KUCHING: The Sarawak Government remains committed to strengthening the development of astronomy and aerospace as a strategic approach towards producing a generation that is highly knowledgeable, scientifically minded and capable of facing future challenges.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that astronomy is not just a scientific discipline, but also has a significant relationship with understanding the great events of Isra’ and Mikraj, thus becoming a medium for Muslims to delve into the greatness of Allah SWT’s creation through the approach of modern science and technology.

“This (Friday) morning, the Sarawak Cabinet has agreed to allocate RM150 million for the establishment of an astronomy centre in Sarawak.

"This centre is not only intended to foster interest in astronomy, but also to be the basis for the development of expertise in the field of aerospace," he said.

He said this during the Islamic Agency's Thanksgiving and Prayer of Wishes Ceremony at the Sarawak Islamic Complex on Friday.

The Sarawak Premier added that the initiative will be implemented through strategic collaboration between the Sarawak Mufti Department and Sarawak's higher education institution, namely i-CATS University College, which currently offers studies in the field to produce experts in space science, satellite technology and communication systems.

He explained that mastery of space technology is now one of the main determinants of the strength of developed countries, especially in terms of security, global communication systems, data management and storage, as well as earth observation capabilities through the use of satellite technology.

"Whoever masters space, masters the future.

"Therefore, Sarawak must be prepared to produce local children, especially Muslims, who are skilled in the fields of science, additional mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering," he said.

At the same time, the Sarawak Premier stressed the importance of mastering technical English to enable the younger generation to understand, master and translate modern scientific knowledge into practical applications in the real world.

In this regard, he announced that the Sarawak government would continue to strengthen the development of international schools under Yayasan Sarawak that integrate the Cambridge Syllabus with Islamic studies, including memorising the Quran and understanding of human civilisation, to produce students who are balanced in terms of worldly and afterlife development.

He also touched on the development of high-tech research in Sarawak, including efforts to design artificial intelligence (AI) chips through collaboration between local scientists and international experts, as an initial step towards mastering strategic technology.

Also present were the Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for the Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Ministers, President of the Sarawak Islamic Council, Datuk Misnu Taha and Heads of Departments. - UKASnews

Reporter: Firdaus Materang
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Jaed Tepus