Measat wants 2027 Budget to put Malaysia in control of its space future

Malaysia needs to invest in its own space technology and infrastructure to maintain control over vital communications and data, while boosting the nation's digital and economic development, according to Measat Satellite Systems. The satellite provider is urging the Malaysian government to prioritize sovereign SpaceTech in the 2027 Budget, as the country aims to expand its space industry revenue beyond RM10 billion by 2030.

Currently, Malaysia's space sector contributes RM6.2 billion to the economy between 2017 and 2024, with the launch of Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 (MSE2030) from 2027 to 2030 offering an opportunity to transform this growth into a larger economic and technological ecosystem. Measuring the importance of local control over space assets, communications infrastructure, and data for national resilience, economic competitiveness, and strategic independence, Measat's COO Yau Chyong Lim highlighted five priorities for the 2027 Budget: enhancing sovereign space capabilities; fostering long-term investment in space infrastructure; expediting SpaceTech applications; aiding local firms in commercializing space technologies; and cultivating specialized research and talent.

The company's proposals include increased local ownership and participation in national space programs, investment frameworks appropriate for the lengthy development cycles of space infrastructure, and enhanced public-private partnerships in multi-orbit platforms and nation-governed data systems. Measat also advocates for integrating geostationary Earth orbit, low Earth orbit, and terrestrial networks, as well as expanding satellite-enabled applications in disaster management, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture, rural healthcare, and smart infrastructure.

The 2027 Budget should also support locally developed SpaceTech solutions, startups, and research institutions, while facilitating pathways for Malaysian companies to tap into regional and international markets. Yau stressed the need for stronger industry-academia collaboration and investment in local expertise in engineering, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, data analytics, remote sensing, and space regulation.

Malaysia already possesses essential foundations, including sovereign orbital rights, spectrum resources, satellites, ground infrastructure, engineering expertise, and regulatory capabilities. Building upon these strengths, the proposed priorities will support the objectives of MSE2030 and Dasar Angkasa Negara 2030.