JANUARI 2026
APACE MATTERS TO ASEAN - SARAWAK CALLS FOR REGIONAL UNITY IN SHAPING AEROSPACE FUTURE
KUCHING, 27 January 2026 – Sarawak reaffirmed its strategic ambition to become a regional leader in advanced technology today with the official launch of the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak delivered a keynote address outlining a comprehensive roadmap for growth under the conference theme, “Sarawak’s Ascent: Shaping the Future of Aerospace in the Asia Pacific.”
In his speech, he positioned aerospace and new space industries as foundational pillars for the state's long-term economic transformation under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He emphasised that these sectors are critical for enhancing economic competitiveness, safeguarding technological sovereignty, and driving sustainable development, with APACE 2026 serving as a vital nexus where government policy, industrial investment, and educational innovation converge to create lasting regional impact.
According to him, "Aerospace and new space are no longer niche or specialised sectors. They have emerged as strategic national industries, industries that will shape the direction of nations and regions for decades to come."
The Premier then outlined Sarawak's deliberate and capability-driven approach, which prioritises systemic development over short-term gains.
He detailed key initiatives including the establishment of the Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council for coordinated governance and the central role of education through institutions like the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at i-CATS University College.
He then highlighted practical entry points into the aerospace value chain, such as developing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities and leveraging innovative, cost-effective small satellite technology, specifically CubeSats, for applications in environmental monitoring, disaster management, and resource oversight.
In his concluding remarks, the Premier extended an invitation for broader regional collaboration, urging industry leaders, academic institutions, investors, and ASEAN partners to unite with Sarawak in building a capable, competitive, and sustainable aerospace and new space economy.
He emphasised that the significance of the APACE 2026 conference extends far beyond Sarawak's borders, stating, "APACE matters to ASEAN and to the wider Asia Pacific region."
The launch of APACE 2026 served as a definitive statement of Sarawak's strategic intent to become a central hub for aerospace and new space innovation.
The Premier’s address framed this ambition not as an isolated goal but as a collaborative effort integral to the economic and technological future of both Sarawak and the wider Asia-Pacific region.