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Daily Express
16-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Express
Sabah's space project feasibility study to be finalised in July
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Hanafiah and Ariffin with recipients of the excellence awards at the ceremony. Kota Kinabalu: A feasibility study for a satellite launch site in Sabah is expected to be finalised this coming July. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI), Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim, said several subsequent implementation phases will be drafted by the ministry once the study report is completed. According to him, among the initiatives to be planned include expenditure aspects, as the space industry is a major global sector. Advertisement 'After the study, we can outline the next phases. First, we will identify the required expenditure because this is an international-level industry that demands significant funding. 'Therefore, foreign investments are anticipated, including from the United States, Europe, and China. All of this will be finalised at the Federal level (Mosti),' he said. He said this when met at the KSTI Excellence Awards Ceremony, officiated by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif, here. Hanafiah said Sabah stands to benefit from the industry, as the space sector is larger than the oil and gas industry. He explained that this follows the current congestion of satellites due to the lack of facilities worldwide, particularly those in suitable locations for satellite launches. 'The location factor is extremely important in this industry as it affects costs, and according to experts, Sabah has a geographically ideal location for a launch site. 'The market already exists, so we are targeting the construction operations which involve various needs – and these are opportunities our young people should seize,' he said. When asked about Pahang also being shortlisted as a potential launch site alongside Sabah, Hanafiah said Sabah currently has a geographical advantage. However, he said the results of the feasibility study will determine whether the launch site will ultimately be built in Pahang or Sabah. 'Whatever it is, we await the study report (in July), which will be presented to the state government before being brought to the federal level – and only then will a final decision be made. 'But geographically, Sabah clearly has the advantage,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
14-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Musk–Trump tension hits Sabah's space dream, official says as state eyes foreign investment for launch site
KOTA KINABALU, June 14 — The recent tensions between American billionaire Elon Musk and United States President Donald Trump have posed a setback to Sabah's space ambitions. 'This is relevant because we are targeting investment from Elon Musk's side. Most of the world's major commercial space programmes are based in the United States, followed by Europe. We are also considering China. All this requires firm decisions at the federal level,' explained Science, Technology and Innovation Sabah Ministry (KSTI) Permanent Secretary, Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim. From a global perspective, he said there is currently congestion in satellite launches due to a shortage of launch platforms. 'There is a bottleneck. Rocket operations are also very costly. That's why we're focusing on developing the ground-based operation site. In the future, God willing, with proper training, Malaysians – particularly Sabahan talents – can move further into the space sector,' he told reporters during KSTI's Sabah Excellent Service Awards ceremony at the Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort yesterday, which was graced by KSTI Minister Datuk Ariffin Mohd Arif. Hanafiah said the study on the proposed Sabah Space Centre is nearing completion, with the final report expected by the end of July. 'It was supposed to be completed earlier, but delays occurred due to pending information from several government offices. The new target for completion is by the end of July. It's nearly done,' he said. Once the study is finalised, planning for the project's implementation phases can begin, including identifying the budget requirements. 'Before we can proceed, the first step would be budgeting. The space industry is highly advanced and demands substantial funding, so foreign investment will be essential. Essentially, they will be the ones carrying out the implementation,' he said. He also emphasised that the project has the potential to create job opportunities for the people of Sabah. In addition to Sabah, the states of Pahang and Sarawak are also vying to become Malaysia's launch site. 'There are three states involved, if I'm not mistaken. But everything is still undecided. Each state is likely conducting its own study. Once completed, the findings will be presented to the state governments and subsequently brought to the federal level. Only then will a final site be selected,' he said. Nevertheless, Hanafiah expressed optimism that Sabah has the capability to be chosen as the launch site. Touching on the awards ceremony, he said it is part of the Sabah Government's policy to recognise the contributions of public servants. Three categories were presented: Special Awards under the Permanent Secretary, Special Awards under the Minister, and the Excellence Service Awards. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah Space Centre study nears completion, site decision expected by July
Hanafiah (back row, second from left) and Ariffin (back row, middle) with the award recipients. KOTA KINABALU (June 13): The study on the proposed Sabah Space Centre is nearing completion, with the final report expected by the end of July, said Science, Technology and Innovation Sabah Ministry (KSTI) Permanent Secretary, Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim. 'It was supposed to be completed earlier, but delays occurred due to pending information from several government offices. The new target for completion is by the end of July. It's nearly done,' he told reporters during KSTI's Sabah Excellent Service Awards ceremony at the Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort today, which was graced by KSTI Minister Datuk Ariffin Mohd Arif. Once the study is finalised, planning for the project's implementation phases can begin, including identifying the budget requirements. 'Before we can proceed, the first step would be budgeting. The space industry is highly advanced and demands substantial funding, so foreign investment will be essential. Essentially, they will be the ones carrying out the implementation,' he said. Hanafiah noted, however, that recent tensions between Elon Musk and the President of the United States have posed a setback to Sabah's space ambitions. 'This is relevant because we are targeting investment from Elon Musk's side. Most of the world's major commercial space programmes are based in the United States, followed by Europe. We are also considering China. All this requires firm decisions at the federal level,' he explained. From a global perspective, he added, there is currently congestion in satellite launches due to a shortage of launch platforms. 'There is a bottleneck. Rocket operations are also very costly. That's why we're focusing on developing the ground-based operation site. In the future, God willing, with proper training, Malaysians — particularly Sabahan talents — can move further into the space sector,' he said. He also emphasised that the project has the potential to create job opportunities for the people of Sabah. In addition to Sabah, the states of Pahang and Sarawak are also vying to become Malaysia's launch site. 'There are three states involved, if I'm not mistaken. But everything is still undecided. Each state is likely conducting its own study. Once completed, the findings will be presented to the state governments and subsequently brought to the federal level. Only then will a final site be selected,' he said. Nevertheless, Hanafiah expressed optimism that Sabah has the capability to be chosen as the launch site. Touching on the awards ceremony, he said it is part of the Sabah Government's policy to recognise the contributions of public servants. Three categories were presented: Special Awards under the Permanent Secretary, Special Awards under the Minister, and the Excellence Service Awards.
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Education reform urgent for Sabah's future - Hajiji
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and guests pose for a group photo with participants of the Astounding Research Innovation STEM Exploration (ARISE) 2025 International Education Research Conference after the officiation ceremony at SICC, Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday. KOTA KINABALU (May 28): The transformation of the state's education system is an urgent necessity, not a choice, to ensure Sabah's students are equipped to face future challenges, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. He said recent research data from 2024 revealed that only 65 per cent of students demonstrated good or excellent problem-solving skills, while just 72 per cent felt confident applying scientific knowledge in daily life. 'This clearly shows that we cannot be complacent. Many students still struggle to grasp fundamental STEM concepts. Therefore, education reform must be a top priority for all stakeholders,' he said when officiating the Astounding Research Innovation STEM Exploration (ARISE) 2025 International Education Research Conference at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Wednesday. He emphasized that research- and innovation-based teaching approaches must be strengthened and mainstreamed to ensure Sabah's education system remains relevant, inclusive and competitive. He also urged educators, educational institutions, researchers and policymakers to continue exploring and enhancing educational strategies that align with the digital era and current industry needs. Hajiji said ARISE 2025, which gathered over 600 participants from both local and international institutions, including from the United Kingdom, Spain, the Philippines, China and Ireland, serves as a vital platform to pioneer global education collaboration. 'This conference not only brings together educators, researchers and policymakers from around the world, but also promotes the empowerment of education rooted in science, technology, and culture,' he said. He also underlined the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education as key drivers in developing high-quality, competitive and innovative human capital in Sabah. In that regard, he noted that the state government has allocated RM41.75 million this year to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Sabah (KSTI), the Sabah Skills and Training Centre (SSTC), and the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre for the implementation of various training and skills empowerment programmes. Among the key initiatives, he said, are Kembara Sains Borneo, Sabah Science Carnival, Technology and Innovation Competitions, STEM Education Festival, Roboneo Programme, and Sabah Screen Fest – all of which serve as vital platforms to spark student interest in technology and engineering. Hajiji also welcomed the presentation of 13 sub-themes at the conference, covering areas such as digital education, Malay studies, Islamic education, guidance and counselling, sports science, visual arts, and early childhood education. He expressed confidence that this exchange of knowledge would foster international collaboration and elevate the global profile of researchers and educational institutions in Sabah. 'Educators are the heart and backbone of successful education transformation. I call on them to boldly explore research and innovation in education,' he said. According to him, the conference also reflects the state government's commitment under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 2021–2025, which prioritizes education as a catalyst for sustainable state development.
Daily Express
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
‘Libraries still popular choice for students'
Published on: Friday, April 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Apr 25, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Harun, Dalmansa, George and the attendees reading books for 10 minutes during the event which was held simultaneously nationwide. KINABATANGAN: Libraries continue to be a popular choice for obtaining information, particularly for students seeking educational resources. Assistant Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI), Datuk Harun Durabi, said this is evident from the steady number of visitors to libraries across the State. 'Despite the world moving rapidly towards new technologies, libraries remain relevant,' he said. Harun made the statement when speaking to the media after officiating the 'Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes' programme and the closing ceremony of the 2025 Sabah State-Level Gempak Literacy Carnival, held at the Kinabatangan Branch of the State Library on Wednesday. He was representing his Minister, Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif. Also present were the Director of Sabah State Library, George Yih Ching Yaw, Kinabatangan District Education Officer Dr. Dalmansa Tahil, Lamag Community Development Leader Johainizamshah Johari, school students and representatives from various departments and agencies. Harun encouraged libraries across the State to maintain productivity and creativity in line with current technological advancements. He added that KSTI remains committed to ensuring students have continued access to relevant technologies. Commenting on the 10-minute reading initiative, Harun said the programme is an effective way to spark students' and the public's interest in reading, while enriching their knowledge. Earlier, when delivering the speech on behalf of Minister Arifin, He congratulated the Sabah State Library (PNS) for its dedicated efforts in organising the 'Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes' programme, held simultaneously across Malaysia today under the theme 'Enjoy the Moment', and the first-ever Sabah State-Level Gempak Literacy Carnival 2025. Among the key collaborators were the Sabah State Education Department, Petrosains Playsmart, and various other departments and agencies. 'This initiative is crucial in strengthening the reading culture among Malaysians, especially in Sabah,' he said. 'The 'Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes' programme not only aims to cultivate a reading habit, but also promotes a culture of knowledge that has a positive impact on our lives – aligning with the nation's goal to build an informed and educated society.' The Gempak Literacy Carnival 2025, which ran from April 19 to 21, carried the theme 'One Carnival, One Inspiration'. More than just a slogan, it brought together various communities, cultures, knowledge and talents on a single platform. Harun described the carnival as a progressive initiative by the Sabah State Library to make literacy a key agenda in community development. 'The concept of this carnival is not limited to reading activities alone. It includes a range of events that promote unity, culture, morals, and recreation – offering the community opportunities to explore and develop their potential,' he said. 'This is a great example of how literacy extends beyond just reading – it also involves practical skills with economic potential, such as handicraft making,' he added. The carnival involved five key districts in Sabah: Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Telupid, Beluran and Lahad Datu. This collaboration symbolises strong unity and cooperation among local communities. Harun expressed confidence that the carnival would significantly contribute to fostering a reading culture across Sabah. 'By involving multiple districts, this event offers more people the chance to participate in various activities, enrich their experiences, and strengthen the overall reading culture in Sabah,' he said. Earlier, George noted that literacy is not just about interest in reading materials, but is a core element in developing a knowledgeable, critically thinking, and future-ready society. 'Literacy also plays a vital role in shaping character, decision-making skills, and the ability to recognise and make the most of opportunities around us,' he said. This year, the Kinabatangan Branch of the Sabah State Library was selected as the venue for the 'Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes' programme and the closing ceremony of the State-Level Gempak Literacy Carnival. George said the selection was significant, as the branch is newly established and holds great potential for expanding access to knowledge, particularly for rural communities. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
