CAPACITY BUILDING FOR THE MALAYSIAN SPACE SECTOR FOR VISION 2020

摘要

With the launch of Measat-1 in 1996,, Malaysia has joined the space-nations of the world. In spite of the large capital investment needed and the high risk associated with space activities, Malaysia views space technology as an important tool in advance the country from a developing to a developed one by 2020, which is part of the Malaysia Vision 2020. Within this context and aspiration, the Malaysian space technology utilization and development needs to be examined. Nine strategic challenges associated with developed nation status were identified which needs to be addressed to that end. Among these is the establishment of a scientific and progressive society, a society that is innovative and forward-looking, and transform itself from a technology consumer to an active contributor to the scientific and technological civilization of the future. Malaysia owned satellites are now used for communication, infonvation services and entertainment. Malaysia had also launched a small micro-satellite, i.e. Tiungsat, which provides the platform for future small satellite programs. However to ensure the success of such programs, Malaysia should embark on capacity building in space technology in Malaysia, to ensure continuity and quality of space technology programs. The translation of the above vision and objective into tangible and viable activities within the university, research agency and industry is the subject of the present paper. The activities include the role of Government Agencies, Universities and the Corporate sectors in the national efforts to transfonri the country from consumer and importer of space technology to a country that contributes to the worid space activities through innovative and competitive indigenous space community and industry.