KUCHING, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s premier satellite solutions provider, MEASAT Global Bhd (MEASAT), to enhance Sarawak’s space industry development.
The signing was witnessed by Sarawak’s Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi today.
Under the MoU, MEASAT will serve as a consultant to the Sarawak Space Industry and Satellite Committee (SISCOM) and offer industry expertise to shape policies, guidelines and the future of space and satellite industries in Sarawak.
This will also include training and talent development, leveraging MEASAT’s more than 30 years of experience in satellite management and service commercialisation.
As part of the collaboration, SMA and MEASAT will explore joint projects, including satellite operations and management, the development of space, satellite, and launching policies, guidelines, training, and industry development.
According to Julaihi, the collaboration between SMA and MEASAT marks a pivotal moment for Sarawak’s ambitions in the space industry.
“By harnessing MEASAT’s satellite expertise, we are paving the way for greater connectivity, particularly in rural areas, while laying the foundation for Sarawak to manage its satellite systems.
“This partnership is key to achieving our 2030 goal of satellite self-sufficiency, which will also contribute towards elevating our policymaking capabilities with advanced data collection and analysis,” he said in a statement today.
SMA general manager Datuk Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng said SMA is committed to fostering open collaboration to explore innovative strategies for enhancing Sarawak’s connectivity and strengthening its digital infrastructure.
“With MEASAT’s vast experience, this collaboration will allow us to undertake joint projects, nurture local talent and expertise in Sarawak’s nascent aerospace sector, and position the state as a leader in satellite technology, besides driving overall economic growth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Julaihi also witnessed an MoU signing event between SMA and Plum Consulting London LLP today.
The partnership focuses on collaboration in key areas such as airspace spectrum management, policy formulation, and industry standards.
The MoU is also aimed at exploring frameworks for efficient spectrum management, in line with federal laws while ensuring Sarawak’s sovereignty in telecommunication advancements.
Julaihi highlighted that the MoU marks an important step toward addressing spectrum management in Sarawak.
“With the legal foundation provided by the amended Sarawak Land Code and the support of the Sarawak Spectrum Committee (SSC), this partnership will enable Sarawak to explore solutions for effective spectrum management, in alignment with both state interests and federal regulations,” he said.
Both MoU exchange ceremony is expected to be officiated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024 tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
