Malaysia is charting a new course in the regional space economy with the launch of the ATMOS Sphere at the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima ’25) on May 20, 2025.
The ATMOS Sphere (Aerospace, Technology, Maritime, Operations for Sustainability) was unveiled by Dato’ Nonee Ashirin Dato’ Mohd Radzi, executive chairman of Global Turbine Asia Sdn Bhd (GTA) and strategy advisor to Global Exhibitions and Conferences (GEC), in a ceremony witnessed by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) secretary general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad.
Also present the event were CWC Enterprise Pte Ltd managing director Winfred Khoo, Malaysian Space Agency director general Dato’ Gs Haji Azlikamil Napiah and GTA director Philippe Lubrano.
The ATMOS Sphere takes centre stage in Lima’s expanded Space and Innovation pillar, further embodying the exhibition’s theme: “Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow.”
Lima 2025 from May 20 – 24 in Langkawi, Kedah, hosted by the Ministry of Defence Malaysia and co-organised by GEC, stands as the Asia-Pacific’s leading platform for aerospace, maritime, and now, space technologies.
The ATMOS Sphere showcases how space technology is driving progress in climate science, telecommunications, navigation, agriculture and national security.
The event featured keynote addresses by Dato’ Nonee and Russian cosmonaut trainer Timofey Egorov,and spotlighted Malaysia’s growing role in the new space economy, with a strong focus on international collaboration and youth engagement.
A highlight was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Nonee Ashirin Foundation and CWC Enterprise Pte Ltd. This partnership will establish Malaysia’s first Young Cosmonaut School in Penang, inspiring and training the next generation of space explorers and STEM leaders.
“This agreement made possible by the launch of the ATMOS Sphere, marks our commitment to building a sustainable space ecosystem in Malaysia. Through collaboration and education, we are laying the groundwork for long-term growth in the global space economy,” said Dato’ Nonee Ashirin.
Egorov commented on the Young Cosmonaut School in his speech, saying: “The initiative aims to empower children to begin their space journey at an early age by sparking their curiosity and teaching them essential skills, including ethics, which are vital for any successful astronaut. Beyond inspiring future space explorers, the school’s objective is to nurture a new generation of critical thinkers, problem-solvers and leaders equipped to drive innovation across science and technology fields.
He added, “Malaysia is uniquely positioned to become a key hub for space development in the region, not only due to its strategic geographic location near the equator which is ideal for space centre, but also because of its forward-looking policies that support space exploration, education and innovation. These factors make Malaysia an ideal partner in advancing global space initiatives.”
The ATMOS Sphere will host a vibrant programme of exhibits, live demonstrations and thought leadership sessions. Highlights include rocket launch simulations, immersive art shows exploring space and the oceans, and “The Future One” talks featuring international experts and local industry leaders.
The ATMOS Sphere is designed to foster collaboration between industry, government and academia, nurturing local talent and accelerating Malaysia’s rise as a regional leader in the space economy.
For more information, visit the official site LIMA 2025 or @LIMA’25 on social media.
