Latest news with #MOSTITechTalks
The Sun
3 days ago
- Science
- The Sun
Malaysia considers Sabah, Pahang for first rocket launch site
SERI ISKANDAR: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) is assessing proposals from Sabah and Pahang to determine the best location for Malaysia's first rocket launch site. Minister Chang Lih Kang confirmed the preliminary feasibility study is underway but cautioned that the process requires thorough evaluation. Chang stated, 'So far, two states have expressed interest and submitted their applications — Sabah and Pahang. We are currently conducting a feasibility study on their proposals. There are many aspects that we need to examine in this feasibility study. So, it will take time.' He made these remarks after the MOSTI Tech Talks event at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP). The minister highlighted the growing global demand for satellite launches, driven by industries such as automotive, smart devices, and telecommunications. He projected that construction could begin by 2026 if the study yields positive results. Malaysia's strategic advantages, including its location outside earthquake zones and absence of active volcanoes, make it a viable candidate for a regional launch facility. The country also boasts strong technological capabilities and a thriving electronics sector. The MOSTI Tech Talks initiative aims to engage university students, fostering awareness of scientific advancements and encouraging careers in STEM fields. The programme has already reached institutions like Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
The Star
3 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Rocket launch site: Ministry conducting preliminary study on Sabah, Pahang proposals
SERI ISKANDAR: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry is conducting a preliminary feasibility study on proposals from Sabah and Pahang to identify suitable locations in the two states for the development of a rocket launch site. Its minister Chang Lih Kang said the study would take some time as it requires evaluation from multiple angles. "So far, two states have expressed interest and submitted their applications - Sabah and Pahang. We are currently conducting a feasibility study on their proposals. "There are many aspects that we need to examine in this feasibility study. So, it will take time," he said when met after the fifth edition of the MOSTI Tech Talks programme at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) here Monday (June 30) night. Also present were the ministry's deputy secretary-general (science planning and culture) Ruziah Shafei, deputy secretary-general (technology development) Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, UTP president and chief executive officer Mohamed Firouz Asnan, and UTP provost Datuk Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib. Chang said he hoped that construction work for the rocket launch site could begin as early as 2026. "... In fact, demand for satellite launches is increasing, and the number of existing launch sites worldwide is no longer sufficient. "In the past, satellites were mainly needed for communication and television, but now many sectors including automotive, smartwatches and smartphones rely on satellite technology for GPS, communications and more," he said. On Feb 15 last year, the media reported that Malaysia was racing against time in its bid to establish the first rocket launch site in Southeast Asia. Chang was quoted as saying that Malaysia has several advantages in building such a facility, including being located outside earthquake zones, having no active volcanoes, possessing advanced technological capabilities and hosting a well-developed electronics and electrical industry. Meanwhile, on the MOSTI Tech Talks programme, Chang said it is part of the ministry's efforts to engage university students so that they better understand the ministry's roles and functions. "At the same time, we want them (university students) to be more aware of current developments in the science community, and hopefully be inspired to pursue careers in science and technology," he said. Chang added that the programme began in April and has so far involved Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). - Bernama
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia must produce more scientists, innovators to unlock space economy potential
Chang speaking to the audience at the MOSTI Tech Talks at UMS. KOTA KINABALU (May 10): Malaysia must inspire and produce more scientists, engineers and innovators to fully realise its potential in the booming global space economy, said Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Chang Lih Kang. Speaking at the third series of MOSTI Tech Talks at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on Friday, themed 'Malaysia's Journey to Space: Inspiring the Next Generation of Pioneers,' Chang emphasized that the space sector is not only a technological milestone but also a key driver of economic competitiveness, national sovereignty and sustainable growth. He highlighted that Malaysia's space economy recorded RM1.05 billion in revenue in 2023, but noted that the real potential is far greater, with the global market projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2040. 'To reach this goal, we need to cultivate more local scientists, engineers, and innovators. I urge students to seize this opportunity by deepening their engagement in STEM fields,' he said. Chang added that MOSTI will continue supporting this aspiration through policies, funding and cross-sector collaboration. 'Together, we will position Malaysia as a regional high-tech leader in line with the Madani values and our aim of becoming a high-income nation by 2030,' he added. The programme also featured a presentation by Dato' Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed, CEO of Uzma Berhad Group, titled 'From Oilfields to Orbit: Why Space is Malaysia's Next Great Frontier.' He stressed that the space sector offers not only technological and scientific opportunities but also significant prospects in entrepreneurship and innovation. Kamarul said the rapid expansion of the global space economy — fueled by demand for communication, navigation, and earth observation technologies — means satellite data will soon become indispensable across industries from agriculture and disaster management to logistics and urban planning. 'As an entrepreneur, I see this as a golden opportunity for Malaysia's younger generation to innovate and create value in the space ecosystem. It starts by instilling curiosity and showing students that the space sector goes beyond satellites and astronauts — it includes roles for engineers, data analysts, scientists, policymakers, and tech entrepreneurs,' he said. The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session moderated by Dr Elena Woo Lai Leng, research officer at the Malaysian Space Agency's (MYSA) Space Engineering and Technology Division. The third edition of the Tech Talks programme drew an overwhelming response with over 250 participants, including UMS staff and students. MOSTI's Tech Talks series has become an important platform for spreading science, technology, and innovation (STI) knowledge while encouraging direct interaction between ministry leadership and the academic community.
