By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 27: Sarawak’s plans to establish itself in the aerospace and satellite sector have taken a significant step forward with the formation of the Sarawak Aerospace Agency, which is now in the process of appointing its chief executive officer (CEO), expected before the end of the year.
Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the agency, which comes under his ministry, has already formed its board of directors and is currently reviewing applications for the CEO position.
“We have formed the Sarawak Space Advisory Council, which is chaired by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. We have also formed the Sarawak Aerospace Agency, which is parked under the ministry.
“This is the beginning. The board of directors has been formed, and we are looking for a CEO. In fact, we have received quite a number of applications, and we should be able to have one before the end of the year,” he told reporters after opening the Converged Telecommunications Policy and Regulations (CTPR) Masterclass 2026 at Pullman Hotel here today.
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Julaihi said the progress indicates that Sarawak is moving in the right direction as it advances its ambitions in the aerospace sector.
Earlier in his speech, he said the State government is broadening its technological ambitions beyond terrestrial connectivity to include aerospace and satellite-related capabilities as part of its long-term digital transformation agenda.
According to him, the Sarawak Aerospace Agency, supported by the Sarawak Space Advisory Council, will provide strategic direction, coordinate institutional expertise and guide the responsible development of the emerging sector.
“These efforts will enable Sarawak to explore opportunities in satellite communications, Earth observation, remote sensing and geospatial applications.
“Such capabilities have practical value for connectivity resilience, disaster management, environmental monitoring, agriculture, land and resource planning, and the delivery of public services across our vast territory.
“Our ambition is grounded in clear developmental needs and in the long-term interests of Sarawak and its people,” he added.
Julaihi also stressed that artificial intelligence (AI) would become a key driver of Sarawak’s next phase of development, describing it as “the operating system of modern economies” that will reshape productivity, industries and public services.
He noted that Sarawak has achieved internet coverage of 94.5 per cent in settlement areas through the combined efforts of the Sarawak government, federal government and the telecommunications industry, following the completion of the State-led SALURAN programme comprising 600 SMART towers and the deployment of the MySRBN broadband wireless service.
With connectivity infrastructure largely in place, he said the focus must now shift towards improving the quality, reliability and affordability of digital services while leveraging AI, satellite technology and innovation to drive economic growth.
He also called on technology companies, infrastructure providers, universities and research institutions to partner with Sarawak in developing AI solutions, expanding digital infrastructure, advancing satellite communications, strengthening cybersecurity and supporting smart city initiatives.
Julaihi further highlighted the importance of effective spectrum management as Sarawak pursues its digital and satellite ambitions, saying closer collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), industry players and research institutions would be essential in supporting rural connectivity, smart utility applications and other emerging spectrum-based technologies tailored to the State’s geographical and developmental needs. — DayakDaily
