USIM Opens Malaysia’s First Space Law Moot Competition, PMPA 2025
NILAI, Dec 6 – Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) today marked a significant milestone with the official opening of the inaugural Pertandingan Mut Perundangan Angkasa (PMPA 2025), the country’s first space law moot competition.
The ceremony was officiated by Associate Professor Dr Abdul Manan Ismail, Dean of the Faculty of Syariah and Law, representing USIM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Sharifudin Md Shaaran.
Held at the Faculty of Syariah and Law Moot Court, the event brought together representatives from ministries, government agencies, industry players, academic institutions, NGOs and participants from various public and private universities.
In his speech, Dr Abdul Manan welcomed guests and thanked the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), particularly the Office of the Space Regulator, for its close collaboration with USIM in organising the PMPA 2025 for the first time.
He also expressed appreciation to the Malaysian Innovation Foundation (YIM) for its support as a strategic partner.
He said the partnership between MOSTI and USIM reflects the integration of policy expertise and academic strength, contributing to the development of national talent and strengthening Malaysia’s framework for competitive and ethical space governance.
Dr Abdul Manan emphasised that the competition serves as a crucial platform to nurture the next generation of space law practitioners at a time when the global sector is rapidly expanding, with increasing commercial rocket launches, satellite deployment, orbital debris challenges and global governance issues.
Through PMPA 2025, participants will be tested on their advocacy skills and their ability to apply both Malaysian law and international space law, including the Liability Convention, State Responsibility, Freedom of Exploration and space governance principles relevant to Malaysia.
He added that USIM remains committed to advancing knowledge, research and innovation in frontier fields. The university’s integration of syariah, science and law, he said, provides a unique value proposition in shaping ethical and sustainable space governance.
Dr Abdul Manan also thanked the organising committee, judges, lecturers and all parties involved for their dedication in ensuring the competition is conducted with professionalism and excellence.
Before concluding, he encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to build skills, gain new insights and expand their professional networks.
With that, he officially declared the Pertandingan Mut Perundangan Angkasa 2025 open.