KUCHING – Sarawak intends to launch its first nanosatellite by 2030 using CubeSat technology, as part of a wider effort to strengthen the development of the stateâs space sector.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said RM1.5 million has been allocated under the Sarawak Budget 2027 for a study of the Sarawak Space and Aerospace Development Master Plan.
He made the announcement when tabling the budget on Monday at the Second Meeting of the Fifth Term of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
âThe government will implement a study of the Space and Aerospace Development Master Plan which will guide the stateâs long-term strategy in this pioneering sector,â he said.
The Sarawak Space Agency (SSA) will lead the sectorâs development, according to the Premier. Its responsibilities include coordinating research and strengthening cooperation with industry players.
On the education front, the state government has set aside RM42 million for the initial development of the main campus of i-CATS University College in Trombol. The funding is intended to lay the groundwork for the institutionâs long-term growth.
Abang Abdul Rahman added that the Sarawak Centre of Excellence in Technology (CENTEXS) is also bolstering aerospace training through its Aerospace Academy. The centre is pursuing collaboration in the fields of aviation and engineering.
Together, i-CATS, CENTEXS and the SSA are expected to reinforce the stateâs aerospace ecosystem. They are also expected to supply the manpower needed by high-technology industries.
CubeSats are small, standardised satellites built from compact modules, and they are widely used by universities, research bodies and emerging space programmes.
Their relatively modest size and cost make them a common entry point for regions seeking to build practical experience in satellite design, launch and operation.
A master plan study typically sets out the policy direction, infrastructure requirements, skills pipeline and investment priorities for a new sector before major commitments are made.
For Sarawak, the study is expected to guide long-term decisions as the state positions itself in a field that remains new to its economy.
The combination of research coordination, dedicated training and a purpose-built university campus reflects an effort to develop talent and institutions together.
Such an approach is often seen as important for ensuring that high-tech projects are supported by a local workforce rather than relying solely on expertise from outside the state. â Sarawak Daily
