Latest news with #MYSA
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
Light Pollution Guideline in the works
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) is developing a Light Pollution Guideline to preserve astronomical activities, including astrotourism. Its director-general, Datuk Azlikamil Napiah, said the guidelines would minimise the impact of artificial lighting at night, benefiting astronomy-related initiatives and supporting the conservation of the natural environment. He said the guidelines, expected by 2026, are being formulated with input from stakeholders, including local authorities, academics, industries and astronomy communities. "The first stakeholder engagement session under the Seminar Sains Angkasa 2025, hosted by MYSA recently, identified the urgent need for a framework to develop Malaysia's own Light Pollution Guideline that can be implemented across the country," he told the New Straits Times. Among the key proposals discussed was the creation of a sky brightness index for dark-sky areas, such as observatories, campsites, and ecotourism zones, to help preserve these sites and their potential for astronomical research and development. Besides the focus on the benefits for astronomical activities, the session also called for studying the effects of light pollution on human health, economic development, tourism, cultural heritage and wildlife habitats. Azlikamil said several stakeholder workshops are scheduled for the future, including engagement with PLANMalaysia, local councils, academic institutions and industries to develop the guidelines. "Once completed, the draft will be presented to the National Space Committee for consideration." He added that the guidelines are one of the initiatives under Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 (MSE2030) and align with the National Space Policy 2030 (DAN2030) objective to strengthen the national space ecosystem, promote sustainable development and encourage scientific innovation. LEADING THE FIGHT An expert lauded the guidelines and said they come at a crucial time. Citing international dark sky advocates, he noted that light pollution continues to increase globally by an estimated 10 per cent each year. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Muhamad Syazwan Faid, who specialises in light pollution research, said local authorities and municipal councils could play a pivotal role in mitigating the problem. He said this could be done by introducing lighting ordinances that required the use of full cut-off fixtures to direct light downward, reduce glare and prevent excessive skyglow. "The use of low-intensity, warm-coloured LEDs with lower correlated colour temperatures (CCTs) should be prioritised over blue-rich white lighting, which has greater potential to disrupt the night sky," he said. He also recommended equipping streetlights and outdoor advertisements with timers or motion sensors, alongside routine lighting audits to identify and retrofit over-lit or poorly aligned fixtures. Syazwan pointed to Chile as a strong example of a developing country with successful dark-sky policies. In cities like La Serena and Antofagasta, municipal authorities replaced traditional street lighting with certified DarkSky Approved luminaires, following the implementation of Supreme Decree No. 43. "Malaysia can look to this model, especially for protecting flora and fauna sites like Taman Negara, geoparks or proposed astrotourism zones," he said. IMPACT ON HUMANS Syazwan cited a 2024 cohort study from South Korea involving over 4.6 million people, which found a significant association between residential exposure to artificial light at night and increased risk of thyroid cancer, particularly among women. "The researchers suggest that light at night disrupts melatonin production and circadian rhythm, which are known to influence cancer risk and hormonal regulation," he said. This adds to growing global evidence linking night-time lighting to obesity, insomnia, depression and other endocrine disorders. Light pollution also has implications for Islamic astronomical practices, particularly the new moon sightings that mark the beginning of months such as Ramadan, Syawal and Zulhijjah. Syazwan said artificial skyglow near the horizon reduces the contrast between the thin crescent moon and the background sky, making it harder to observe with the naked eye or telescope. "These kinds of issues, both scientific and religious, must be included in targeted public awareness efforts. "Campaigns should not only highlight the ecological and astronomical significance of preserving dark skies, but also the human health risks and cultural-spiritual impacts of uncontrolled lighting." He added that only through informed communities and inclusive outreach could Malaysia strike a healthier balance between development and night preservation.
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Japan, Malaysia to co-develop sustainable space ecosystem
KUALA LUMPUR: Japan and Malaysia are poised to co-create a sustainable and commercially viable space ecosystem, aiming to address key societal challenges in both countries while jointly working toward a better future. Nakamura Takehiro, director of Bangkok office, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), said this shared ambition builds on decades of collaboration between JAXA and the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), most recently reinforced by a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) in 2023. "JAXA is proud to contribute to this shared vision by advancing research and applications of space-based data, supporting satellite development capabilities, and providing technical expertise and cooperation to bolster national space ecosystems. "This includes active support for long-term national strategies such as Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 (MSE2030). Under this policy, Malaysia aims to position its space sector as a key driver of competitiveness, sovereignty, and national well-being," he said in a statement. The MSE2030 policy is designed to reduce costs, improve service delivery, and drive innovation across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, environmental management, and mining, leveraging space technology to support national development. "The signing of the MoC between JAXA and MYSA marks a significant step forward in supporting implementation and affirms the deepening of bilateral cooperation between Japan and Malaysia through space activities," he said. Takehiro also highlighted the strong potential of the bilateral partnership, showcased during the Technomart Malaysia-Japan: Space Tech Collaboration event held at the Malaysia Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka on May 15, 2025. Technomart was more than just a showcase of capabilities—it was a strategic platform designed to promote tangible business outcomes across a broad range of sectors. These included technologies, products, services, and solutions in satellite-based Earth observation aimed at addressing social challenges; the development and manufacturing of small satellites; rocket launch services and launch site infrastructure for satellite deployment; and emerging ventures in lunar exploration. "As Malaysia continues to invest in its industrial base and develop future-ready talent, and as Japan ventures to pursue deeper international partnerships, both countries are well-positioned to lead the next wave of space innovation, by addressing regional social challenges based on cooperation, technology, and trust, working together toward a future of shared prosperity," added Takehiro.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Japan, Malaysia Partner to Boost Space Tech and Innovation
KUALA LUMPUR: Japan and Malaysia are poised to co-create a sustainable and commercially viable space ecosystem, aiming to address key societal challenges in both countries while jointly working toward a better future. Nakamura Takehiro, director of Bangkok office, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), said this shared ambition builds on decades of collaboration between JAXA and the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), most recently reinforced by a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) in 2023. 'JAXA is proud to contribute to this shared vision by advancing research and applications of space-based data, supporting satellite development capabilities, and providing technical expertise and cooperation to bolster national space ecosystems. 'This includes active support for long-term national strategies such as Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 (MSE2030). Under this policy, Malaysia aims to position its space sector as a key driver of competitiveness, sovereignty, and national well-being,' he said in a statement. The MSE2030 policy is designed to reduce costs, improve service delivery, and drive innovation across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, environmental management, and mining, leveraging space technology to support national development. 'The signing of the MoC between JAXA and MYSA marks a significant step forward in supporting implementation and affirms the deepening of bilateral cooperation between Japan and Malaysia through space activities,' he said. Takehiro also highlighted the strong potential of the bilateral partnership, showcased during the Technomart Malaysia-Japan: Space Tech Collaboration event held at the Malaysia Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka on May 15, 2025. Technomart was more than just a showcase of capabilities—it was a strategic platform designed to promote tangible business outcomes across a broad range of sectors. These included technologies, products, services, and solutions in satellite-based Earth observation aimed at addressing social challenges; the development and manufacturing of small satellites; rocket launch services and launch site infrastructure for satellite deployment; and emerging ventures in lunar exploration. 'As Malaysia continues to invest in its industrial base and develop future-ready talent, and as Japan ventures to pursue deeper international partnerships, both countries are well-positioned to lead the next wave of space innovation, by addressing regional social challenges based on cooperation, technology, and trust, working together toward a future of shared prosperity,' added Takehiro.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Japan, Malaysia poised to co-create sustainable space ecosystem for a better future
KUALA LUMPUR: Japan and Malaysia are poised to co-create a sustainable and commercially viable space ecosystem, aiming to address key societal challenges in both countries while jointly working toward a better future. Nakamura Takehiro, director of Bangkok office, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), said this shared ambition builds on decades of collaboration between JAXA and the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), most recently reinforced by a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) in 2023. 'JAXA is proud to contribute to this shared vision by advancing research and applications of space-based data, supporting satellite development capabilities, and providing technical expertise and cooperation to bolster national space ecosystems. 'This includes active support for long-term national strategies such as Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 (MSE2030). Under this policy, Malaysia aims to position its space sector as a key driver of competitiveness, sovereignty, and national well-being,' he said in a statement. The MSE2030 policy is designed to reduce costs, improve service delivery, and drive innovation across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, environmental management, and mining, leveraging space technology to support national development. 'The signing of the MoC between JAXA and MYSA marks a significant step forward in supporting implementation and affirms the deepening of bilateral cooperation between Japan and Malaysia through space activities,' he said. Takehiro also highlighted the strong potential of the bilateral partnership, showcased during the Technomart Malaysia-Japan: Space Tech Collaboration event held at the Malaysia Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka on May 15, 2025. Technomart was more than just a showcase of capabilities—it was a strategic platform designed to promote tangible business outcomes across a broad range of sectors. These included technologies, products, services, and solutions in satellite-based Earth observation aimed at addressing social challenges; the development and manufacturing of small satellites; rocket launch services and launch site infrastructure for satellite deployment; and emerging ventures in lunar exploration. 'As Malaysia continues to invest in its industrial base and develop future-ready talent, and as Japan ventures to pursue deeper international partnerships, both countries are well-positioned to lead the next wave of space innovation, by addressing regional social challenges based on cooperation, technology, and trust, working together toward a future of shared prosperity,' added Takehiro.
Barnama
05-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Japan, Malaysia Poised To Co-Create Sustainable Space Ecosystem For A Better Future
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- Japan and Malaysia are poised to co-create a sustainable and commercially viable space ecosystem, aiming to address key societal challenges in both countries while jointly working toward a better future. Nakamura Takehiro, director of Bangkok office, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), said this shared ambition builds on decades of collaboration between JAXA and the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), most recently reinforced by a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) in 2023. 'JAXA is proud to contribute to this shared vision by advancing research and applications of space-based data, supporting satellite development capabilities, and providing technical expertise and cooperation to bolster national space ecosystems. 'This includes active support for long-term national strategies such as Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 (MSE2030). Under this policy, Malaysia aims to position its space sector as a key driver of competitiveness, sovereignty, and national well-being," he said in a statement. The MSE2030 policy is designed to reduce costs, improve service delivery, and drive innovation across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, environmental management, and mining, leveraging space technology to support national development. 'The signing of the MoC between JAXA and MYSA marks a significant step forward in supporting implementation and affirms the deepening of bilateral cooperation between Japan and Malaysia through space activities,' he said. Takehiro also highlighted the strong potential of the bilateral partnership, showcased during the Technomart Malaysia-Japan: Space Tech Collaboration event held at the Malaysia Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka on May 15, 2025. Technomart was more than just a showcase of capabilities—it was a strategic platform designed to promote tangible business outcomes across a broad range of sectors. These included technologies, products, services, and solutions in satellite-based Earth observation aimed at addressing social challenges; the development and manufacturing of small satellites; rocket launch services and launch site infrastructure for satellite deployment; and emerging ventures in lunar exploration.
