By Sarah Cope | 2025-08-26

The space sector is emerging as an area of strategic interest across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as member states invest in satellite programs, observatories and launch facilities.

Levels of progress vary among the 10 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (Timor-Leste is expected to become a full member in October.)

While Indonesia and Thailand pursue large-scale infrastructure and Vietnam explores space tourism projects, Singapore has positioned itself as a regional hub for advanced communications research and space-related entrepreneurship.

Satellite-based communications have proliferated in recent years as governments and regional organizations invest in space infrastructure to enhance connectivity and resilience.

A key institution in this effort is the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), which is driving initiatives in satellite communications, including in 5G/6G integration.

At World Expo 2025, hosted in Osaka, Japan, through October 13, SUTD and partners conducted a cross-country 5G New Radio (NR) transmission via a geostationary satellite.

SUTD's multinational partners in the demonstration included Japanese satellite company SKY Perfect JSAT, Taiwanese 5G company TMYTEK, German multinational tech firm Rohde & Schwarz, and US-based VIAVI Solutions.

The transmission succeeded in connecting Singapore and Japan using 3GPP-compliant Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology, testing delay compensation and signaling methods to maintain connectivity over long distances.

NTNs are wireless communication systems designed to complement or extend the reach of traditional terrestrial networks, offering solutions for areas with limited or no cellular coverage.

Intercontinental partnerships

SUTD’s research activities are supported by Singapore’s Future Communications R&D Program, a SGD 70 million ($50 million) initiative backed by the Infocomm Media Development Authority and the National Research Foundation.

The program established Southeast Asia’s first 6G research facility, the Future Communications Connectivity Lab.

The European Space Agency’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate has formally broadened its collaboration with the Future Communications Research and Development Programme at SUTD.

Current projects focus on satellite-based 5G/6G payloads, quantum key distribution for secure communications, and frameworks for maritime connectivity.

These efforts align with Singapore’s broader objective of strengthening space-enabled communications and related industries.

Alongside research, government initiatives are supporting private sector involvement.

Enterprise Singapore administers the Space Technology Development Program, which has received over SGD 200 million ($155.6 million) in funding, including an additional SGD 60 million ($46.7 million) in 2025.

The program supports startups developing applications for aviation, maritime and environmental monitoring.

Within the ASEAN space program landscape, Singapore is building a role as a center for communications research and entrepreneurial activity, connecting regional ambitions with global partners.