JANUARI 2026
PREMIER WITNESSES STRATEGIC MOU SIGNINGS TO FUEL SARAWAK'S AEROSPACE AMBITION
KUCHING, 27 January 2026 – The official launch of the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE) 2026 was highlighted by a significant exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), witnessed by The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak.
This ceremony formalized a series of foundational partnerships designed to accelerate the state's ambition of becoming a central hub for aerospace and new space innovation within the Asia-Pacific region.
The Premier's presence underscored the high-level commitment to a collaborative approach, moving beyond policy pronouncements to establish the practical alliances necessary for long-term capability building under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
The first set of agreements focused on strengthening the core pillars of talent development and industrial security. A key MoU was signed between the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak and the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), aiming to create frameworks for workforce development and social protection for the future aerospace sector.
Simultaneously, a strategic tripartite agreement was formalized between i-CATS University College, Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS), and Turkish Aerospace Malaysia (TUSAS). This collaboration is set to advance capabilities in critical areas of aviation security, enforcement training, and aerospace technology transfer, directly linking educational outcomes with high-value industrial and sovereign security needs.
Further expanding the technological frontier, additional MoUs were established to foster innovation in green technology and specialized technical training. i-CATS University College entered into a partnership with H2 Energy Sdn Bhd to pioneer research and development in hydrogen technology applications, supporting Sarawak's parallel ambitions in sustainable aviation and a green hydrogen economy.
To ensure a skilled technical workforce, Sarawak Skills solidified two key industry linkages through agreements with Prima Tech Solution Sdn Bhd (PTSSB) and Borneo Aerospace Sdn Bhd to align vocational and technical education curricula directly with the evolving demands of local aerospace manufacturing and maintenance industries.
The partnerships also extended into the strategic domain of space technology and data analytics, which are central to Sarawak's mission-driven approach. Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS) partnered with EarthEye Space Pte Ltd to enhance capabilities in satellite data processing and geospatial intelligence.
Furthermore, to ensure global competitiveness and advanced knowledge transfer, a high-level alliance was formed between the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS), Tsinghua University, and Asia Pacific Professional Development Sdn Bhd, focusing on cutting-edge research, professional training, and curriculum co-development.
The Premier then emphasized that these agreements represent the concrete building blocks of Sarawak's ascent in the aerospace sector, transforming visionary policy into actionable collaboration.