by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 17: The Sarawak government is planning to establish an international-standard astronomy centre with an initial allocation of RM150 million as a strategic step to produce a generation that is highly knowledgeable in space science, aerospace, and future technology.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced this yesterday and said the centre is not only intended to foster interest in astronomy, but also to be the basis for the development of expertise in the field of aerospace.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) report, he explained that mastery of space technology is now one of the main determinants of the strength of developed countries, especially in terms of security, global communication systems, data management and storage, as well as earth observation capabilities through the use of satellite technology.
“Whoever masters space, masters the future. Therefore, Sarawak must be prepared to produce local children, especially Muslims, who are skilled in the fields of science, additional mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering,” he said, at the Islamic Agency’s Thanksgiving and Prayer of Wishes Ceremony at the Sarawak Islamic Complex yesterday.
He noted that on Friday morning, the Sarawak Cabinet has agreed to allocate RM150 million for the establishment of an astronomy centre in Sarawak.
The Premier also highlighted that astronomy is not just a scientific discipline, but also has a significant relationship with understanding the great events of Isra’ and Mikraj, thus becoming a medium for Muslims to delve into the greatness of Allah SWT’s creation through the approach of modern science and technology.
He further highlighted Sarawak’s broader push into high-technology research, including efforts to design artificial intelligence (AI) chips through collaborations between local scientists and international experts as an initial step towards mastering strategic technologies.
At the same time, Abang Johari stressed the importance of mastering technical English to enable the younger generation to understand, master, and apply modern scientific knowledge effectively in real-world contexts.
Also present at the event were the Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for the Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Ministers, President of the Sarawak Islamic Council, Datuk Misnu Taha and Heads of Departments. – DayakDaily
