KUALA LUMPUR: An inaugural space law court competition is being organised by the government to nurture new talent and strengthen existing expertise in the field in Malaysia.
Organised by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti), the Space Law Court Competition (PMPA) 2025 is also aimed at raising public awareness of the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 (Act 834) and the United Nations Outer Space Treaty.
“Organising this competition is important to encourage the younger generation to take an interest in the field and enhance Malaysia’s standing,” said Mosti space regulator Mhd Fairos Asillam.
“Space law is currently offered only as an elective subject at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,” said Mhd Fairos in an interview with Bernama Radio yesterday.
PMPA 2025 will be held from Dec 5 to 7 at USIM in Nilai, Negri Sembilan, with participation open to students from public and private higher education institutions.The competition, which will take the form of simulated court proceedings, will highlight issues related to space law.
The organisation of PMPA 2025 is also closely linked to the Manfred Lachs Space Moot Court Competition (MLSMC), hosted by the International Institute of Space Law, which is recognised as an observer to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (Uncopuos).
Mhd Fairos said the MLSMC was a prestigious space law competition that gave participants exposure to real court proceedings at the International Court of Justice.
“The winner of PMPA 2025 will be sponsored to represent Malaysia at the Asia-Pacific level of the MLSMC,” he said, adding that registration is free for PMPA 2025 while the participants’ accommodation and meals are fully sponsored.
He said Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global space sector is expected to grow through the development of highly skilled human capital in strategic areas such as space law and technology.
He also expressed hope that PMPA 2025 would produce the first group of students with basic expertise in space law advocacy, in line with the National Space Policy 2030.
Mhd Fairos said the competition is also important in ensuring the effective implementation of Act 834 and supporting the country’s space industry development.
Registration is open until Sept 30, with further information available on the official PMPA 2025 website at https://spacelawmootcourt.usim.edu.my.
