KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg plans to establish an aerospace course at i-CATS University College.
He said in collaboration with a UK-based company, the state aims to produce compound chip designs tailored for the aerospace industry.
“We will work together with SMD Semiconductor to train more chip design experts from Sarawak.
“Fifty individuals have already passed the chip design examination, and we need at least approximately 500 more.
“With this in place, and the offering of aerospace courses, perhaps one day we can launch our own satellites in the future,” he said.
He said this during the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chambers’ (DUBS) Aidilfitri gathering held at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre Kuching last night (May 4).
While acknowledging the ambitious nature of the initiatives, Abang Johari believed that future leaders would be able to make it a reality.
“Of course it is very ambitious, maybe not during my time, but new leaders will come and they can proceed to train Sarawakian (in the aerospace industry) as they have the potential,” he said.
On a related note, he said the Sarawak government will continue to prioritise the educational opportunities for its people.
“Starting in 2026, qualified Sarawakian students will receive free tertiary education at Sarawak-owned universities, fully funded by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government.
“I am confident in making this commitment as I have calculated the feasibility. With God’s blessings, we will be able to provide free tuition to Sarawakian students pursuing higher education at Sarawak’s own universities,” said Abang Johari.
