being a symbolic landmark since it will function as a genuine hub for education, research and understanding of astronomy with direct links to aerospace and satellite technology development.

“Earlier this morning (Jan 16), the State Cabinet met and agreed to allocate RM150 million for the development of the astronomy centre. I want this centre to be more than symbolic, and serve as a real centre for research and learning, especially in astronomy, aerospace and the spectrum of space sciences,” he said, according to a post on his official Facebook page, Sarawakku.

He said the Sarawak Mufti Department will collaborate with University College of Technology Sarawak (i-CATS) and Okan University College in Türkiye, which has an established Aerospace Faculty, as part of preparations to produce Muslim youths equipped with space-related knowledge.

Abang Johari noted that history has shown how major world powers rose through mastery of navigation and astronomy, guided by stars and compass technology, before expanding maritime dominance and global geopolitical influence.

“Today, the arena of competition has changed. Major nations are competing to dominate outer space through satellites, communications, data storage and strategic imaging. Modern warfare now relies heavily on satellites, drones and space-based control technologies,” he said.

In this regard, Abang Johari stressed that mastery of astronomy, additional mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, algorithms and digital technologies is essential to ensure that future generations are not left behind in global competition.

He also emphasised the importance of English proficiency, particularly in engineering and science, as most scientific references and the latest data are published in the language.

On education, Abang Johari said the state government plans to establish an international school under Yayasan Sarawak specifically for Muslim students, adopting the Cambridge syllabus integrated with Islamic studies.

“We will combine worldly and spiritual education. The Cambridge syllabus will be paired with Islamic studies such as sirah, Quran memorisation and an understanding of human civilisation so that students can comprehend science, technology and the future of humanity from an Islamic perspective,” he said.

He added that the full-boarding school would emphasise discipline, character building and a structured learning environment to produce independent students focused on knowledge.

Beyond aerospace, the premier also touched on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the semiconductor chip industry in Sarawak, including research and AI chip design efforts by local scientists through state laboratory facilities.

“We want Muslim youths to master future technologies, including AI, satellite communications and chip design. Sarawak has begun designing its own chips, and this opens up significant opportunities for the younger generation,” he said.

Abang Johari also highlighted the state’s policy of free higher education at Sarawak-owned universities, as well as opportunities for students from Asean and the Asia-Pacific region to pursue studies in the state as part of a shared responsibility to develop regional human capital.

Looking ahead, he said global reliance on oil and gas is expected to decline within the next decade, making it imperative for Sarawak to prepare through renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar and other natural resources.

“We want Muslim youths to set an example in the global economic transition, mastering new knowledge and leading change for the well-being of humanity,” he said.

Among those present were Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha and Sarawak Islamic Religious Department director Mual Suaud.