Malaysian scientists to launch home-made satellite in 2024

In 10 years, Malaysia targets to launch the country's very own satellite, built exclusively by local scientists.

Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said in pursuit of this goal, the ministry had begun training local scientists, beginning this year.

"We have initiated this programme by sending our scientists abroad for training with companies which are big players in the satellite field," he told reporters after the 'Merdeka Video Competition' 2014 prize presentation ceremony here today.

Abu Bakar said the function of the satellite would depend on the nation's needs in 2024, and the cost needed to build the satellite had not been determined.

In the meantime, he said Malaysia was moving closer towards achieving the 70 scientists per 10,000 workforce target by 2020, in a move to become a developed nation.

He said so far, there were 68 Malaysian scientists and the ministry was optimistic that the number would increase further in 2020.

Abu Bakar said to help students develop interest in the field, the ministry organised Science and Innovation exhibition activities nationwide, mainly at selected schools.

"This is a positive approach we have taken and students have realised that science is not a difficult field, once you have developed an interest," he added.

At the award ceremony, V. Arvintharan, a student majoring in Film and Television from Limkokwing University won first place while Shakiratul Husna Raman, who majored in Information Management from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) was second.

S. Theivarubini, an International Business student from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) was third.