By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 22: The State government is taking steps to expand Sarawak’s footprint in the space sector through a partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), with a focus on training, education, and the development of local expertise in the State.
Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel led a meeting with the Head of the Swiss Space Office and Chair of ESA, Dr Renato Krpoun, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 yesterday (Jan 21).
The meeting highlighted the need to systematically build capabilities through structured university programmes and vocational training, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields related to space technologies. The aim is to produce a skilled workforce ready to meet industry needs.
Abdullah Zaidel said that developing education and skills is crucial in preparing Sarawak for future industries such as space, which form a key part of the global knowledge economy.
“Early investment in human capital development must be prioritised to ensure Sarawak remains competitive and adaptable to future economic changes,” he was quoted as saying in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) news report.
Meanwhile, Renato shared ESA’s experience in establishing international collaborations with several countries on space development initiatives.
He cited ESA’s ongoing cooperation with Brazil as an example, where capability and competency development began through collaboration on biomass satellite data.
The meeting also reached a shared understanding that starting on a smaller scale—such as through small satellite projects, academic collaboration, and targeted training programmes—could provide an effective foundation for the long-term development of the space industry in Sarawak.
Both parties expressed their willingness to explore future collaboration opportunities that support the State’s growth and ESA’s international initiatives.
Abdullah Zaidel noted that Sarawak is committed to strengthening its presence in the global space ecosystem through training, education, and international partnerships.
Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) Datu Abang Ahmad Abang Morni, and Head of the Corporate and Economic Development Division of MEESty Dr Kho Lip Khoon. — DayakDaily
