KUCHING: Russia is ready to collaborate with Sarawak in developing its aerospace industry, including sharing expertise to establish rocket launch facilities and manufacture satellites.

Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malaysia Naiyl M. Latypov stated that Sarawak possesses potential strategic locations for developing a rocket launch site; however, such an undertaking requires supporting infrastructure, technical expertise, and a skilled local workforce.

“I hope this collaboration will be mutually beneficial as we can share our experience in constructing rocket launch sites.

“We are also prepared to cooperate in satellite manufacturing and construction, as well as capacity building,” he said.

He said this to reporters after paying a courtesy call on the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here on Tuesday.

Latypov added that this partnership could also be expanded to include iCATS University College, particularly in aerospace-related education and training.

“We are ready to offer opportunities for Malaysian students to pursue higher studies in Russia and hope to hold discussions with iCATS University College to identify potential collaborative opportunities in capacity building.

“We have prior experience collaborating with UniKL MIAT and hope that similar cooperation can be extended to iCATS University College or other institutions,” he noted.

Therefore, Latypov emphasized that further discussions between experts from both sides are necessary to ensure the proposed initiatives can be effectively translated into actionable follow-up plans. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Grace John Lee
Photos: Ibanez Jeffery
Translator: Ryan Lim