Malaysia has received proposals from at least five or six countries to spearhead the creation of an ASEAN space agency. While the nation already has the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), the proposed ASEAN space agency would encompass all ASEAN member states.
These countries have also expressed interest in Malaysia becoming the satellite launch centre for the region, despite the agency still being in the planning stages, according to Bernama.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that the government has not yet selected a location for the ASEAN space agency.
The decision will be discussed with relevant ministries and agencies before being presented to the Cabinet for final approval.
He made these remarks in response to a query from Senator Datuk Lim Pay Hen regarding whether the government would consider the proposed establishment of the ASEAN space agency, which was a topic of discussion at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition last year.
The idea of an ASEAN space agency is not new. Five years ago, Nakamura Yuya, President and CEO of Axelspace Japan, suggested that ASEAN member countries collaborate to establish such an agency.
He emphasised that cooperation could help reduce costs and resources, which are often significant obstacles to space-related projects.
Currently there’s no satellite launch centre in the Southeast Asia region, but Indonesia is building a spaceport in Biak, and they are planning to launch 19 satellites into low-Earth orbit in 2025.
