World Space Day assembly unlocks RM50 million in lunar research grants
RM50 million in lunar research grants will finance Malaysia’s first projects targeting agriculture, resource extraction and habitat design on the moon.
Source: Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation · July 25, 2026 at 11:33 PM · AI-assisted report
PUTRAJAYA, 26 JULY 2026 —
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RM50 million in lunar research grants will finance Malaysia’s first projects targeting agriculture, resource extraction and habitat design on the moon.
Market Impact
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation said the funds, announced at the monthly assembly chaired by Secretary-General Dato’ Ts. Dr. Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, will back domestic and international collaborations.
Malaysia’s semiconductor and space-related industries will gain from downstream uses in advanced materials and robotics, Bank Negara Malaysia noted in its June 2026 industry brief. The country supplies 13% of global semiconductor packaging and test capacity.
Grants cover three-year programmes, with the first call for proposals opening in September 2026. Applicants must partner with local universities or government-linked research institutes. Selection criteria will be published on the ministry’s website on 1 August 2026.
The global space economy is valued at US$469 billion. No further details on project selection or timelines were provided.
Related: Putrajaya