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 bene t 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 nd 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 rst 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.

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, nancial 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 bene ts in terms of better connectivity to this region.

my.iT: What could prove to be a hurdle for this growth?

Hafez: There are two things needed in developing our space capabilities. The rst is talent development and second is capital. We must develop a sustainable pool of talent to support the industry. We must nurture this talent since a young age. Both formal and informal education is important.

In terms of capital, we need to galvanize the private sectors with private-public partnerships. This will hasten growth. Higher con dence from nancial institution and public will enhance the motivation of Malaysia space talent and the space companies.

my.iT: What should we do to accelerate this growth?

Hafez: Malaysians should be exposed to the national space mission. We should know the players and the basic ecosystem that will allow the public to participate. In order to go further, everyone must see the bene ts of space technology for the country. Also, all sectors must step up and play their role in ensuring the growth of this industry – the government, nancial institutions, communication, manufacturing, innovators, educators, media and others. I personally believe that the collective input from every sector will accelerate the growth as everyone understand the bene t of space tech for Malaysia.

my.iT: How can the commercial/ private sector play a stronger role in the development of space technology?

Hafez: Cooperation and collaboration among both is important. Space economy is big, it requires cross talent as well as industries. With the rolling out of the Malaysia Space Bill and Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 mission, there will be more space for the private sector to jump in and participate.

In addition, with the emergence of IoT and even the IT sectors can bene t greatly. Malaysia Space Agency (MYSA), PIKOM and NGOs like Malaysia Space Initiatives can help coordinate match making sessions and talks for the private sector.

my.iT: How will Malaysia’s space activities provide socio-economic value for the country?

Hafez: Internet connectivity, communication, security, IoT, remote sensing, education, innovation, agriculture and tourism will be among the major pillars in providing socio-economic value for Malaysia. With the tech developed by the space industries, Malaysia can become a high-income nation and secure our sovereignty. In a nutshell, I believe the space industry will take the country to greater heights, and will bene t the region as well.