Sarawak plans to launch own satellites for economic purposes, says Premier

LUNDU (Oct 8): Sarawak plans to launch its own satellites into the orbit, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this can be realised with the launch of Sarawak’s first Aerospace Academy, which he hoped will forge cooperation with renowned institutions of higher learning and friends in the industry.

“Hopefully one day we will have our own satellite in the orbit. Sarawak’s own satellite, for economic purposes not military. I was made to understand that in orbit, one satellite will not be enough. Maybe four to five (satellites) in order to connect satellite A to B to C to D, to see and measure data on the ground,” he said when launching the Aerospace Academy at Centexs Lundu today (Oct 8).

At a press conference, Abang Johari said data collection from the satellites will be important to continue Sarawak’s economic progress.

As such, he said the aerospace industry is needed to support Sarawak’s data centre.

“Satellites will be the vehicle to capture and store data. Such data is needed in the planning of our economy,” he said.

The academy will be vital to train locals to reach this goal, he said, including for maintenance of aircraft for satellite launching.

He explained the academy provides opportunities for local youths to pursue skills certification in the aerospace field before opting for degree-level courses at i-CATS University College.

There are now around 20 students enrolled in the field at i-CATS and 200 at the Centexs Aerospace Academy.

“We want to open up this industry here … Maybe one day Airod Sdn Bhd, which is under the National Aerospace and Defence Industries (Nadi), will move its training here with cooperation of international companies such as Airbus,” he said.

In his speech earlier, Abang Johari suggested the academy, which was initially named Aviation Academy, be renamed Aerospace Academy to cover a wider scope.

He cited Turkiye as one of the countries which Sarawak can work with, as the country is very strong in technology such as defence equipment, especially fighter jets.

In terms of civil aviation, he said cooperation can be forged with Airod Sdn Bhd in matters related to aircraft such as Boeing and Airbus.

“Aerospace is important. That is why we plan to work together to develop our young people to have the background and scientific understanding for us to leap forward in this sophisticated industry,” he said.

Two memorandums of agreement (MoA) between Centexs and Aviation Design Centre (ADC), and between Centexs and i-CATS were signed during the event.

There was also a smart partnership exchange between Centexs, Centexs Commercial Services Sdn Bhd, and HRD Corp.

Centexs charman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani said courses at the academy are Certificate in Aerospace Sheet Metal Training, Certificate in Aerospace Machining Operations, Certificate in Aerospace Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machining, as well as Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Aeroplane Turbine), Helicopter Turbine, and Avionics.

“Together, Centexs and i-CATS will leverage their respective strengths and expertise to offer a comprehensive talent development initiative to help develop skilled technicians and professionals to meet demand in the aerospace industry,” he said.

He also revealed the academy received two units of Nuri helicopters from the Malaysian Air Force for practical training purposes.