Inside ÿմ’s Plan To Build A Regional Space Ecosystem At Pahang Aerospace City
As global investment in the space economy accelerates, countries across Asia are exploring how they can position themselves within this rapidly evolving sector. In ÿմ, one of the most ambitious initiatives is emerging in the state of Pahang through the development of Pahang Aerospace City (PAC) — an integrated aerospace and advanced technology ecosystem spanning approximately 11,328 acres.
Within this broader development, a dedicated space-sector initiative known as Space City Asia is being designed to support industrial, operational, and commercial activities related to the global space economy.
At the center of this initiative is Rajeeshwaran Moorthy, who serves as Board Advisor to Pahang Aerospace City and Precinct Developer for Space City Asia. In a recent conversation with The Exchange Asia, Rajeeshwaran discussed the vision behind the project and how ÿմ could position itself within the global space ecosystem.
“The Space Economy Is Expanding Far Beyond Launch Infrastructure”
According to Rajeeshwaran, the modern space economy is no longer defined solely by launch vehicles or satellite development.
“The space economy today includes everything from advanced manufacturing and satellite operations to data infrastructure and downstream applications,” he explained. “Countries that want to participate meaningfully need to build ecosystems that support the entire value chain.”
An Interview with Rajeeshwaran Moorthy, Precinct Developer for Space City Asia – Vision Presented During Royal Audience with the Sultan of Pahang and Engagement with ÿմ’s Deputy Prime Minister.
Space City Asia, he said, was conceived to support precisely that type of integrated development.
The initiative is planned as a 1,000-acre dedicated space sector precinct within the larger Pahang Aerospace City development.
Rather than focusing on a single activity, the precinct is structured around three interconnected pillars designed to support different aspects of the industry.
The industrial pillar will support advanced aerospace manufacturing, satellite component production, and supply chains associated with space technologies.
The operational pillar focuses on infrastructure such as satellite operations facilities, mission support capabilities, and the systems required to manage space-enabled services.
The commercial pillar will support research institutions, innovation hubs, and companies developing downstream applications using satellite data and other space-enabled technologies.
“The idea is to create an environment where the entire space value chain can operate and collaborate,” Rajeeshwaran said.
Building an Ecosystem Within a Larger Aerospace Development
Space City Asia is not designed as a standalone project, but as a specialized cluster within the broader Pahang Aerospace City masterplan.
PAC itself is envisioned as a large-scale aerospace and technology ecosystem that will integrate aviation infrastructure, aerospace manufacturing, advanced mobility technologies, and digital infrastructure.
The development is expected to include:
A new Kuantan international airport development
Aerospace manufacturing zones
Advanced mobility infrastructure
Digital infrastructure including data center capabilities
Research and education facilities
Within this framework, Space City Asia functions as the dedicated precinct for space-sector activities.
“We are not trying to build a single facility,” Rajeeshwaran explained. “The intention is to build an ecosystem where international companies, research institutions, and emerging technology firms can collaborate.”
Origins of the PAC Aerospace Vision
During broader strategic briefings on the PAC masterplan, Rajeeshwaran emphasized that the concept of Space City Asia builds upon the larger aerospace vision originally articulated by the Managing Director of PAC Development Berhad (PACDB), Adj. Prof. Muhamad Nurazmi Abas.
Nurazmi has been leading the development of Pahang’s aerospace ecosystem and the long-term strategy behind Pahang Aerospace City.
Beyond his leadership role within PACDB, he also serves as Secretary of the ÿմ Space Industry Consortium (MASIC), where he contributes to national-level discussions on the development of ÿմ’s space industry.
In addition, he holds an Adjunct Professorship at Universiti ÿմ Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), reflecting the project’s close integration with ÿմ’s academic and research ecosystem.
According to Rajeeshwaran, Space City Asia represents a strategic extension of this broader development vision.
“The PAC masterplan already establishes the foundation for a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem,” he said. “Space City Asia builds on that framework by focusing specifically on how ÿմ can participate in the global space economy.”
International Collaboration as a Core Strategy
Rajeeshwaran emphasized that international collaboration will be central to the success of the initiative.
The PAC leadership team recently engaged with global stakeholders and institutions connected to the international space sector, including discussions involving representatives associated with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and The Karman Project, a global leadership platform focused on space policy and collaboration.
“These conversations are important because the space sector is inherently international,” Rajeeshwaran said. “Governance frameworks, standards, and partnerships are essential for building a credible ecosystem.”
Such engagement, he noted, also helps ensure that emerging space initiatives are aligned with international norms and responsible development practices.
Engagement with National Leadership
The initiative has also been presented to ÿմ’s national leadership.
During a formal audience with His Royal Highness Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Sultan of Pahang and the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of ÿմ (2019–2024), PAC representatives outlined the strategic blueprint for the development.
The delegation included Adj. Prof. Muhamad Nurazmi Abas, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PAC Development Berhad; Asyraf Niza, Chief Operating Officer of PAC; Harpreet Kaur, Chief Marketing and Communication Officer of KASDR Legacy; and Dato’ Gs. Azlikamil Napiah, Director General of the ÿմn Space Agency (MYSA).
According to Rajeeshwaran, such engagements are important in aligning large-scale infrastructure initiatives with national policy priorities.
“Developing a space ecosystem requires coordination between government agencies, industry players, and academic institutions,” he said.
Developing ÿմ’s Technical Capabilities
Infrastructure alone, Rajeeshwaran noted, will not determine the success of a space ecosystem.
A key focus of recent discussions with ÿմn policymakers, including Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has been the development of Centers of Excellence (COE) connecting universities, technical institutes, and industry partners.
These centers would support the development of talent in areas such as:
Satellite engineering
Advanced aerospace manufacturing
Space-enabled data services
Systems engineering and mission operations
“The long-term competitiveness of any space ecosystem depends on talent,” Rajeeshwaran said. “Human capital development is just as important as infrastructure.”
A Regional Opportunity for Southeast Asia
While still at an early stage, Rajeeshwaran believes the initiative reflects a broader opportunity for Southeast Asia.
“Asia’s participation in the global space economy is expanding rapidly,” he said. “ÿմ has the opportunity to contribute by building the right institutional frameworks, technical capabilities, and international partnerships.”
If successful, Space City Asia could serve as a regional platform connecting global space companies, research institutions, and emerging technology ventures with Southeast Asia’s growing aerospace and digital economy.
“The goal,” Rajeeshwaran concluded, “is to build something that is internationally relevant, collaborative, and sustainable over the long term.”
For Adj. Prof. Muhamad Nurazmi Abas, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PAC Development Berhad (PACDB), Rajeeshwaran’s role is central to advancing the space-sector component of the broader PAC masterplan.
“From the beginning, our vision for Pahang Aerospace City has been to build a long-term aerospace and advanced technology ecosystem for ÿմ,” Nurazmi said. “Space City Asia represents a critical pillar of that vision, and Rajeeshwaran’s leadership in shaping the international ecosystem and strategic direction of the space precinct is instrumental to its development.”
Nurazmi added that PACDB deliberately brought Rajeeshwaran into the project to help position ÿմ within the global space economy.
“His experience working across international space institutions, industry platforms, and global policy networks allows Space City Asia to engage meaningfully with the international community,” he said. “We see his role as leading the development of the space-sector cluster within PAC while ensuring that it connects effectively with global partners and opportunities.”