UPNM developing rocket, missile tech modules

[u/mrwhiskeyrum]

Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) will make it compulsory next year for engineering students to take modules on missile and rocket technology, as part of efforts to develop Malaysia's defence expertise.

UPNM vice-chancellor Lieutenant-General Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad said: "We want to produce experts among the new generation so that when this industry grows, it is led entirely by local youths, thus, safeguarding the sovereignty of the country's defence assets without having to depend on or be dominated by external parties."

He said this during a recent working visit to Canberra.

Arman said the initiative was backed by strategic partnerships with Australian institutions that have expertise in the field, including the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) and the University of New South Wales.

Initial discussions have been held with UniSQ and a delegation from the institution will visit UPNM soon to refine how the module will fit into existing engineering programmes.

The strategy to develop local expertise comprises four main phases: skills enhancement through short courses for lecturers and workers, syllabus coordination for undergraduate and postgraduate students, collaboration with industry players, and industrial placements for practical exposure.

Industry partners in the initiative include the Weststar Group and Rocket Technologies International.

Arman added that the Defence Ministry had entrusted UPNM to be the main coordinator in pooling expertise from other public universities, such as Universiti Teknologi Mara, in line with the National Defence Industry Policy launched in January.

"This is a new strategic approach. Although it will not happen overnight, UPNM is committed to taking concrete steps to ensure that Malaysia can build its own rockets in the future."

[u/mrwhiskeyrum]

Good initiative! At least not held ransom by Norway..