By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 16: Sarawak’s push into aerospace is not about sending astronauts into space but using satellite technology to gather data on the State’s resources, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Sarawak was looking to launch its own nano-satellite, or CubeSat, as part of efforts to expand its ability to collect and analyse data for resource exploration.
“Data is the new source after this renewable energy. Data is the resource,” he said during his keynote address at the soft launch of the Institute of Contemporary Leadership (ICL) and homecoming of its inaugural Professional Certificate in Contemporary Leadership (PCCL) alumni here tonight.
Abang Johari said satellite data could help the State identify and analyse its resources using emerging technologies.
He also highlighted the importance of spectrum, saying Sarawak needed to work with the federal government on rights to use spectrum for signals transmitted between low Earth orbit satellites and the ground.
He said Sarawak’s approach reflected the need for future leaders to understand emerging technologies and translate them into practical applications.
“Research is very, very important. We have to look into the future,” he stressed.
The Premier said the aerospace initiative was part of Sarawak’s wider effort to use technology and research to support future economic development. — DayakDaily
