KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The 2026 World Space Week (WSW), to be held throughout October under the theme “Rocket Revolution”, will offer the public an insight into advances in rocket technology.
Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) director-general Datuk Azlikamil Napiah said the event aims to give the public a better understanding of advances in space technology, particularly rocket technology, which remains relatively unfamiliar to many.
“We hope that by increasing public understanding of the technology, we can help drive its development in the country,” he said when met by Bernama at the 4th ASEAN Space Policy Expert Exchange Seminar yesterday.
WSW is observed worldwide from Oct 4 to 10 annually, with Malaysia extending its activities throughout October under the “World Space Week: Malaysian Chapter” to promote awareness and cultivate public interest in space science and technology.
The objectives of WSW 2026 include enhancing public understanding of how technological advances can enable humanity to undertake missions and address various challenges.
“There are still many who do not fully understand the capabilities of space technology, including humanity’s achievement of reaching the Moon.
“We want to cultivate an interest in technology among the younger generation, as this will form the foundation for the local expertise we aim to develop by 2030,” he said.
Azlikamil said efforts to nurture talent in this field should begin at the school level by introducing relevant subjects and curricula, before extending to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and university education.
On the opportunities the “Rocket Revolution” could offer ASEAN, Azlikamil said greater cooperation among member states could help strengthen regional technological capabilities, particularly through the development of rocket launch services.
“If deemed suitable for the Southeast Asian region, this could not only spur the growth of new services but also encourage the development of local companies capable of supporting launch services,” he said.
Azlikamil said that despite involving complex, high-risk and costly technology, rocket launch programmes could generate substantial economic returns through proper planning, as demonstrated by the experience of several countries.
Malaysia’s space industry has continued to expand, with the number of local companies reaching 79 and the sector’s cumulative value standing at RM6 billion in 2023, against a target of RM10 billion by 2030.
Additionally, 2,500 new job opportunities had been created as of 2023, representing half of the 5,000-job target set for 2030.
The development of the space industry has the potential to contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth while opening up new economic opportunities across Southeast Asia.
--BERNAMA