Sarawak aims to launch its first nanosatellite using CubeSat technology by 2030 as part of an ambitious plan to develop a high-tech ecosystem centred on semiconductors, satellites, geolocation data and real-time artificial intelligence (AI), says the Premier.
Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg said the initiative reflects the state’s long-term strategy to position itself at the forefront of emerging technologies driven by AI systems, advanced chips and satellite-based data infrastructure.
He said CubeSat-based nanosatellites could enable Sarawak to develop its own satellite constellation, providing earth imagery, geolocation data and strategic information to support development across multiple sectors.
“By 2030, our target is to launch our first nanosatellite using CubeSat. Through a satellite constellation, we can obtain earth imagery and geolocation data,” he said, according to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report.
Abang Johari made the remarks at the Sarawak Agenda Town Hall titled “Sarawak Towards The Future”, held in conjunction with Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2026 (UK Edition) in Manchester on Sunday. The session was moderated by Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, the Premier’s chief political secretary.
He added that future technological development will rely heavily on the integration of chips, satellites and real-time AI systems, which are expected to become central to global digital infrastructure.
“Future technology will depend on chips, satellites, and real-time AI Grid. AI itself will depend greatly on chips, including those used in satellites,” he said.
The Premier also emphasised the importance of talent development in critical fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, satellite engineering and data science, stressing that building a skilled workforce is essential for Sarawak to compete in the new digital economy by 2030.
