Space Conference Boosts MOSTI's ASEAN Space Economy Initiative

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- The Space Conference, themed “Space Economy Revolution: Trends, Technologies and Strategies”, marks a significant milestone in advancing the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (MOSTI) ASEAN Space Economy initiative.

This “moonshot” programme aims to position space as a strategic new driver of the national economy.

MOSTI deputy secretary-general (Technology Development) Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan said the initiative is expected to spur growth across various sectors, including education, agriculture, communications, transportation, and related services.

“These efforts are vital in enabling Malaysia’s transition from being a user of space technology to becoming a developer and provider of such technologies,” he said in a statement yesterday, adding that regional and global collaboration will also be crucial to its success.

The Space Conference brought together 150 participants, including senior officials from Southeast Asian space agencies, industry leaders, academics, government ministries and agencies, as well as international organisations. The event was officiated by Mohd Nor Azman.

Held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA’25), the conference featured five key themes: Emerging Global Space Economy; Strategic Policies and Global Cooperation; Talent, Education and Workforce for the Space Economy; Emerging Trends in the Space Economy; and Game-Changing Space Technologies.

Mohd Nor Azman also witnessed the exchange of Letters of Intent (LoIs) between UZMA Berhad  and Global Systemes Asia Sdn Bhd; SpaceIn Sdn Bhd and Global Systemes Asia Sdn Bhd; International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Ocullospace Sdn Bhd; Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) and Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA); and MYSA and Ocullospace Sdn Bhd.

In the same statement, MYSA said the conference served as a strategic platform for space sector experts to address challenges at national, regional and international levels, while also facilitating the exchange of insights on key priorities.

The conference also focused on streamlining actionable strategies, strengthening the capability and sustainability of space technologies, drafting key performance indicators (KPIs) for short-, medium-, and long-term goals, and expanding collaborative networks within the space science and technology ecosystem.

MOSTI through MYSA is currently leading the implementation of the National Space Policy 2030 (DAN2030).

MYSA's participation in the conference reflects the government’s commitment to building the capacity and resilience of stakeholders within the national space sector.

-- BERNAMA