Kuala Lumpur:Budget 2027's focus on digital infrastructure, innovation, and local expertise is set to enhance Malaysia's space technology industry, according to satellite service provider MEASAT.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yau Chyong Lim, MEASAT's chief operating officer, highlighted initiatives such as the Sovereign AI Cloud, RM6 billion for research, development and commercialization, and RM8 billion for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as crucial for developing technologies with commercial potential.

Reliable satellite infrastructure, operated domestically, is essential for ensuring communications continuity, maintaining access to strategic services, and improving digital connectivity nationwide. The budget's emphasis on inclusive digital access is also key to strengthening national resilience and improving essential service access.

The expansion of the JENDELA initiative to underserved communities, including those along transport corridors, along with continued investment in digital healthcare, is expected to directly benefit the public. MEASAT currently serves over 500,000 Malaysians in remote areas, providing digital solutions like rural telehealth services through its CONNECTme platform.

Yau emphasized MEASAT's commitment to collaborating with the government and industry players to realize Budget 2027's priorities into tangible outcomes. Such collaboration aims to strengthen Malaysia's technology capabilities and contribute RM10 billion to the country's GDP from the space sector by 2030.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also the Finance Minister, announced that the Sovereign AI Cloud would keep citizens’ data and strategic information under Malaysian control. JENDELA's next phase will extend 4G coverage to all Orang Asli villages and provide internet access along 7,000 kilometers of roads and 1,700 kilometers of railway lines.