KUCHING: Aerospace and space are no longer niche sectors but strategic industries that will shape economic competitiveness, technological sovereignty and regional security for decades to come.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said rapid technological acceleration has elevated aerospace and new space into foundational industries for regions seeking to build future-ready economies, driven by the convergence of artificial intelligence, robotics, unmanned systems, advanced materials and digital engineering.
He said modern aircraft, satellites, drones and space platforms have been described as integrated digital systems rather than purely mechanical products, combining software, sensors, data analytics, advanced manufacturing and complex systems engineering.
“Aerospace and new space are no longer specialised sectors, but strategic national industries that will shape the direction of nations and regions for decades to come.”
Abang Johari said this at the launch of the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition (APACE) 2026 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Tuesday (Jan 27).
Against this backdrop, he said the APACE 2026 is positioned as a regional platform of strategic importance, linking policy, industry, education and investment to translate long-term vision into sustainable capability across Asean and the wider Asia Pacific region.
He said for regions that are serious about building future economies, aerospace and new space are foundational industries rather that optional add-ons.
“Aerospace and new space have emerged as strategic national industries and industries that will shape the direction of nations and regions for decades to come.
“They define our economic competitiveness, strengthen our technological sovereignty, safeguard our security and safety, enable us to monitor and protect our environment and chart the future of mobility, connectivity and exploration.
“It is for these reasons that the APACE 2026 carries significance far beyond Sarawak or Malaysia alone. APACE matters to Asean and to the wider Asia Pacific region.”
With aerospace development framed as inherently global, Abang Johari said Sarawak is collaborating with leading international institutions such as Tsinghua University, Istanbul Technical University and Middle East Technical University, alongside global industry partners, to support joint research, curriculum development and mobility of students and professionals.
Meanwhile, at the regional level, Sarawak continues to engage Asean partners, including Brunei, Thailand and Singapore, to strengthen interoperability and shared competitiveness, reinforcing the view that Asean’s strength lies in collaboration rather than isolated efforts.
