KUCHING, May 24: Malaysia is actively reviewing several international treaties related to the space sector, with the aim of further enhancing the national space industry.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof emphasised that there is significant potential for Malaysia together with other countries in the region to capitalise on various socio-economic opportunities.
“In addition to the cost competitiveness of accessing space, the creation of a new space value chain presents numerous potential services and supplies (opportunities).
“For instance, space manufacturing services for materials research and development, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, fiber optics, and semiconductor manufacturing can leverage the unique conditions and capabilities of space technology to improve manufacturing processes, develop novel materials and advance technological capabilities,” he said.
Fadillah highlighted this in his speech when launching the Malaysia Space Industry Strategic Plan 2030 (SISP 2030) and the Langkawi International Space Forum (LISF) 2023 at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi today.
Fadillah pointed out that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), in collaboration with other stakeholders, is currently implementing the National Remote Sensing Satellite programme through a public-private partnership mechanism and it is targeted to be launched in 2025.
With that, he welcomes each country in the region to join hands and contribute according to their respective strengths and expertise with the aim to establish Southeast Asia as an advanced space region comparable to the more developed space sectors in Europe, Japan, and the United States.
Additionally, Malaysia has also recently launched the Malaysian Space Exploration 2030 (MSE 2030) action plan which is expected to drive growth and establish a sustainable national space sector ecosystem in the country.
Commenting on the SISP 2030, he said it will serve as a guide for the development of the space industry, fostering viability and competitiveness in alignment with the National Space Policy.
“This comprehensive plan will assist the Malaysian space industry in identifying priority areas, research and development, commercialisation, and innovation activities in creating a sustainable space industry ecosystem that encompasses the entire value chain.
“Malaysia’s national space industry sector is experiencing rapid growth and with over 60 space-related companies generating a total revenue of RM1.36 billion in 2021, the sector has witnessed remarkable advancements and possesses significant potential to contribute further to the strategic space ecosystem of the country,” he said.
Strategically, he mentioned that Malaysia holds permanent membership in various working committees and organisations, including the Sub-Committee on Space Technology and Applications (SCOSA), International Astronautical Federation (IAF), International AstronomicalUnion (IAU), United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), and Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS).
“Through active participation in these entities, Malaysia continues to contribute to the development of the space ecosystem, particularly at the regional and international levels.
“Malaysia firmly supports the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Space 2030 agenda which harnesses space technology to achieve the SDGs while overcoming societal challenges, thereby enhancing human development and well-being.
“Malaysia also upholds the principle that outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, are common heritage of humanity. As such, Malaysia advocates for the peaceful utilisation of outer space for the benefit of all countries, irrespective of their economic or scientific development,” he added. — DayakDaily
