Sarawak Accelerates Talent Development To Realise First Satellite Aspiration By 2030
KUCHING: Sarawak is accelerating talent development in the fields of aerospace and satellite technology in preparation to realize the state government's aspiration to launch its first satellite by 2030.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said this effort requires the development of a local skilled workforce from various disciplines because the satellite industry does not rely solely on aerospace expertise, but also involves engineering, information technology, software development, electronics, robotics, and data analysis.
According to him, the involvement of Sarawakian youths in nano-satellite projects at the international level proves that local talent is capable of competing in high-tech fields, serving as an inspiration for more students to explore the aerospace industry.
“Satellites are not an individual project. It requires multidisciplinary collaboration, including electronics engineering, computer science, information technology, software development, cameras, and data analysis,” he said.
He said this when met by the media after a live interview regarding the involvement of a Sarawakian, Irfan Annuar, in a Nano Satellite Project at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak on Tuesday.
He explained that the state government is placing emphasis on human capital development to ensure Sarawak possesses a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the future needs of the satellite industry and the space economy.
He further clarified that this effort has already commenced through the offering of aerospace-related programmes at the i-CATS University College, while other higher education institutions, such as the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, are also capable of contributing through their strengths in electrical and electronic engineering, robotics, mechatronics, and software development.
According to him, the development of the satellite industry requires close cooperation between the government, higher education institutions, and the industry to produce more local experts capable of spearheading the state's strategic technology development.
He also expressed his hope that more Sarawakians would be bold enough to venture into new fields with high prospects, thereby strengthening Sarawak's position as a hub for innovation and advanced technology in the region. — UKASnews
