MANCHESTER – Sarawak has set its sights on launching its first nano satellite by 2030, signalling a bold step towards building a high-tech ecosystem centred on semiconductors, satellite technology, geolocation data, and real-time artificial intelligence (AI) grids.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, announced the target during the Sarawak Agenda Town Hall session, themed Sarawak Towards the Future, held as part of the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2026, UK Edition.
He emphasised that the initiative reflects the state’s ambition to master advanced technologies that will shape the global economy in the coming decade.
The Premier explained that CubeSat-based nano satellites could enable Sarawak to establish its own constellation, providing earth imagery, geolocation data, and strategic information.
These capabilities, he noted, would be vital for multiple sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
“By 2030, our target is to launch the first nano satellite using CubeSat. Through a satellite constellation, we can obtain earth imagery and geolocation data,” he said.
He further highlighted that future technologies will rely heavily on the integration of chips, satellites, and AI grids.
“Future technologies will depend greatly on chips, satellites and the real-time AI Grid. AI will be heavily dependent on chips, including satellite chips,” he explained.
To achieve this vision, the Premier stressed the importance of nurturing talent in semiconductors, AI, satellite engineering, and data sciences.
He underscored that Sarawak’s younger generation must be equipped with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the new economy by 2030.
The town hall session was moderated by the Chief Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
The event drew the participation of several senior leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki, Minister of Works Malaysia Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Hajjah Sharifah Hasidah Syed Aman Ghazali, and Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Haji Ibrahim Baki.
The announcement builds on Sarawak’s broader digital transformation agenda, which has already seen investments in AI-driven data campuses, renewable energy infrastructure, and satellite-linked communication systems.
Analysts suggest that the state’s focus on CubeSat technology could position it as a regional leader in space-based innovation, while also strengthening its digital sovereignty.
By setting a clear timeline for the nano satellite launch, Sarawak is signalling its readiness to embrace the next wave of technological advancement.
The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for research, industry collaboration, and international partnerships, while reinforcing the state’s long-term commitment to innovation and sustainable development.
