STATE is gearing up to launch itself, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif announced plans to establish the Sabah International Aerospace Launch Centre and Industrial Park.
Expected to be completed within the next five years, Arifin said the project aims to propel Sabah into a prosperous future.
He said the aerospace hub is projected to generate revenue that could even surpass the earnings from the oil and gas sector, a significant leap for the state’s economy. A feasibility study, in collaboration with the Malaysia Space Agency (MYSA), is currently in progress.
“Sabah’s strategic location makes it a cost-effective choice for industry players, considering the rapid global expansion of the aerospace market,” Arifin said.
The minister also highlighted the broad spectrum of job opportunities the aerospace hub could create, ranging from professional to vocational and technical positions.
This move is expected to positively impact the local aerospace industry and logistics sector, enhancing the State’s overall economic growth, he reiterated.
In line with the State’s tech-forward approach, the ministry is also considering the establishment of a Sabah Geospatial Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Data Centre.
According to Arifin, the centre will assess research and development requirements within the STI domain and function as a key platform for sharing strategic information among agencies.
“The data centre aims to ensure efficient resource utilization in accordance with policies and regulations, assisting the government in making sustainable decisions tailored to Sabah’s specific needs and potentials.”
This ambitious plan, Arifin said signals Sabah’s strategic move towards high data technology, positioning itself as a leader in the aerospace industry while nurturing its local talent and resources.
As Sabah embarks on this exciting journey, the future looks promising, paving the way for a new era of prosperity and innovation.
