Latest news with #LangkawiInternationalMaritimeandAerospaceExhibition2025
The Star
5 days ago
- Science
- The Star
To infinity and beyond
Malaysia's efforts to boost science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education may soon reach new heights through the potential of space exploration. Pointing to data from the Education Ministry, National STEM Association president and founder Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Noraini Idris noted that interest in STEM at the secondary level remains below the national goal of 60%. Prof Ahmad According to ministry data, some 50.83% students enrolled for STEM streams last year. One reason for this shortfall, according to Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim of the UCSI University Tan Sri Omar Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, is the perception that STEM subjects are highly technical and difficult. 'People see STEM as something difficult and complex, so students are not so keen,' he said. Space exploration, both experts noted, could help change this perception by sparking students' curiosity and making STEM more relatable. 'STEM education is something that has to be made exciting, and space is one tool that can be used to spark interest,' Prof Ahmad said. Agreeing, Prof Noraini said space can uniquely inspire awe and motivate students to pursue STEM fields. Pioneering steps Nonee Ashirin Building on this vision, momentum gathered at the recent Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima' 25), where Ocullospace Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) formalised a landmark partnership to prepare Malaysia's youth for a future in space. This collaboration aims to transform how Malaysian students engage with space – starting in classrooms and collaborative global projects. MYSA director general Datuk Azlikamil Napiah underscored the importance of strengthening space education for Malaysia's ambitions in the sector. 'Space education is important to ensure the sustainability and enhancement of the country's capacity and capability in the space sector,' he said. He added that investing in education is also key to developing local talent and keeping pace with rapid advancements in space technology. 'It is significant to establish human capital development and synchronise with fast advancement in the space technology ecosystem. Azlikamil 'By 2030, we hope our efforts will develop expertise and cultivate highly skilled young talent to help Malaysia achieve high-tech nation status,' he said. At the heart of this initiative is the upcoming National Space Education Academy, envisioned as a central hub for advanced learning and public engagement in satellite technology, Earth observation, space exploration and data analytics. To bring science to life, the partnership will also launch national competitions such as nanosatellite design challenges and satellite coding contests, giving students hands-on experience to hone problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Malaysia will also adopt world-renowned programmes such as NASA HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) and DreamUp – exposing students to real-world space projects and collaboration with global experts. Azlikamil said these initiatives support Malaysia's vision to become a regional hub for space technology and innovation, with aspirations for the space sector to contribute at least 1% (RM10bil) to the country's gross domestic product by 2030 and create 5,000 jobs. Malaysia's first Young Cosmonaut School Mazlan In addition, come 2027, Malaysia's first Young Cosmonaut School – officially known as the International Youth Space Academy (IYSA) – will open its doors to its first batch of students. The academy is a joint effort between the Nonee Ashirin Foundation (NAF) – a non-profit organisation empowering young people to explore space careers – and Singapore-based international research and education organisation CWC Enterprise Pte Ltd. Its mission is to inspire and equip the next generation of space leaders. The IYSA, which was also launched at Lima'25 on May 20 under the newly introduced A.T.M.O.S Sphere, will be located in Penang. The A.T.M.O.S Sphere is a high-tech exhibition, showcasing how space technology is driving progress in climate science, telecommunications, navigation, agriculture and national security. 'This agreement marks our commitment to building a sustainable space ecosystem in Malaysia. Through collaboration and education, we are laying the groundwork for long-term growth in the global space economy,' NAF founder Datuk Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi said. The academy will work closely with international and local partners – including trainers from Russia's renowned Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, the Association Ecology of the Unknown, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Malaysia's own astrophysicist Tan Sri Mazlan Othman, and Tech Dome Penang. The IYSA, said Nonee Ashirin, aligns closely with national education goals to strengthen STEM and cultivate a future-ready workforce. 'This academy supports national frameworks like the 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (MySTIE) Framework and the Malaysia Education Blueprint, which aims to increase STEM enrolment to 60% this year,' she explained. She added that while Malaysia has made significant strides in building STEM capabilities, bringing space education into the mix makes STEM more engaging and aspirational for young minds. 'By nurturing interest in space science, we are equipping students with the mindset and skills to lead in high-value, high-tech sectors that are key to our country's economic transformation,' she said. Weighing in, Prof Noraini noted that Malaysia has long recognised space and aerospace as critical drivers for high-tech growth under the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and the MySTIE Framework. 'Programmes like the IYSA provide a direct channel to develop interest, capability, and eventual workforce readiness in these areas,' she said. Beyond meeting national targets, Nonee Ashirin views the IYSA as a platform to help Malaysian youth see space as a real and attainable future. 'From mission simulations and robotics labs to mentorship from global astronauts and engineers, students will be immersed in a world that fosters innovation, resilience and vision,' she said. The IYSA, said Prof Noraini, will not only strengthen STEM content knowledge but also build critical 21st-century skills. 'Such programmes are vital for creating sustained interest in STEM, especially when integrated with Malaysia's school curriculum and co-curricular ecosystems. More importantly, space-based projects promote interdisciplinary thinking, which is critical for cultivating innovation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,' she added. More than skills Egorov Meanwhile, Russian cosmonaut trainer Timofey Egorov stressed the importance of character in space training. 'For space flights, the level of ethics of a person will be especially important for future space missions because these missions will probably be long-term and connected with long isolation in a closed volume of a spaceship (space station),' he said. Such conditions, he noted, can trigger profound psychological challenges that require strong ethical grounding to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment among crew members. As a pioneer of the Angkasawan programme that sent Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie Sheikh Mustapha to the International Space Station, Malaysia's first astrophysicist Mazlan emphasised that aspiring astronauts must possess exceptional human qualities. 'If you look at the competition in the United States, for instance – when you read their CVs, they have multiple PhDs, they've been to flying school, skydiving, ocean diving. 'They are full of drive and fearless. That's the sort of people we need to nurture to bring Malaysia to space and succeed there,' she said. A mission in space demands extraordinary resilience, teamwork and character, she stressed. 'It's not like flying on an aeroplane where there's a large crew – there are only three of you in the capsule,' she added.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
LUNAS strengthens strategic collaboration with STM Turkiye
Anwar (centre) witnessing the MoU exchange held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA '25), marking a significant milestone in strategic collaboration. LANGKAWI: Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (LUNAS) continues to make strides as a key player in the nation's defence industry with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkiye's leading defence engineering company, Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik ve Ticaret A.S. (STM). This strategic collaboration marks a new chapter in the modernisation of naval military platforms and the development of next-generation vessels. LUNAS chief executive officer Azhar Jumaat said the collaboration not only strengthens the company's technical capabilities but also elevates Malaysia's profile in the global maritime defence arena. 'This partnership reinforces the country's efforts to enhance maritime defence resilience through technology transfer, local capability development and innovation with trusted global partners. 'It positions LUNAS as a more competitive government-linked strategic asset while also supporting the Malaysia Madani aspirations, which focus on modernisation, competitiveness and global engagement in national industrial development.' he said. The MoU exchange was held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25) and was witnessed by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Turkiye's Defence Industry Agency president Haluk Gorgun, Azhar and STM chief executive officer Ozgur Guleryuz. As a symbolic gesture of the Madani Government's support for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme, Anwar placed the Jalur Gemilang on a five-meter Bryks model replica displayed at the LUNAS booth. LUNAS, which is wholly owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), is now actively expanding into new sectors including commercial shipbuilding and repair, heavy engineering, and ship recycling, marking its transformation into a diversified maritime and engineering powerhouse.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
TLDM lights up Perak PMR 2025 with show-stopping display
LUMUT: Despite the sweltering heat, visitors at Dataran Lumut Waterfront were visibly uplifted by the spirited performance of the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Brass Band on the second day of the Perak MADANI Rakyat (PMR) 2025 Programme. A 20-minute showcase of musical flair and discipline by the elite RMN Brass Band drew enthusiastic crowds, many eager to catch a rare glimpse of the national heroes outside their usual military duties. TLDM Brass Band Music director commander Mohd Shamram Ramli said the performance was held at the request of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), the lead ministry for the Perak PMR 2025 Programme, to give the public a rare opportunity to witness the band's unique appeal outside a military setting. According to him, the performance first caught public attention after going viral on social media during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25) in May, and was later staged at the TLDM Junior Soldiers' Passing Out Parade in Tanjung Pengelih, Johor. 'We created this performance to entertain people and, at the same time, showcase the uniqueness of TLDM. The songs we played were chosen from a list of viral tracks,' he told Bernama today. For this performance, the band brought a more laid-back vibe, featuring live singing, a dynamic drumline, and a fiery 'dragon' effect that lit up the sky, adding a dramatic touch to the show. What made the performance even more delightful was seeing the band members dance while playing their instruments, creating a vibrant and feel-good atmosphere for the crowd who braved the afternoon heat. According to Mohd Shamram, the TLDM Brass Band comprises 65 members, but due to limited space at the venue, only 55 were involved in the performance for the Perak PMR 2025. Before the band took the stage, the crowd was treated to TLDM's silent drill, a highly disciplined and synchronised routine performed without any verbal instructions or hand signals. It was a mesmerising performance that held the crowd's full attention, requiring the members to display exceptional coordination, control, and teamwork. Those who missed today's performances can catch them again at the Perak PMR 2025 tomorrow at 2 pm.
Barnama
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
TLDM Lights Up Perak PMR 2025 With Show-Stopping Display
LUMUT, June 14 (Bernama) -- Despite the sweltering heat, visitors at Dataran Lumut Waterfront were visibly uplifted by the spirited performance of the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Brass Band on the second day of the Perak MADANI Rakyat (PMR) 2025 Programme. A 20-minute showcase of musical flair and discipline by the elite RMN Brass Band drew enthusiastic crowds, many eager to catch a rare glimpse of the national heroes outside their usual military duties. TLDM Brass Band Music director commander Mohd Shamram Ramli said the performance was held at the request of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), the lead ministry for the Perak PMR 2025 Programme, to give the public a rare opportunity to witness the band's unique appeal outside a military setting. According to him, the performance first caught public attention after going viral on social media during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25) in May, and was later staged at the TLDM Junior Soldiers' Passing Out Parade in Tanjung Pengelih, Johor. 'We created this performance to entertain people and, at the same time, showcase the uniqueness of TLDM. The songs we played were chosen from a list of viral tracks,' he told Bernama today. For this performance, the band brought a more laid-back vibe, featuring live singing, a dynamic drumline, and a fiery 'dragon' effect that lit up the sky, adding a dramatic touch to the show. What made the performance even more delightful was seeing the band members dance while playing their instruments, creating a vibrant and feel-good atmosphere for the crowd who braved the afternoon heat. According to Mohd Shamram, the TLDM Brass Band comprises 65 members, but due to limited space at the venue, only 55 were involved in the performance for the Perak PMR 2025. Before the band took the stage, the crowd was treated to TLDM's silent drill, a highly disciplined and synchronised routine performed without any verbal instructions or hand signals.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PM expresses appreciation, applauds successful organisation of LIMA'25, ASEAN Summits
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all parties involved in the successful organisation of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25) and the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits last month. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also MADANI Government spokesperson, said Anwar conveyed the appreciation message during today's Cabinet meeting, describing both events as historic milestones for Malaysia. 'The Prime Minister deeply values the efforts of all personnel and teams involved in organising LIMA'25 in Langkawi, as well as the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, at the end of May. 'Most heads of state and government leaders expressed their satisfaction with the warm hospitality and thorough preparations by Malaysia as the host,' Fahmi said at his weekly press conference. Fahmi said that the Prime Minister is currently considering appropriate forms of recognition to honour the dedication and commitment shown by all parties involved, with a formal announcement to be made in due course. 'Insya-Allah, several options are being considered, and we leave it to the Prime Minister to make the official announcement,' he said. LIMA'25 in Langkawi gathered 860 exhibitors from 24 countries, comprising 426 international and 434 local companies. Themed 'Today's Innovation, Tomorrow's Achievements', this year's edition was the largest maritime and aerospace exhibition in Southeast Asia since LIMA's inception in 1991. In Kuala Lumpur, apart from the 46th ASEAN Summit, two high-level meetings were also successfully held last month, namely the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the first ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. The inaugural trilateral summit between ASEAN, GCC and China, which was also attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, not only marked a new chapter of strategic ties but also showcased Malaysia's commitment to enhancing regional economic cooperation. The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Fahmi noted that the successful organisation of LIMA'25 and the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits forms a strong foundation for Malaysia's hosting of the 47th ASEAN Summit in October under its 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
