UMPSA explores strategic collaboration with LatConnect 60 and ReOrbitBTS in satellite and aerospace technology research

DUBAI, 20 November 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) strengthens its position as a leading national institution in space technology through two strategic research collaborations with LatConnect 60 Sdn. Bhd (LatConnect 60) and ReOrbit BTS Sdn. Bhd. (ReOrbitBTS).

The collaboration with LatConnect 60 involves a research project titled ‘Hyperspectral Earth Observation Satellite for Pahang Aerospace City’, focusing on the development of satellite technology based on hyperspectral remote sensing.

This effort is expected to enhance data analytics capability for the agriculture, disaster management, forestry, security, and climate change monitoring sectors, in line with the aspiration to develop Pahang Aerospace City as the national aerospace hub.

In addition, UMPSA established a research collaboration with ReOrbitBTS through the ‘Sovereign Satellite Development Ecosystem in Malaysia’.

This project will focus on the development of the satellite ecosystem, including satellite system design, mission operations, local expertise development, and the establishment of a complete value chain for the satellite industry.

The ceremony witnessed the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dr Yatimah Alias, signing a letter of intent (LoI) with the Chief Commercial Officer of ReOrbit, Mohan Nerjoo, while representing LC60 was its Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Venkat Pillay, in conjunction with the Dubai Airshow 2025 held at Dubai World Central (DWC).

Present to witness the event were the Chairman of the UMPSA Board of Directors, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, and the Chief Executive Officer of Pahang Aerospace City Development Berhad (PAC), Adjunct Professor Muhamad Nurazmi Abas.

Also present was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of UMPSA, Professor Dr Aida Mustapha.

According to Professor Dr Yatimah, both collaborations are significant steps in strengthening the university’s research and innovation capabilities in space technology.

“This strategic collaboration will expand UMPSA’s research capability in the field of aerospace and subsequently support the national agenda to build local satellite technology capability.

“UMPSA is committed to playing a leading role in driving the development of Pahang Aerospace City,” she said.

With the sealing of these high-impact research collaboration projects, UMPSA is confident it can contribute directly to the development of the national aerospace sector and open greater opportunities for students, researchers, and industry partners in the field of satellite technology.

This collaboration is also aligned with the establishment of the UMPSA Venture Studio known as Versus, the first in Malaysia, which will become an innovation and commercialisation hub to produce start-ups in the fields of AI, autonomous systems, and mobility technology.

By: Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press