Sarawak to deploy cost-effective CubeSats to drive space economy

KUCHING, Jan 27: Sarawak is set to venture into the space economy through the deployment of CubeSat technology, a new generation of nano-satellites, to bolster the state’s environmental monitoring and land management capabilities.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasized CubeSats offer a more practical and cost-effective alternative to conventional satellites, allowing the state to gather precise data for high-impact sectors.

“The CubeSat technology Sarawak intends to use is relatively new. In aerospace, these platforms are much smaller than conventional satellites, and as I mentioned in my speech, they are far cheaper,” he said.

He was met by reporters after officiating the opening of the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.

According to Abang Johari, these satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and function as a ‘constellation’, moving in groups to communicate and transmit real-time data back to Earth.

He noted that the data collected would be pivotal for environmental protection, particularly in monitoring mangrove areas and water flow patterns to improve flood mitigation efforts.

“I have discussed this with the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, as CubeSat technology can capture specific land characteristics. This allows us to identify retention points during the rainy season to manage water effectively,” he shared.

The Premier revealed that while a conventional satellite can cost between 100 million euros (approx. RM469.9 million) and 300 million euros (approx. RM1.41 billion), a CubeSat unit is priced below 500,000 euros (approx. RM2.35 million).

He observed that while these satellites have a limited operational lifespan of four to five years, their lower cost allows for a continuous cycle of launching and upgrading to maintain the constellation.

On the economic impact, Abang Johari highlighted the high-value job opportunities within the sector, noting that the state would require a talent pool of approximately 30,000 satellite technicians to support the industry’s growth.

“Where there is employability, there is expertise. This is why i-CATS University College is collaborating with institutions in Singapore and Istanbul Technical University to train our local talent,” he said.

Earlier in his keynote speech, Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak’s move into space technology is a strategic shift to secure future competitiveness under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“Aerospace cannot be developed in isolation. We are building aerospace as a system,” he reiterated, adding that the Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council has been established to ensure total coordination across state and federal agencies.

He pointed out that human capital remains the core pillar of this ambition, supported by the Faculty of Aerospace Technology at i-CATS and the state’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme.

During the event, the Premier also witnessed the exchange of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at accelerating the development of Sarawak’s aerospace industry, including new Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) programmes. – TVS