Many Malaysians may not know this, but we have a space agency known as Malaysia Space Agency (MYSA). Our most recent achievement was the launch of MEASAT-3d satellite back in June 2022. This satellite will provide internet to more than two million Malaysians who live in distant areas with little access to high-speed broadband internet.
Although Malaysia’s space industry is still very much in its infancy, the government is trying expand this sector with the help from inside and outside the country.
Malay Mail reports that the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) will lead the Space Tech Nexus at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA23), which is expected to enhance the strategic cooperation network of Malaysia’s space industry with local and international players.
According to MOSTI Minister Chang Lih Kang, the Space Tech Nexus includes the Langkawi International Space Forum (LISF) 2023, technology updates, commercial exhibitions, bilateral talks, and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs).
The development of Malaysia’s space industry is expected to contribute up to RM10 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030, with the creation of over 5,000 high-skilled jobs, as outlined in the National Space Policy Action Plan 2030 (MSE2030).
He also chaired the first National Space Committee Meeting (JANGKA) and he said JANGKA is an essential mechanism in coordinating all space-related activities in Malaysia to ensure the planned and effective development of the industry, which can bring significant returns to the country in terms of knowledge, scientific exploration, wealth, community well-being, and national security.
