Abang Johari calls for local aerospace, satellite expertise to support Sarawak’s digital future
KUCHING (May 31): Sarawak must begin developing local expertise in aerospace, satellite engineering, data analytics and future communication technologies in line with its target of launching a CubeSat-based nano-satellite by 2030, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to him, these Low Earth Orbit satellites will support real-time geolocation services, forestry monitoring, maritime surveillance, disaster management and Earth observation capabilities.
“As part of our long-term digital transformation strategy, we are developing the Kuching AI (Artificial Intelligence) Data Campus in Tanjung Embang; a world-class facility spanning approximately 405 hectares.
“This campus will serve as a catalyst for the development of a regional AI Grid, strengthening Sarawak’s digital ecosystem while attracting high quality global investments,” he said in his Gawai Day message.
Abang Johari pointed out that Sarawak is moving into the second phase of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 with the launch of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) Sarawak 2026-2030.
He said Sarawak aspires to become a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable developed region driven by innovation, technology, data and high-quality human capital by 2030.
According to him, the 13MP is a development master plan that will shape Sarawak’s future through to 2030.
“Our main target is to achieve a gross domestic product (GDP) of RM282 billion. To achieve this leap, the 13MP will be based on three key principles, namely Fix, Build and New.
“We will fix all constraints to become more efficient, build on continuous progress, and explore new opportunities in the global economy to propel Sarawak to greater heights,” he said.
Pointing out that the era of complete dependence on limited natural resources is over, Abang Johari said Sarawak is moving forward by building a new economy based on knowledge, innovation and human capital.
He said previous development that depended heavily on oil, gas and other natural resources must now move towards an economy driven by ‘brainpower’ or intellectual power.
Recognising that the power of knowledge, creativity, skills and wisdom has no limits, he said the state needs to make big investments in the children of Sarawak.
To date, a total of 4,694 students have received benefits under the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
“The number is expected to continue to increase to 10,000 students by the end of this year in line with the Sarawak government’s commitment to expand access to higher education for Sarawakians.”
At the highest level of talent development, Abang Johari said Yayasan Sarawak had introduced a four-year PhD sponsored programme in collaboration with the University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
He said one of the earliest participants was an engineer from SMD Semiconductor, providing a clear example of how Sarawak is producing local talent capable of contributing to technological advancement at the highest level.
In addition, he said Sarawak is developing Southeast Asia’s first semiconductor-grade polysilicon plant in Bintulu.
This strategic project has received support from the World Bank Group through the International Finance Corporation (IFC), reflecting international investors’ confidence in Sarawak’s potential as a future technology hub, he added.
“Sarawak’s technological ambitions are not confined to laboratories or industrial parks. They are being translated into tangible infrastructure that improves the lives of our people.”
On top of that, Abang Johari said the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.
Once operational, the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) will establish Kuching as a leading model for hydrogen-powered urban transportation in ASEAN, he said.
“It will also demonstrate Sarawak’s ability to integrate renewable energy, AI-enabled systems, and advanced mobility solutions into a unified urban ecosystem,” he added.
