KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — Think-tank Social & Economic Research Initiative (Seri) said Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink proposed entry into Malaysia can act as a launching pad for a local space economy.

This, in turn, will bring growth and development opportunities in the global supply chain which will benefit all Malaysians, the think-tank said in a statement today.

Malaysia already enjoys a pre-existing relationship with SpaceX, where 14 years ago on July 14, 2009, it successfully launched RAZAKSat, Seri said.

"Further investment provides an opportunity for local tech and manufacturing companies to participate in the global supply chain,” the statement said.

It said Starlink will be an accelerator of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint by enabling rapid connectivity solutions that meet the government’s digital policies and objectives.

"Seri is keen to support initiatives that bridge the gap in our society, uplift multiple communities, and develop infrastructure for small businesses to thrive,” it said, adding that while investment in the growth of digital economy is crucial, raising participation in the economy is even more so.

"Starlink can enable almost instant coverage for remote and rural communities and businesses to

participate in the digital economy, democratising connectivity, and bridging the digital divide between different social groups,” the statement said, adding that it will also help overcome disruptions in terrestrial Internet service.

It played this role across disaster situations such as floods and typhoons in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and in the United States and displayed its importance when it rapidly replaced destroyed telecommunications services in Ukraine.

Such potential allows Malaysia to transform its approach to disaster management, Seri said.

"High-quality and reliable connectivity has far-reaching positive benefits across schools, hospitals, government e-services and emergency response, remote services and education,” the statement said. — Bernama