IN a New Year message delivered on Jan 21, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang proposed that Malaysia embark on a major initiative in the space economy with Asean members.
This is also timely as it coincides with Malaysia assuming the chairmanship of Asean this year.
Coined by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in 2006, the space economy covers exploration, research and technology applications.
It has become an important part of global infrastructure, driving the emergence of new technologies, such as small satellites, broadband and the Internet of Things.
McKinsey & Company highlights its potential to create value across industries and solve global challenges
In 2024, the space economy was valued at US$596 billion, largely due to satellite communications.
Analysts predict it could reach US$1.8 trillion by 2035.
Satellite services, especially satellite communications, are considered the largest contributor to the space economy.
This figure includes satellites, launchers, and services like broadcast television or GPS.
Space technology also helps companies across industries generate revenues.
Grab, for example, relies on satellite signals and smartphone chips to connect drivers and riders while providing navigation in every city.
The United States, China, and Russia are the main players in the global space economy.
India, France, and the Netherlands are increasing their involvement. However, smaller developing countries lack adequate indigenous technological know-how and infrastructure in the space economy.
Asean solidarity can play a key role. Science diplomacy connects us with advanced nations, providing access to knowledge, training, and technology through partnerships with space agencies, such as the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the European Space Agency.
Through joint research programmes and international fellowships, we can build expertise in satellite technology, remote sensing, and space applications.
Asean countries face challenges in formulating space policies and regulatory frameworks.
Through science diplomacy, they can engage in international discussions, align policies with global best practices, and secure representation in decision-making bodies such as the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
We can help ensure that space laws are not skewed in favour of developed nations, advocating for fair access to orbits, radio frequencies, and space resources.
With increasing commercialisation of space (for example, asteroid mining, satellite constellations), developing nations risk being left behind.
Science diplomacy helps advocate for an inclusive global space governance system that ensures fair benefits from space-based assets.
It can help ensure that space applications benefit local economies through improved climate monitoring, disaster management, precision agriculture, and connectivity. (For example, satellite broadband for rural areas.)
Collaboration with global space agencies can lead to projects that address development issues, such as early warning systems for natural disasters or monitoring deforestation.
Science diplomacy can create an enabling environment for foreign direct investment in local space industries by facilitating cooperation between governments, international agencies, and private sector players, such as SpaceX and OneWeb.
Developing countries can use diplomatic channels to negotiate technology-sharing agreements and attract investments in satellite manufacturing, ground stations, and launch facilities.
Furthermore, engaging in science diplomacy ensures that Asean nations contribute to discussions on the peaceful use of outer space, space debris mitigation and space security.
It enables them to push for frameworks that prevent the monopolisation of space resources.
After all, space is one of four areas recognised by the UN as the common heritage of humankind, the other three being Antarctica, the high seas and the atmosphere.
By leveraging science diplomacy, Asean can overcome barriers to entry into the space economy, ensuring their participation in the global space sector while aligning space initiatives with their sustainable development goals.
However, these are early days. Chang said "a comprehensive mapping of the moonshot project needs to be detailed to know the actual resource requirements needed".
The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (Might) and the Malaysian Space Agency, two agencies under the ministry, must respond to the minister's call.
The writer is joint-chairman of Might, and the founding director of UCSI-IISDS
