Malaysia Calls For Stronger ASEAN Space Tech Cooperation
By Zarul Effendi Razali
LANGKAWI, May 23 (Bernama) -- ASEAN countries must intensify collaboration in space technology to strengthen knowledge-sharing and capacity-building across the region, Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) Director-General Datuk Azlikamil Napiah said.
Malaysia, he noted, plays a crucial role in the development of the space technology industry, with established infrastructure, active programmes and growing expertise.
“We aim not only to build our own capabilities, but also to lead regional development in this field,” Azlikamil told Bernama after chairing the ASEAN Space Agencies Senior Officers Roundtable Discussion.
The roundtable was held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025 on Thursday.
The discussion was organised by the subcommittee on space technology and applications (SCOSA Malaysia) and coordinated by MYSA.
Participating in person were SCOSA members from Cambodia, the Philippines and Singapore. Recorded presentations were submitted by the ASEAN Secretariat's Science and Technology Division, SCOSA Indonesia and SCOSA Thailand.
Azlikamil said one key outcome from the talks was broad consensus that ASEAN must strengthen its space technology capabilities.
“A point raised by the ASEAN Secretariat was that each country should map out its current space technology landscape and set clear development targets.
“Malaysia and Singapore are already progressing, but several other countries are not yet there. Mapping capabilities will allow us to identify gaps and offer targeted support,” he said.
As an example, he said Cambodia requires support in capacity development, while Singapore would benefit from cooperation in industrial and commercial aspects.
He added that countries with more advanced capabilities should offer their expertise to others within the region, avoiding reliance on external partners.
“We agreed that nations with existing capacity should share their resources within Southeast Asia, so others need not seek help outside the region,” he said.
Azlikamil expressed hope that ASEAN’s space efforts could eventually resemble those of the European Space Agency (ESA), which unites 23 European Union member states in joint development and utilisation of space technologies.
“If ESA can collaborate across 23 European nations, then ASEAN, with 10 members, should be able to do the same.
“To achieve this, we must commit fully, adopt shared goals, and strengthen cooperation without limitations, so we can safeguard our region and unlock new economic potential through space technology," he added.
-- BERNAMA