By Shikin Louis
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Aug 15: Sarawak will begin developing a laboratory for its CubeSat nano-satellite programme next year as the State works towards having its own satellite in space by 2030.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says he met with aerospace experts last week to discuss the development of Sarawak’s space capabilities under its 2030 roadmap.
“Last week I met with aerospace experts so that by 2030 we will already have our own satellite in space. This satellite is a nano-satellite called CubeSat.
“We will build the laboratory starting next year,” he said when speaking at the Sarawak Youth Week 2026 celebration at the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre here today.
Abang Johari further said the initiative will require engineers with knowledge of space technology and at least basic astronomy.
“If we can launch our satellite, we can obtain information about the Earth, including what resources Sarawak has. Once we know what we have, we can add value to the resources located in Sarawak,” he added.
Abang Johari says access to data is increasingly important as Sarawak seeks to explore new opportunities and maximise the value of what it already has.
He also urged young Sarawakians to be bold in exploring unfamiliar areas and use available data to find new solutions.
“You must be brave enough to navigate uncharted waters. You have to navigate with all the data that you have,” he said.
Also present were Abang Johari’s daughter Dayang Norjihan; Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker and Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang; Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; Malaysian Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang; Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron; and Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang. — DayakDaily
