SYDNEY, Australia: Sarawak-owned university, i-CATS University College (i-CATS), holds strong potential to grow into a leading institution in nurturing highly skilled talent to drive Sarawak’s aspirations in aerospace and satellite technology development.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said that the effort also received support from Turkish parties who have expressed interest in establishing cooperation in terms of developing human capital.
“After all, i-CATS has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Turkiye side, and we feel that it is necessary to start from the early stage, which is in terms of developing our human capital.
“In Sarawak. we have i-CATS which will be the driving force for us to provide training to the local youth, where they can be trained in aerospace technology and satellite technology in the future,” he said.
Julaihi mentioned this when met by UKAS while leading a Sarawak Government delegation to attend the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney here on Wednesday.
He added that Sarawak is determined to position itself in the space and satellite technology industry.
“Apart from having i-CATS, we have a vision and mission to drive Sarawak to participate actively, and to build collaborations with countries that already have advanced expertise in these fields, such as Turkiye, Australia and the UAE.
“They have also expressed a desire to work with Sarawak in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the participation of the Sarawak delegation at IAC 2025, Julaihi said it reflects the state’s aspiration to strengthen its digital agenda and position in the global space economy landscape.
“While we are exploring opportunities for international collaboration between Sarawak and those with advanced aerospace and satellite technologies, we also recognise the importance of data governance, aerospace research, and capacity building.
“This is also an opportunity for us to develop our human capital in exploring and participating in aerospace and satellite technology,” he said.
