PMPA 2025 Platform To Develop New Talent In Space Law

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The inaugural Space Law Court Competition (PMPA) 2025, organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), will serve as a platform to nurture new talent and strengthen expertise in space law in Malaysia.

MOSTI space regulator Mhd Fairos Asillam said the competition was also aimed at raising public awareness of the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 (Act 834) and the United Nations (UN) Outer Space Treaty.

“Space law is currently offered only as an elective subject at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Organising this competition is therefore important to encourage the younger generation to take an interest in the field and enhance Malaysia’s standing,” he said after being interviewed in a programme on Bernama Radio here today.

According to him, the competition also provides exposure to the community, particularly students and academics from law faculties at local institutions of higher learning.

PMPA 2025 will be held from Dec 5 to 7 at USIM, Nilai, in Negeri 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 in a country in the region. A unique feature of this inaugural competition is free registration, with participants’ accommodation and meals fully sponsored,” he said.

Mhd Fairos said Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global space sector was 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 was also important in ensuring the effective implementation of Act 834 and in supporting the development of the country’s space industry.

Registration is open until Sept 30, with further information available on the official PMPA 2025 website at https://spacelawmootcourt.usim.edu.my.

The organisation of PMPA 2025 is led by the MOSTI Space Authority Division, in collaboration with USIM and supported by strategic implementing partner Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia.

--BERNAMA