According to industry reports, Measat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shanghai Spacesail Technologies Co. Ltd. (SPACESAIL), formerly Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, to explore potential collaboration in satellite broadband and emerging space technologies.
The MoU exchange ceremony occurred in Shanghai, with Measat represented by Chief Operating Officer Yau Chyong Lim and SPACESAIL by its President, Dr. Jason Zheng. This partnership aims to facilitate the deployment of SPACESAIL’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) broadband services and solutions, including its Thousand Sails mega-constellation, also known as “Qianfan.” The collaboration will focus on emerging technologies such as Direct-to-Device (D2D) communications, satellite-based IoT services, and Earth Observation (EO) capabilities in Malaysia and other Asian markets where Measat operates. Additionally, both companies will conduct a joint study on rain fade effects in Q-/V-band high-frequency transmission.
Commenting on the MoU, Communications Minister YB Fahmi Fadzil said: “In 2024, Malaysia marked the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, celebrating the many positive outcomes of this cordial friendship. Looking forward, there are abundant opportunities for deeper collaboration, especially in harnessing advanced technologies to enhance people’s lives. These innovations can potentially drive a wide array of benefits, from improving the delivery of government services to fostering economic growth through industrial and commercial applications. Additionally, with Malaysia serving as Chairman of ASEAN this year, we hope to showcase the country’s technological capabilities and explore new opportunities across the region.”
Yau Chyong Lim, Chief Operating Officer of Measat, added: “Measat is excited to begin this partnership with SPACESAIL to advance LEO satellite services across our markets. We firmly believe in a multi-orbit satellite network to achieve progress in society. We are pleased to have the opportunity to integrate the capabilities of SPACESAIL’s Thousand Sails mega constellation with Measat’s fleet of Geostationary Orbit (“GSO”) satellites. In regions where Measat operates, satellites have immense potential to further bridge the digital divide and overcome geographical challenges. We look forward to realising this multi-orbit potential – from expanding the reach of established use-cases like satellite broadband in remote areas to advancing cutting-edge satellite solutions such as D2D connectivity and satellite-based IoT.”
Dr Jason Zheng, President of SPACESAIL, stated: “For SPACESAIL, this partnership with Measat is another milestone in delivering global broadband connectivity and driving innovation in the satellite industry by synergising our respective strengths. China and Malaysia are two nations that value the role of technology in empowering businesses and improving lives. I look forward to achieving technological progress by tapping on Measat’s local expertise while strengthening bilateral ties – including in upcoming fields like the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial network communications. I thank the Government of Malaysia, particularly the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, for welcoming SPACESAIL’s interest in offering our services in the country in collaboration with local industry leaders such as Measat.”
SPACESAIL’s Thousand Sails mega-constellation, which has launched 72 satellites to date, seeks to provide low-latency, high-speed and ultra-reliable satellite broadband internet services worldwide. The mega-constellation is targeted to consist of more than 15,000 satellites in the future.
