KUCHING: Sarawak has been chosen as Malaysia’s location for satellite launches with it positioned in the middle of the equatorial line.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the decision on the matter was agreed during last week’s meeting on Malaysia’s physical development chaired by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Because we (Sarawak) are in the middle of the equator, the federal government has identified the state (as the site to launch the satellite).
“I think they will gazette it, meaning Sarawak will launch satellites,” he said.
Abang Johari made the announcement during Sarawak Skills’ 30th anniversary gala dinner at Riverside Majestic Hotel here last night (Aug 23).
In line with the state to be the launch site for the satellite, he said it was important equipping Sarawakians with fundamental knowledge in satellite and aerospace technology.
“Thus, I have instructed that a Faculty of Aerospace be set up in i-CATS University College.
“This field of study will involve areas such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, and algorithms,” he explained,” he said.
The Premier said to support the initiative of satellite launches, there is a need to prepare young Sarawakian in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
“In satellite, there is avionics, and once you have this very important component of satellite or aerospace communication, you need chips.
“That is why, under Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, we have set up our semiconductor academy to train Sarawakians in chip design to produce not only chips for analogue, but also compound chips that can store data.
“This is the way forward for us since we have been identified as a place to launch satellites,” said Abang Johari.
