By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 23: Sarawak plans to develop a homegrown chip for its planned nanosatellite, with laboratories involving the Sarawak Aerospace Agency (SAA) and iCATS University College expected to begin next year as the State strengthens its satellite capabilities and data sovereignty, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.
Speaking to reporters after the launch of AI for Makers: Borneo Makers Festival 2026 here today, he said the nanosatellite was targeted for launch by 2030 and would operate in low Earth orbit to collect data for Sarawak’s economic planning and resource management.
“The important component is the chip. The other important one is the camera, and then the communication between the Earth and satellite,” he said.
Sarawak is working with the SAA and iCATS to establish two laboratories, one under each institution, with work expected to begin next year on research and development for the State’s satellite programme.
The SAA, under the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, has formed its board of directors and is expected to appoint its chief executive officer by the end of this year.
Local expertise will be used to develop the chip and other satellite components, with iCATS already having specialists in aerospace and related fields.
The satellite will collect and store data from Sarawak, including information on its natural resources, allowing the State to analyse the information for economic and resource planning.
“Once you have that storage of data, then we can protect our sovereignty. Otherwise, other people can get that data,” he said.
He also linked the satellite programme to disaster management, noting that data was important across all sectors and could help Sarawak monitor and understand conditions on the ground.
The initiative is part of Sarawak’s wider effort to build local technological capabilities and reduce reliance on external expertise.
“We have materials that can propel our economy. Today’s economy is all based on data,” he said. — DayakDaily
