Four major initiatives are being planned and would be implemented under Malaysia Space-X 2030, says Ahmad Amzad

pic by TMR FILE

THE Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) is developing a blueprint known as Malaysia Space Exploration (Malaysia Space-X) 2030 to drive growth and create a sustainable national space sector ecosystem.

Deputy Minister Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim (picture) said the blueprint outlines a 10-year strategy, in line with the National Space Policy 2030, especially through the fourth thrust which outlines efforts to contribute to the country’s economy and prosperity.

He said four major initiatives are being planned and would be implemented under Malaysia Space-X 2030, including the remote sensing satellite development programme.

“This programme will be implemented through a public-private partnership method which aims to create opportunities for strategic cooperation between the government and local industry in the development of locally made satellite technology,” Ahmad Amzad said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

He was responding to a question from Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PAS-Setiu) on the ministry’s plans to assist the development of the national space industry and to attract investment from abroad to further improve the country’s space ecosystem.

Commenting further, Ahmad Amzad said the programme had the potential to increase the growth of the satellite component manufacturing industry and the data-based downstream industry based on space technology and the ancillary industry.

Through Malaysia Space-X 2030, he said the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) will also develop the Space Industry Strategic Plan 2030.

He noted that the plan set the goals and focus and prioritise various space technology activities to drive the local space industry to be more competitive.

“The third initiative is the capacity building of the country’s space infrastructure. The government, through Mosti, has also developed an advanced space technology infrastructure of international standard under the supervision of MYSA.

“It includes satellite installation, integration and testing facilities; satellite mission control facilities in Banting, Selangor, and the Remote Sensing Satellite Data Receiver Station in Temerloh, Pahang,” he added.

To strengthen international cooperation in the space sector, Ahmad Amzad said Mosti would enhance the network through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with centres of excellence in developed countries in the field of space technology.

He emphasised that this will enhance the country’s capacity based on research, development, commercialisation and innovation.

“This includes the transfer of advanced space-related technologies such as satellite technology, launchers, antenna systems and artificial intelligence in data processing related to big data processing for expertise development in the local industrial sector,” he said.