July 3, 2024
Seah (left) and Liu during the signing of the agreement
Seah (left) and Liu during the signing of the agreement
by VEISHNAWI NEHRU
ANGKASA-X is partnering CangYu Space Technology and ADASpace to launch a shared satellite constellation and real-time remote sensing data trading platform, enhancing ASEAN’s space industry.
Angkasa-X executive chairman Datuk Dr Sean Seah Kok Wah said this collaboration will involve joint research and development (R&D) and the assembly, integration and testing (AIT) of satellites in Malaysia, followed by their launch into Angkasa-X’s A-SEANSAT and A-SEANLINK satellite constellations.
He added that it includes building ground segments such as satellite ground stations and an artificial intelligence (AI) data centre to serve ASEAN and other equatorial countries.
“This collaboration marks a secure and landmark achievement, demonstrating Malaysia’s potential to lead the ASEAN economy.
“It promises to enhance economic development, especially in rural areas, and solidifies our pride in spearheading efforts to make Malaysia a global hub for space technology innovation,” he said in his speech at the launch on June 2.
With a total investment surpassing US$100 million (RM470 million), this initiative involves joint constellation and shared platforms.
Over the next five years, CangYu alone is contributing US$100 million.
Seah said while ADASpace has yet to specify its investment, it brings invaluable expertise in building AI satellites.
“We are developing a 24-acre (9.71ha) site in Penang, collaborating with Centre of Technical Excellence (Centex) in Sarawak, and establishing a data centre in Kuching,” he added.
Each satellite, costing between US$3 million to US$5 million, will be part of the plan to launch around 500 satellites.
“This agreement commits us to launch three to five satellites in the next two to three years, with an estimated investment of US$50 million within two years.
“The ongoing development of the Penang Space Technology Park reflects our continuous efforts to attract investments and expand our capabilities,” he said.
Angkasa-X has received the Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant (MDAG) by Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) to help accelerate the building of SpaceTech human capital for development its satellite constellations and R&D of various remote-sensing applications to serve countries in the ASEAN region.
“We are immensely grateful for the confidence vested in our efforts by MDEC with this grant, as we further our country’s role in enhancing the global SpaceTech ecosystem.
“Particularly, we aim to establish Malaysia as a global SpaceTech hub for the R&D and AIT of low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites,” Seah said.
Also present at the event were CangYu CEO Liu Wei, ADASpace CEO Wang Lei and MDEC head of Digital Investment Office Raymond Siva, who witnessed the signing of the agreement.