By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 16: A Sibu-born Sarawakian pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace studies at the University of Southern California (USC), United States, is now part of a six-member team preparing to launch nanosatellites in the United States.
This was revealed by the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Progressive Democratic Party’s (PDP) Triennial General Assembly (TGA) 2026 held in Sibu today.
“We have one Sarawakian now, in the US, University of Southern California, studying masters in aerospace — there are six of them. One is Sarawakian.
“They are going to launch nanosatellites in the US with a Sarawakian there in the team to launch satellites in the US. And that fellow is from Sibu,” he said. An audio recording of the speech was later shared with DayakDaily.
The Premier also pointed to Sarawak’s efforts to build local aerospace talent through the establishment of a Faculty of Aerospace at i-CATS University College, where studies are now offered free to eligible Sarawakians.
“And we are having Faculty of Aerospace in i-CATS University. Which means Sarawakians can study.
“Now it’s free. It is up to them whether they want to seize the opportunity or not. The future of Sarawakians is there,” he added.
Abang Johari further said Sarawak’s free tertiary education initiative applies to all Sarawakians holding a ‘K’ identity card, regardless of race or background, with the cost fully borne by the State government.
He said university education was once only accessible to families who could afford high fees, but stressed that financial constraints should no longer prevent eligible Sarawakian students from pursuing higher education.
“As long as your child is eligible, go to university. Financial problem? No problem anymore. You don’t have to pay. Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is paying for you,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
