SWITZERLAND: The Sarawak Government and the European Space Agency (ESA) explored the potential for collaboration and strategic partnerships in the space sector during a high-level side meeting held in conjunction with the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 on Wednesday.

The meeting was led by Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Sarawak, Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, together with the Head of the Swiss Space Office and Chair of ESA, Dr Renato Krpoun.

Discussions focused on efforts to strengthen cooperation in space-related capacity building, education, and long-term economic development.

The meeting also underscored the need to systematically build capabilities through structured university programmes and vocational training, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields related to space technologies, to produce a skilled workforce that is ready to meet industry needs.

Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah emphasised the importance of education and human capital development as a foundation for ensuring Sarawak’s preparedness for future industries, including the space sector, which is increasingly becoming a key component of the global knowledge-based economy.

He noted that early investment in human capital development must be prioritised to ensure Sarawak remains competitive and adaptable to future economic changes.

Meanwhile, Dr Renato shared ESA’s experience in establishing international collaborations with several countries in space development initiatives.

He cited ESA’s ongoing cooperation with Brazil as an example, where capability and competency development began through collaboration on biomass satellite data.

The meeting also reached a shared understanding that starting on a smaller scale, such as through small satellite projects, academic collaboration and targeted training programmes, could provide an effective foundation for the long-term development of the space industry in Sarawak.

Both parties expressed readiness to continue further discussions to identify collaboration opportunities aligned with Sarawak’s development priorities and ESA’s international cooperation framework.

The engagement reflects Sarawak’s commitment to expanding its participation in the global space ecosystem through education, skills development and strategic international partnerships.

Also accompanying the delegation were Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty) Datu Abang Ahmad Abang Morni and Head of Corporate and Economic Development Division of MEESty Dr Kho Lip Khoon. – UKASnews