SWITZERLAND – The Sarawak government has made an important move to enhance its participation in the global space industry after high-level discussions with the European Space Agency (ESA) at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 Annual General Meeting.
The session was chaired by Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Deputy Secretary of Sarawak for Economic Planning and Development, together with ESA Chairman Dr. Renato Krpun and Swiss Chiefs Officer. The discussions focused on potential cooperation in the area of building space capacity, training and long-term economic development.
Education and human capital development are important to Sarawak as they pave the way forward to get ready for the increasing demand of the global industry in space,’ highlighted Dr Muhammad Abdullah. He added that the Government must “heavily invest” in skills training at an early stage to keep Sarawak sustainable, competitive and resilient against any future economic changes.
“So the focus on “the last mile” of education; and how we develop human capital is important, to daunt Sarawak fully prepares for industry which in fact will be the space industry that is developing in the global economy based on knowledge.”
The discussions underscored the urgency to mainstream tertiary education and skills training in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with special reference to space technology. The aim of this type of effort is to produce a qualified labour force that can fulfil the needs of the industry.
Through sharing ESA’s experience on international cooperation, Dr. Renato gave the example of Brazil where collaboration on satellite data for biomass helped in time-saving and space development accomplishment. He added that such collaborations could also be helpful with regards to Sarawak’s aspirations in the particular sector.
Both the parties also agreed on exploring concrete cooperation including small satellite systems, academic collaboration and exchange programmes. These micro-space missions are perceived as the stepping stone for a viable space industry in Sarawak.
The meeting highlighted the commitment and interest by Sarawak in reaching out to share its strategy at international level and being part of the global space community. The collaboration is an extension of what Sarawak has in mind for connecting education, skills and labour development and international partnerships which eventually will endorse future growth.
He were joined by Datu Abang Ahmad Abang Morni, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environmental Environment (MEESty), and Dr. Kho Lip Khoon Chief Of Corporate Section Leader -Economic Development also from MEESty.
These discussions are the start of a potential game changer as they could set in motion an unprecedented alliance between Sarawak’s development objectives and ESA’s international framework of cooperation.
