KUCHING: Sarawak’s collaboration with Tokyo-based companies will potentially lead to the development of low-carbon materials based on chemicals for making textiles used by astronauts.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted the state’s efforts to produce textiles from fabric gas, a material designed for space applications.
“We prioritise low-carbon methods in producing textiles from liquid gas used by astronauts.
“So, maybe one day, there will be made-in-Sarawak fabrics for astronauts,” he said during the ‘Eight years with Premier Sarawak’ Townhall Session at Hikmah Exchange and Event Centre Kuching last night (Jan 13).
Abang Johari was addressing questions about Sarawak’s readiness to embrace the space economy, while previously citing the growing importance of satellites in today’s data-driven world.
Besides, he added that Sarawak is ready to embrace the space economy due to the growing importance of satellites and their role in global communication and data collection.
“Right now, there are many satellites in orbit owned by various countries. These satellites collect data from all over and relay it back to their users.
“That is why, in an economy driven by blockchain, which is based on data connectivity, data aggregation, or data centres, this becomes an important matter,” he said.
He emphasised that Sarawak’s geographical advantage, which is being close to the equator, is an ideal location for launching satellites into orbit.
“And to launch a satellite into orbit, it is ideally done near the equator. Coincidentally for Malaysia, Sarawak is close to the equator.
“This means the federal government has recognised and sees the potential Sarawak has,” he said.
Reflecting on this opportunity, Abang Johari realised that Sarawak had a chance to launch satellites.
“When I realised this, I thought, ‘Ah, we have a chance to do this, to launch satellites’,” he said.
As part of Sarawak’s commitment to developing aerospace capabilities, he established the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at ICATS University to inspire and equip the younger generation to study aerospace engineering.
“Hence, I established the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at ICATS University to encourage our young generation to study aerospace engineering,” he added.
