(Serian, 5th) — Sarawak aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists with world-class standards, including those venturing into the field of space technology, in pursuit of its vision to become an advanced region founded on knowledge, innovation, and Quranic values.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that Sarawak’s development should not be confined to traditional industries, but should instead be led by exploration into new fields, such as satellite technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and space science.
He said that with technological advancement, the development potential of satellite technology has become increasingly vast, especially with the application of small satellites like CubeSats, which have significantly reduced development costs.
“Traditional satellites cost between 300 million and 500 million euros, but now, with the emergence of nano-satellites like CubeSats, which cost about 500,000 euros—equivalent to some 2 million ringgit—they can be launched into orbit to obtain high-precision images and data.”
“This technological capability offers Sarawak the opportunity for local youths, regardless of background, to grow into scientists and space technology experts, thereby propelling Sarawak into the ranks of advanced regions.” He made these remarks on Wednesday at the Serian Conference Centre while officiating the opening of the 65th Sarawak State-level Quran Recitation and Memorization Competition.
He also emphasized that education is the core foundation of Sarawak’s development, with particular importance placed on STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Abang Johari pointed out that increased Sarawak revenue would be used to strengthen the development of local universities and fund Sarawakian youths to further their studies in strategic and new technological fields, raising their education to a higher level.
In line with the related agenda, he also announced a plan to construct a permanent building in Petra Jaya to house the Darul Hana al-Quran Development Centre (DHQc-MIS), serving as a centre of knowledge not only benefiting Muslims but also shared with the non-Muslim community.
He said that the Quran should be seen as a source of knowledge, nurturing new ways of thinking and supporting modern development, as reflected in the contributions of scholars like Ibn Khaldun, who laid the foundations for world economic theory.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that Sarawak’s development should not be confined to traditional industries, but should instead be led by exploration into new fields, such as satellite technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and space science.
He said that with technological advancement, the development potential of satellite technology has become increasingly vast, especially with the application of small satellites like CubeSats, which have significantly reduced development costs.
“This technological capability offers Sarawak the opportunity for local youths, regardless of background, to grow into scientists and space technology experts, thereby propelling Sarawak into the ranks of advanced regions.” He made these remarks on Wednesday at the Serian Conference Centre while officiating the opening of the 65th Sarawak State-level Quran Recitation and Memorization Competition.
He also emphasized that education is the core foundation of Sarawak’s development, with particular importance placed on STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Abang Johari pointed out that increased Sarawak revenue would be used to strengthen the development of local universities and fund Sarawakian youths to further their studies in strategic and new technological fields, raising their education to a higher level.
In line with the related agenda, he also announced a plan to construct a permanent building in Petra Jaya to house the Darul Hana al-Quran Development Centre (DHQc-MIS), serving as a centre of knowledge not only benefiting Muslims but also shared with the non-Muslim community.
He said that the Quran should be seen as a source of knowledge, nurturing new ways of thinking and supporting modern development, as reflected in the contributions of scholars like Ibn Khaldun, who laid the foundations for world economic theory.