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FEATURE / ANGKASA-X
TAKING MALAYSIA TO GREATER HEIGHTS Hafez Murtza, Founder Apadilangit, tells my.iT that Malaysia’s space program and the proposed Space Ecosystem has the potential to make Malaysia a highincome nation, take the country to greater heights and benefit the region.
my.iT: Please give us some background about Apadilangit, the idea behind its creation. Hafez: Five years ago, some parents and students asked me where they can learn about space. They were hoping to find classes or camps where they can send their kids to. There was none and so I came up with plans to establish a space education programme for Malaysia. Together with my best friend Amirul Hazim Kamarulzaman we actively shared our interests within our small communities. The name Apadilangit sparks curiosity for everyone about space. The associations grew rapidly after I returned from the International Training Centre for Astronomy (ITCA) in Bangkok in 2018. I was also actively involved in the NGO Malaysia Space Initiative. my.iT: How do you feel about Angkasa-X – its plans, mission, dreams? Hafez: Angkasa-X has a noble v ision to provide Asean with internet connectivity. Internet is part of our daily life. It is important for everyone in this region to have good access to the internet. The A-SEANLINK Satellite Constellation will close the gap of limited internet access in rural areas in this region. my.iT: What are your dreams for Malaysia’s space plans? Hafez: My dream is to ensure Malaysia become the leading nation in space technology in Southeast Asia. Malaysia has been active in the space industry since the first Measat satellite launch in 1996 and the sending of the 1st Southeast Asian astronaut to the International Space Station in 2007. Malaysia should champion this industry as it has a huge potential, and we stand to gain economically and socially.
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my.iT: How can we achieve this dream? Hafez: Malaysian should believe that we have the capability to run a space program. We have a strong space agency, progressive space companies, talented engineers, passionate academia, proactive space NGO groups and energetic outreach space communities. We must have a clear vision when we build the Malaysian space ecosystem. All the groups above must collaborate to build a sustainable ecosystem. The key point here is working together as a Malaysia space family. my.iT: What is holding Malaysia back from becoming a space tech nation? Hafez: A famous Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right”. This shoes how much attitude determines success or failure. The right mind set is important and attitude is contagious. The inner part of the human capacity is crucial to ensure Malaysia become a space nation. Doubts and bad attitude are always challenges to success. We must believe that we can be a space tech nation. my.iT: In this decade, how do you see Malaysia’s space story developing? Hafez: Parliament passed the Malaysia Space bill. This is a stepping stone for us to strategize and plan in terms of governance, financial and other support system. Other initiatives include Malaysia Space Exploration 2030, which gives us an idea of how Malaysia can propel itself in the space arena. On the right track, I believe Malaysia can lead the space tech sector in the region and bring benefits in terms of better connectivity to this region.
