KUCHING: Sarawak is now set to play a larger role in technology on both national and global levels, having been officially chosen as Malaysia’s satellite launch site.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, stated that the selection was based on the decision from the 45th National Physical Planning Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, recently in Putrajaya.
He noted that the Federal Government has confirmed this decision, and he is confident it will be officially gazetted soon.
"This is the first time I am announcing this good news to the public after attending the meeting last week.
"It was agreed in the meeting that Sarawak’s location is advantageous due to its strategic position at the equator.
"This means Sarawak will be launching satellites, which is a crucial step for the progress and development of the country's technology," he said during a speech at the Gala Dinner marking Sarawak Skills’ 30th Anniversary at the Riverside Hotel on Friday.
Additionally, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari revealed that, as a preparatory measure, he has instructed the Chairman of the Sarawak Skills Management Council, Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Abdul Aziz Husain, to establish Sarawak's first Aerospace Faculty at iCATS College, focusing on key subjects related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
He emphasised that this step is to ensure that the younger generation in Sarawak acquires the necessary skills and knowledge in increasingly critical fields.
"Understanding aerospace fundamentals is very important for satellite launches. That’s why we need to prepare Sarawak’s youth to appreciate STEM subjects.
"An essential component in aerospace communication is chips, which require innovative design. Therefore, we have established a Semiconductor Academy to train Sarawakians in chip design," he elaborated.
During the same event, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari symbolically launched a 'coffee table book' published by Sarawak Skills, as part of the institution's 30th anniversary celebration.
He also presented the Excellent Service Award and Long Service Awards to Sarawak Skills staff who have served for 20, 15, and 10 years.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of Sarawak Skills.
Present at the event were Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Chairman of the Sarawak Skills Management Council, Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Abdul Aziz, Vice Chairpersons of the Sarawak Skills Management Council I, II, and III, Norazibah M. Rabu, Lee Kim Kong, and Wan Mohamad Ali Wan Abdullah, Secretary of the Sarawak Skills Management Council, Dato Maznah Dasmi, Executive Director of Sarawak Skills, Hallman Sabri, strategic partners from Peninsular Malaysia, China, and Australia and Sarawak Skills industry members. -UKASnews
