Malaysia Sets Sights On Becoming Leading Regional Space Player - Chang
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is setting its sights on becoming a leading regional space player by strengthening the sector’s legal framework and promoting sustainable governance, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang.
He said a stronger regulatory framework and the development of local talent were crucial to balancing the rapid growth of commercial space activities with safety considerations and space sustainability.
“The government’s role is to regulate, but we also want to foster technological development in this sector. As with any other technology, we need to strike a balance between innovation and safety.
“Therefore, regulation is vital, not only for Malaysia but also for our regional partners, to ensure that all space-related activities are conducted in line with best practices and international regulations,” he told reporters after officiating the 4th ASEAN Space Policy Expert Exchange Seminar here today.
On Malaysia’s aspiration to become a centre of excellence for space policy and legislation, Chang said developing such expertise was essential to meet the sector’s growing demands.
“Although this is a relatively new field, Malaysia has been involved in the sector for many years. We hope to collaborate with all parties in the region and aspire to become one of the leading nations in the ASEAN space sector,” he said.
To advance the national space programme, Chang said the government was adopting a two-pronged approach, with efforts focused on developing practical applications and reinforcing the regulatory framework through the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) and the Space Regulatory Division (BPA).
“One of the key initiatives is organising seminars like this. At the same time, we are developing various space applications using existing technologies to assist fishermen and farmers, as well as support disaster management,” he said.
Chang said efforts to expand space launch activities could unlock new economic opportunities and spur the growth of various local supporting industries.
“(Space) launch activities involve diverse technological and supporting sectors, such as insurance, as well as the processing and assembly of satellites and rocket components. If Malaysia succeeds in developing its own launch facility, it could drive growth across the national space ecosystem,” he said.
In his speech earlier, Chang said the space sector had entered a new era, with space capabilities emerging as key drivers of economic growth, scientific advancement, environmental sustainability and national resilience.
He said rapid technological advances and declining space-access costs had opened up broader opportunities for ASEAN countries to harness the New Space Economy to enhance competitiveness and improve societal well-being.
Chang said that commercial launch capabilities would offer emerging space nations new opportunities to advance satellite development, while requiring robust regulatory frameworks and effective risk management.
He, however, stressed that all launch activities must remain strictly aligned with international obligations, particularly those under the United Nations Outer Space Treaty.
"This requires a careful balance between fostering innovation and ensuring safety, supporting commercial activities and protecting the space environment, and safeguarding national interests while fulfilling our shared responsibility for long-term space sustainability," he said.
Commenting on the two-day seminar held in conjunction with World Space Week 2026: Malaysia Chapter, Chang said it provided ASEAN member states with a platform to share best practices in licensing, risk management and launch infrastructure development, including spaceports.
The seminar was organised by MYSA in collaboration with strategic partners.
-- BERNAMA
