30-06-2025
Tegas' groundbreaking Sarawak Rocketeer CAN-SAT Challenge cultivates interest in space technology
A handout photo shows a rocket model launch at Politeknik Kuching.
KUCHING (June 30): Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) has launched the groundbreaking Sarawak Rocketeer CAN-SAT Challenge (SRC) to cultivate interest in space technology among secondary students.
Tegas said in a statement that the programme offers students the rare opportunity to design and build real rockets, marking a significant shift in hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education previously unavailable in Sarawak.
A total of 50 participants from 10 secondary schools across five districts took part, experiencing everything from the basics of aerodynamics and rocket design to hands-on rocket launches — including the thrilling 120-metre model launch at Politeknik Kuching.
The programme's finale, the Sarawak Level Challenge, will take centre stage during the SCaT Fair 2025 on July 5-6 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
Winners will represent Sarawak at the Malaysia Rocket Competition 2025, with a chance to soar even higher at the Spaceport America Cup 2025 on the global stage.
Launched in mid-June, the SRC Challenge features a multi-phase structure starting with workshops and live demonstrations on June 14-15, followed by the Rocket Launching Day on June 28-29.
Students observe a rocket model launch.
Strategic collaborators in this initiative included UiTM-MTC High Energy Material Research Laboratory (Hemrel), Centex Sarawak Aerospace Academy, and Sarawak Skills, which played crucial roles as facilitators, trainers, judges, and technical advisors.
Key support was also provided by the Sarawak Education Department; district education offices in Kuching, Padawan, Samarahan, Serian, and Bau; along with agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, and Ministry of Health. Sarawak Rocketeer CAN-SAT Challenge space technology tegas
