KOTA KINABALU:  Sabah might be able to build the 16th Space Launching Facility in the world, said state Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI) minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif. 

“I am happy to announce that today will be a historic moment for KSTI and the State Government. 

“The Letter of Intent to start the feasibility study for the construction of Sabah Space Launch will be submitted to the company Sovereign Engalang Sdn. Bhd.

“This initiative will boost Sabah to become a leading state in the context of the high-level transfer of knowledge and technology of Aerospace in Malaysia,” he said during the ministry’s mandate ceremony here. 

Mohd Arifin added that should the study show positive indication, Malaysia would also become the ninth country to have such a facility. 

During his speech, he also said the ministry has a very significant role as Science, Technology and Innovation are the core National development. 

“Recent studies show that 60 percent of the economic growth factor of a country depends on science and technology intervention. The same is true in context state development. 

“This signals that we must face the progress of science and technology if we want to place Sabah as an economic power in the context of Malaysia.”

He said human capital development is very important to ensure continuity of state development as availability of highly skilled labor is essential to support and to meet the ‘supply and demand’ of the industry related to technology and innovation. 

“I hope that KSTI, the Sabah Education Department and all related agencies can produce an integrated action plan to achieve the target of at least 40 per cent of students taking up science by 2026.

“I would also like to emphasize the importance of strengthening the quality and delivery of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programs.

“Focus also needs to continue to be given on development Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) that will have an impact on the way of life apart from driving development in every field.”

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