Following the successful launch of the Malaysian homegrown A-SEANSAT-PG1 satellite in June last year, Space Technology (“SpaceTech”) and technological social-inclusion company, ANGKASA-X has been making great strides in its mission of establishing Malaysia as a global SpaceTech hub in satellite Research & Development (“R&D”), Assembly-Integration-Testing (“AIT”) and application development, offering various satellite-services on remote-sensing and increasing connectivity across ASEAN through its constellation of Low-Earth-Orbit (“LEO”) satellites.
Continuing its pioneering saga, ANGKASA-X is pushing boundaries by securing essential LEO orbital-position assets and forming strategic collaborations globally, while making strategic satellite technology and data acquisitions and gaining stronger Malaysian government endorsement.
A-SEANLINK Satellite Network Filing
Augmenting its role in the local and regional SpaceTech ecosystem, ANGKASA-X has been granted approval from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (“MCMC”), an agency under the Ministry of Communications, for submission of A-SEANLINK satellite network filing to International Telecommunication Union (“ITU”) in February 2024, for setting up of A-SEANLINK constellations that comprises of 500 units of LEO satellites. Satellite orbital positions are valuable assets for Malaysia and our space industry, while positioning ANGKASA-X as the first company in the country, and possibly in South East Asia, to have filed to ITU for setting up constellations of 500 LEO satellites in the near-equatorial orbits to service countries in ASEAN and in the equatorial region.
“Filing to secure satellite orbits from ITU is a landmark achievement – a giant step for ANGKASA-X and a significant leap for Malaysia. It also demonstrates our commitment in positioning Malaysia to lead the ASEAN Space Economy, even as we strive to bridge the digital divide, improve connectivity, and drive sustainable economy and development in the rural-area in the ASEAN region. We are proud to spearhead this initiative, which will bring transformative benefits to millions of people, enhance regional cooperation, and positioning Malaysia as a global hub for space technology innovation,” said Dato’ Dr. Sean SEAH, Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ANGKASA-X.
Strengthening Global Alliances
While securing the orbital positions, ANGKASA-X has been fostering collaborations with many notable SpaceTech organisations around the world. Among these include Cangyu Space Technology (“CangYu”) and ADA Space Technology (“ADASpace”). Following the recent inking of a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2024, the collaboration between ANGKASA-X, CangYu, and ADASpace was further formalised today with the signing of two Strategic Collaboration Agreements, witnessed by Yang Berhormat Puan Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications, Malaysia.
CangYu is China’s first commercial aerospace company specialising in the design and operation of space-based information transmission systems in high and medium orbits. Meanwhile, ADASpace is a world-leading AI satellite internet technology company founded by top talents from universities, research institutes, industry and government leaders in the fields of satellite and applications.
The collaboration will involve joint Research and Development; the Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) of satellites in Malaysia, followed by their subsequent launch into ANGKASA-X’s A-SEANSAT and A-SEANLINK satellite constellations; as well as the building of ground-segments that include satellite ground-stations and AI Data Centre, to serve ASEAN and other countries along the Equator.
“The strategic collaborations with global SpaceTech leaders like CangYu and ADASpace underscore our nation's potential to lead the ASEAN Space Economy. At the same time, the Malaysian government will continue to push forward our commitment to work with the industry in efforts to foster innovation, enhance connectivity, and bridge the digital divide in the region. We look forward to seeing ANGKASA-X's continued contributions towards sustainable development and technological excellence, ensuring that connectivity becomes a basic, affordable necessity for all." stated Yang Berhormat Puan Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications.
The Chief Executive Officer of CangYu Mr. Liu Wei said, “We are delighted to partner with ANGKASA-X to jointly build a shared satellite constellation and a real-time satellite remote sensing data trading platform in Malaysia for ASEAN. CangYu shall offer state-of-the-art technology and also provide high-quality space professionals and contribute to the sustainable development of the space industry in Malaysia.”
Dr. Wang Lei, Chief Executive Officer of ADASpace added, “I am very pleased to visit Kuala Lumpur again to sign a cooperation agreement between ADASPACE and ANGKASA-X. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. The past 50 years have witnessed good business exchanges and cultural mutual trust between the two nations. I look forward to promoting technical exchanges and commercial mutual benefits between enterprises in the commercial space industry of the two countries through the joint efforts of ADASPACE and ANGKASA-X.”
“This collaboration heralds a fusion of expertise, innovation, and a shared vision for the future. The technical prowess and combined experience, expertise and finance that CangYu and ADASpace bring to the table – in addition to our own - will be instrumental in accelerating our satellite development and deployment processes. This collaboration is even more significant for Malaysia as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, paving the way for a future of mutual growth, with boundless possibilities,” said Dato’ Dr. Seah.
Malaysian Government Support
Meanwhile, further accentuating endorsement by the Malaysian government, ANGKASA-X has also received a Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant (MDAG) from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). This grant will help to accelerate the building of SpaceTech human capital for development of ANGKASA-X satellite constellations and R&D of various remote-sensing applications to serve Malaysia and the countries in the ASEAN region.
“We are immensely grateful for the confidence vested in our efforts by MDEC with this grant, as we further our country’s role in enhancing the global SpaceTech ecosystem. Particularly, we aim to establish Malaysia as a global SpaceTech hub for the R&D and AIT of LEO satellites. I truly believe we are uniquely positioned to achieve this,” said Dato’ Dr. Seah.
Establishment of ASEAN Space Economy
To further its mission to build the ASEAN SpaceTech ecosystem, ANGKASA-X is securing data from various in-orbit satellites, which will provide data for applications such as land resources monitoring, mineral resources discovery and development, smart city planning and construction, forestry resources census, ecological environment monitoring and public emergency health, among others.
Moving forward, ANGKASA-X is well-poised to be at the forefront of the ASEAN Space Economy transformation. With ongoing efforts and a steadfast commitment to innovation, it is well on its way to drive greater digital adoption in the rural area in the ASEAN countries and achieving its vision of -- creating a world where connectivity is a basic, affordable necessity for all.
ANGKASA-X’s focus will remain on harnessing the full potential of SpaceTech to create a more connected, informed, and resilient world, amidst modern challenges and opportunities. Together with our partners and the support from the Malaysian government, we are confident that ANGKASA-X is well-positioned to lead the way to establish the ASEAN Space Economy,
For more information about ANGKASA-X, please visit www.angkasa-x.com,
