KUALA LUMPUR (ANN/THE STAR) – Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup announced that Malaysia is currently engaged in discussions with Turkiye regarding a potential bilateral accord focused on advancing space technology.
The science, technology and innovation deputy minister said the cross-governmental discussions were being spearheaded by the Malaysian Space Agency (Mysa), together with Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).
“This collaboration will focus on the possible sharing of expertise and development of talent to help produce local experts in satellite manufacturing technology,” he said.
On Monday, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup provided this statement in response to a query from Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) regarding the status of Malaysia’s endeavours to launch a new satellite.
In addition, the minister also revealed that a minimum of 10 homegrown space technology enterprises have agreed to establish the Malaysian Space Industry Corporation (Masic).
He added that Masic aims to unite local space industry players under a single platform and work collaboratively to develop Malaysia’s space programme.
“The goal will be to create a dynamic space industry ecosystem that promotes the capabilities of Malaysia’s space industry to attract investment and talent from around the world,” said Kurup.
Puah also asked about the progress of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and letters of intent (LOI) that had been signed by Mysa for the purpose of boosting space technology, back in May during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (Lima ’23).
To this, Joseph said the projects were already underway and was being supervised by a task force under Mysa.
“Once all four of the MOU and three LOI are fully realised, we can expect them to contribute at least MYR44 million to the local economy,” he said.
He added that his ministry, together with the investment, trade and industry ministry were now conducting a study on the capacity and potential of local space industry.
“Due to the high cost of space technology development, our goal will be to help the local industry become a key supplier of satellite components and grow from there,” said Kurup.
