PUTRAJAYA, Aug 11 — Space technology must be made accessible so that the public understands its applications go beyond rockets, satellites or astronauts, as it has become an essential part of everyday management and daily life.
Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) director-general Datuk Azlikamil Napiah said the ‘Space for All’ aspiration means that space technology should be accessible, understood and utilised by all segments of society.
“My aspiration is to see space technology brought closer to the people. We are already using it every day, but many are unaware of it. Telephone communication networks, television broadcasts, navigation applications such as Waze, as well as delivery service operations largely rely on space technology, particularly satellites,” he told Bernama recently.
He said public awareness of space technology is crucial to encourage the development of more operable systems or solution-based applications that can meet the actual needs of the people.
Azlikamil said as society becomes more aware of its benefits, demand for new application systems will increase, thereby driving innovation, expertise, industry growth and the development of the local space ecosystem.
He said space technology is not limited to observing outer space, but also helps humans manage life and resources on Earth through advanced systems such as communication satellites, navigation and remote sensing.
Satellite data, he said, can be utilised across various sectors including agriculture, fisheries, public health, disaster management, environmental monitoring, natural resource management and food security.
For example, Azlikamil said remote sensing technology enables padi cultivation areas and farming operations to be monitored more systematically. Soil fertility can also be identified, and harvest yields predicted, helping the government plan food supply needs and channel subsidies in a more targeted manner.
He added that the same technology is also used to identify potential groundwater sources, monitor floods, open burning, illegal waste disposal, deforestation activities and areas at risk of dengue outbreaks.
“Space technology supports three main aspects, which are planning, monitoring and mitigation. The information obtained enables faster and more accurate analysis and data-driven decision-making,” he said.
He also shared that to date, MYSA has collaborated with about 90 government agencies and developed up to 65 solution-based application systems using space technology tailored to their needs.
However, Azlikamil said the adoption of advanced space technology still faces challenges, as some parties remain more comfortable with conventional methods.
As such, he said MYSA develops applications based on the demands and needs of user agencies to ensure the technologies developed are utilised effectively and deliver optimal benefits.
“There is no point in developing sophisticated solutions if no one uses them or if they have no impact. Technology must be fully leveraged to solve real problems faced by the people and the nation,” he said.
He added that space technology also opens up career opportunities for the younger generation that are beyond astronomy or the astronaut profession.
He said the space sector ecosystem encompasses various disciplines including engineering, data analysis, space law, software development, component manufacturing, robotics and automation, as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Azlikamil said greater awareness of space technology will help Malaysia develop skilled talents, produce local innovations and ensure their benefits are enjoyed by all.
“Space technology is no longer something exclusive as it once was. Our goal is to ensure it is used to enhance the people’s well-being and simplify the management of daily life,” he said. — Bernama
Date: 11 August, 2026 10:00 pm
Source: Malay Mail
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