SWITZERLAND: Sarawak is exploring potential cooperation and strategic partnerships with the European Space Agency (ESA) in the space sector following a high-level meeting on the sidelines during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 on Wednesday (Jan 21).
The meeting was led by Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datuk Seri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel and ESA chairman, who is also head of the Swiss Space Office, Dr Renato Krpoun.
According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in space-related capacity building, education and long-term economic development, with emphasis on preparing Sarawak for future industries.
“The meeting also underscored the need to systematically build capabilities through structured university programmes and vocational training, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields related to space technologies, to produce a skilled workforce ready to meet industry needs,” it said.
The report added that Muhammad Abdullah stressed the importance of education and human capital development in ensuring Sarawak’s readiness for emerging industries, including the rapidly growing space sector within the global knowledge-based economy.
He said early investment in human capital development should be prioritised to ensure Sarawak remained competitive and adaptable to future economic changes.
Meanwhile, Krpoun shared ESA’s experience in international space collaboration, citing the agency’s ongoing cooperation with Brazil as an example, where capacity and capability development began through satellite biomass data collaboration.
Both sides agreed that a phased approach — starting with small-scale initiatives such as small satellite projects, academic collaboration and targeted training programmes — could form a solid foundation for the long-term development of Sarawak’s space industry.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing readiness to continue discussions to identify cooperation opportunities aligned with Sarawak’s development priorities and ESA’s international collaboration framework.
