SIBU: Sarawak’s future in advanced aerospace technology is already taking shape with a Sarawakian student involved in a United States nanosatellite rocket launch project, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the student, who hails from Sibu, is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Aerospace at the University of Southern California (USC) and is part of a six-member team involved in nanosatellite launch operations in the United States.
“We have one Sarawakian at the University of Southern California doing a Master’s in Aerospace. There are six of them, and one is a Sarawakian. They are going to launch a nanosatellite in the US with a Sarawakian there in the field through rocket launch satellite operations. And that fellow is from Sibu,” he said in his speech at the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Triennial General Assembly 2026 (TGA 2026), here today (May 16).
Abang Johari said the development reflects Sarawak’s growing presence in high-value technical fields, supported by local institutions such as i-CATS University College, which now offers Aerospace Engineering Faculty and provides education opportunities, including free education initiatives.
He said this progress is part of Sarawak’s broader long-term strategy anchored on three key pillars namely economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
“The future of Sarawak is already there. Our policies are already in place. It is about how we manage it,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of emerging green economy sectors, including carbon trading and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), noting that Sarawak had been ahead in establishing its own legal framework for CCUS.
He added that Sarawak’s development trajectory must be supported by strong human capital, particularly in science, technology and engineering fields, to fully harness renewable energy and hydropower potential.
“To do that, we must have brains. That is why we are expanding education and providing free tertiary education,” he said.
