THE Penang government has set its eyes on growing the SpaceTech sector, following the setting up of the Malaysia SpaceTech-Hub.
Nine Penang-based electrical and electronics (E&E) companies and Angkasa-X inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to set up the Malaysia SpaceTech-Hub.
The companies will form the backbone of SpaceTech in the country and will be working closely with Angkasa-X to develop and enhance the SpaceTech ecosystem.
Each company will contribute its own expertise, and collaborate among themselves to realise the nation’s SpaceTech aspirations.
The E&E companies that have signed with Angkasa-X are Swift Bridge Technologies Sdn Bhd, Cortex Robotics Sdn Bhd, MechModule Technology Sdn Bhd, Lingtec Instruments Sdn Bhd, HP Malaysia Manufacturing, GSH Precision Technology, AzPower Sdn Bhd, Texchem (M) Sdn Bhd, and LBSB Sdn Bhd.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the collaboration between Angkasa-X and the nine companies would spur more opportunities for the local industry to excel.
“I am pleased to witness this momentous event. Penang’s E&E companies are ready to upgrade themselves and venture into the SpaceTech sector.
“We take a great pride in this achievement, which is in line with our Penang2030 vision. We aim at providing more quality jobs for the people to rise up the value chain.
“I am extremely delighted that there are many E&E companies in the state, which are keen to be part of this formation,” he said.
Chow said that the SpaceTech sector offers new opportunities yet to be explored by the local companies.
“You will never know, perhaps one day we could play a niche role in the region or even the world.
“This is in line with our aim to diversify investments beyond the traditional E&E industry in Penang, and to expand job opportunities whilst attracting more foreign investments.
“The success of this formation can only come to fruition if we are open to inclusivity and collaboration across various sectors, which include telecommunications, manufacturing and software development.
“It will gather more interests and involvement among the industry players who see the vast potential in SpaceTech,” he said.
“The Angkasa-X team will have to work harder to look for more partners and get them to jump on the SpaceTech bandwagon.
“Congratulations to Angkasa-X and the E&E representatives who are here today on the formation of the Malaysia SpaceTech-Hub,” he said in his speech before witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony in Komtar today.
Angkasa-X chairman Dr Sean Seah said that the Malaysia SpaceTech-Hub aimed at enhancing the industry’s capabilities in space technology manufacturing, data research, data analytics and innovation in big data processing.
“This formation will be the start of satellite manufacturing, and data-driven sectors working together towards National Space Policy 2030,” he said.
Among those present were senior representatives from Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis