Latest news with #SERIISKANDAR
The Sun
01-07-2025
- 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
01-07-2025
- 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
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
UTP names Mohamed Firouz Asnan as inaugural president
SERI ISKANDAR: Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) has appointed Mohamed Firouz Asnan, Fellow of Academy of Sciences (FASc) as its inaugural president, effective today. UTP said the appointment, marking a strategic milestone in the university's realignment, is an initiative to become a truly world-class institution. UTP stated Mohamed Firouz has been serving as UTP's Director of Transformation since July last year where he led the development of a comprehensive programme to reposition the university in line with evolving stakeholder expectations. "With over 35 years of experience in the energy sector and six years on the UTP Board, he brings critical combination of strategic management and hands-on execution. "As senior vice-president of Malaysia Petroleum Management Petronas, Firouz played a key role in revitalising Malaysia's upstream sector, collaborating not only with petroleum arrangement contractors but also with the academia to unlock the full potential of the industry amidst the Energy Transition. "He also led the creation of Petronas New Energy Business as the senior vice-president of Corporate Strategy, as part of efforts to future-proof the organisation," it said in a statement today. Meanwhile, chairman of the UTP Board Farehana Hanapiah said Firouz will focus on driving strategies to achieve UTP's vision, mission, and long-term goals. She said UTP has made significant strides in research and gained recognition, Mohamed Firouz is expected to realign the research focus on addressing key global challenges that create a better future. "This includes deepening collaborations with partner institutions and industry players to transform the industries and societies. He will also lead initiatives to diversify the university's funding sources, ensuring greater financial sustainability to support our mission," she said. Farehana said Mohamed Firouz will also work with a newly appointed Provost, selected through a comprehensive search, to enhance teaching and learning until the appointment is finalised, Vice Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib will serve as the Interim Provost. Mohamed Firouz is a registered professional engineer, a member of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia and holds a Bachelor of in Civil Engineering from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now known as University of Louisiana at Lafayette), as well as an MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a Sloan Fellow. He is also the immediate past president of the MIT Club of Malaysia, recently been elected as a Fellow of Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
