NIBONG TEBAL, PENANG, 18 May 2022 – Development of an Earth Station at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal will become an impetus in driving the regional economy, as internet communications can now be enhanced to reach a more advanced level.

According to the Director of USM Engineering Campus, Professor Dr. Nor Azazi Zakaria, the space industry is reported to reach a value of USD1 trillion by 2049. It is expected that 75,000 LEO (Low Earth Orbit) communication satellites will be launched by 2030.

"Communication satellites can be commonly found in a higher geostationary orbit (30,000 km). However, advanced technology has now made it possible for satellites to be placed in lower orbits, namely LEO orbits (500 - 600 km)," explained Nor Azazi.

Space satellites will form an important investment for Malaysia, as the country becomes a base for the ASEAN region, considering that approximately 50% of the Southeast Asian population has no access to the Internet.

He added further, the capability to access the Internet, and the use of information and communications technology will have a broad impact in the region, as it will be the key in spurring economic growth and improving lives in the near future.

Nor Azazi also said that, this inclusive technology is important for the people in raising the standard of living and education, while reducing poverty and raising the capability of the workforce within the context of business development, healthcare and public safety among others.

Moreover, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Earth Station X at the USM Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal will become a pinnacle in the cooperation regarding space engineering education.

The Earth Station will serve as the platform for the Angkasa-X satellite mission, simultaneously providing the room for satellite development and assembly laboratory that will become the catalyst for the development of the space industry ecosystem in Malaysia.

USM has set aside a 2-acre area to build the Angkasa-X Earth Station and a laboratory in setting up the Space Technology Centre for the Angkasa-X private company for the purpose of Research and Development (R&D), and Assembly, Integrating and Testing (AIT) to build and to operate the Angkasa-X A-SEANSAT.

"This centre also provides basic facilities for students and professionals to gain further 'hands-on' experience in satellite research and development.

"The cooperation between these two parties would also allow the development of the ‘first-of-its- kind’ professional engineering courses in Asia that would be offered to USM postgraduate candidates in building their technical capability, skills and experience. This professional course will be conducted with the cooperation of a private partner that would provide the training materials," said Nor Azazi.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/BM text: Mohamad Abdullah