KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is strengthening its capabilities in the space sector to become a main player in the space industry under the Malaysia Space Exploration (Malaysia Space-X 2030) blueprint.

Malaysian Space Agency director-general Azlikamil Napiah said the objective was to be a major contributor to the country's economic growth, knowledge and sustainable development.

However, he said there was a need to further promote awareness on space technology among Malaysians, aside from establishing an ecosystem to buttress the space industry.

He said although the landscape of the country's space industry was growing, the culture of space technology was not embedded in Malaysian society. 

"When it comes to space technology, many of us only think of astronauts when in fact, it is beyond that. Among other things, it covers the engineering and climatology parts of everyday life.

"The technology that we use now is also based on space, but not many of us are aware of that.

"If we relate it to the 10 years' implementation plan (blueprint), we need to be able to move from just being users to creators and be the main player in the space industry," he said.

Azlikamil said that the Malaysia Space-X 2030 blueprint was required to strengthen the nation's space industry by further attracting investment from abroad and creating a sustainable national space ecosystem.

"To become the new main source that contributes to the nation's economy, we need to develop a local industry that uses space-related technology.

"Hence, this is why we develop the four major components under the blueprint that comprises users, ground segment, space and knowledge creation, as well as remote sensing satellite development.

"By 2030 it is hoped that the Malaysian space industry will contribute at least RM2.3 billion towards our gross domestic product, as well as create more than five thousand jobs for the upcoming generation," he said.

Azlikamil said while having the knowledge and expertise in the area may be beneficial, it would be of no use without an ecosystem that could sustain the technological skills of the nation.

"Having an ecosystem that can contribute to the space industry is crucial, especially during the pandemic where the demand for satellite communications is high.

"There is no use if we have the knowledge and expertise but do not have an ecosystem in which to diversify those skills. Data and information are the new currency now, this is why the framework is crucial.

"We need to see what needs to be produced through the technology and the significance it will bring to the nation through the development of the space industry in the next 10 years.

"These are the things that we need to take into consideration. We need more programmes to raise awareness and educate the masses on space technology and how it can work to our advantage," he said.