3. Space Sector Development in Malaysia

Malaysia is among the earliest countries in Southeast Asia to venture into space activities. After the launch of RazakSAT in 2009, space activities in Malaysia began to slow down, and were no longer a priority for the government. Recently, positive development of space initiatives in universities and small companies has revived the space industry in Malaysia. This chapter provides a historical overview of space in Malaysia and discusses the approach taken by the government to develop this sector. A brief explanation of national space policy is also included, and the current state of the space industry in Malaysia is described. At the end of the chapter, several recommendations are proposed in view of increasing Malaysia’s significance in the space race in Southeast Asia.