Sarawak, Russia explore cooperation in aerospace development

KUCHING: Russia is ready to explore cooperation with Sarawak to develop its aerospace industry, including sharing expertise in rocket launch facilities, satellite development, and technical capacity building.

Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl M. Latypov said Sarawak had locations with potential for rocket launch development, although such an undertaking would require supporting infrastructure, specialised expertise and a trained local workforce.

“I hope this cooperation will benefit both sides because we can share our experience in developing rocket launch facilities.

“We are also ready to cooperate in satellite production and construction, as well as capacity building,” he said after paying a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi on Tuesday (Oct 27).

He said cooperation could also extend to education and training, including possible engagement with i-CATS University College.

“We are ready to offer opportunities for Malaysian students to further their studies in Russia and hope to identify suitable areas for capacity-building cooperation.”

Latypov added that Russia had experience working with Malaysian higher education institutions and hoped to expand similar collaboration to Sarawak.

He stressed that further discussions between technical experts from both sides would be necessary to determine how the proposed cooperation could be translated into concrete follow-up action.

Latypov said closer engagement in aerospace could help develop not only infrastructure and satellite technology, but also the local talent needed to support the sector in the longer term.