Satellite technology poised to spur economic growth

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has established the Space Industry and Satellite Committee (SISCOM), recently which is responsible for developing a policy framework for the aspiration of owning and managing satellite technology assets.

Utility and Telecommunication Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the establishment of SISCOM is to create a robust ecosystem that supports the growth and application of satellite technology across various sectors in Sarawak.

“This is the dream that we have in mind, hopefully that we materialise. It is important that we have a thorough understanding of this field.

“This knowledge is crucial for us to make well-informed strategic decisions regarding its planning and implementation. So as I mentioned just now, we must be knowledgeable. We must study the detail, the technology and so forth, if we were to explore into the space industry and satellite technology in the near future, with the hope that one day we will own our own assets,” he said.

He said this during a press conference after the satellite technology briefing session by Malaysia East Asia Satellite (MEASAT) at Hilton Hotel here on today.

Julaihi also said that with the deployment of satellite technology, it has the potential to spur economic growth and development in Sarawak.

“Sarawak is very vast, with many areas yet to be fully connected. So this is one of the measures that we are taking. With the right infrastructure and technology, Sarawak will be able to achieve the right status as a developed state by the year 2030,” he said.

He said that MEASAT, which already owned such a technology in Malaysia is also part of the committee.

“And it is functioned by our ministry, with all our relevant agencies as the committee members. And of course, the secretariat is with Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA),” he said.

He added that by leveraging satellite connectivity, the Sarawak government can ensure that remote rural communities have access to communication services, educational resources, and healthcare information.
“With accurate signals from satellite technology, it also can enhance environmental monitoring, resource management, and provide rapid feedback in response to disasters, enabling experts to conduct comprehensive assessments in real-time,” he mentioned.