The initiative to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Satellite Technologies under Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in collaboration with ReOrbit was among the key highlights during an engagement session between the Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
On 9 March 2026, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), received a courtesy visit from the UNOOSA delegation, led by its Director, Ms. Aarti Holla-Maini.
“The meeting focused on efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s satellite technology development, including the CoE for Satellite Technologies initiative through the UniKL–ReOrbit collaboration, as well as talent development via the High Technology TVET (Hi-TVET) approach.
“These efforts aim to ensure that the nation’s young generation gains early exposure to the field of space technology, from satellite system design to earth observation applications,” he said.
He added that UNOOSA also expressed readiness to expand academic and industrial collaboration, including the development of a Space Law programme and networking with international universities and space technology companies.
“I sincerely appreciate UNOOSA’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s efforts in developing a robust satellite technology ecosystem and local talent. This initiative will help the country advance further in the field of future technologies,” he further noted.
Last year, UniKL forged a strategic partnership with Finland’s ReOrbit Oy and its Malaysian partner ReOrbit BTS Sdn. Bhd. (BTS).
Commemorated on 22 September 2025 through a Letter of Intent (LoI), the partnership focuses on strengthening Malaysia’s human capital and technological capacity in satellite engineering and related fields.
Spanning two years, the partnership leverages ReOrbit’s expertise in next-generation satellite systems with UniKL’s academic and research ecosystem, while BTS ensures integration with the local industry.
Note: In line with Malaysia’s aspiration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) continues to strengthen and expand its efforts through various initiatives. This article particularly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
