- Strategic Partnership: The Nonee Ashirin Foundation (NAF) and Singapore-based CWC Enterprise Pte Ltd are collaborating to set up the International Youth Space Academy (IYSA) in Malaysia to nurture future leaders in the global space industry.
- Youth Empowerment: Founded by Dato’ Nonee Ashirin, NAF focuses on inspiring Malaysian youth to pursue careers in space through STEM-driven education, innovation, and exposure to international opportunities.
- National Vision Alignment: The initiative supports Malaysia’s long-term ambition to be an active participant in the global space sector by developing local talent and fostering space awareness at an early age.
NONEE ASHIRIN FOUNDATION (NAF) and CWC Enterprise Pte Ltd (CWC), a Singapore-based international research and education organisation, have announced plans to collaborate on the establishment of the International Youth Space Academy (IYSA) in Malaysia. The initiative aims to inspire and equip the next generation of space leaders through cutting-edge education, strategic partnerships, and global outreach.
Founded by Dato’ Nonee Ashirin, NAF is a Malaysian non-profit dedicated to empowering young people to explore careers in the space industry. With a strong focus on STEM education and innovation, NAF serves as a catalyst for building space awareness and cultivating national talent in line with Malaysia’s long-term vision for participation in the global space sector.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on May 20, 2025 by NAF founder Dato’ Nonee and CWC Managing Director Winfred Khoo, the organisations will jointly explore the development of IYSA as a model educational and training centre for children and youth. The project’s broader ambition is to replicate this academy globally as a flagship institution for space-related education.
“We believe Malaysia’s youth have incredible potential, and it’s our responsibility to open doors for them in fields that will shape their future. The International Youth Space Academy is about more than just science and technology — it’s about inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and giving young people the tools to dream big,” says Dato’ Nonee.
“By bringing together partners from around the world, we’re creating opportunities for our youth to learn, collaborate, and lead on a global stage. I am proud to see Malaysia take this step, and I look forward to seeing the next generation reach new heights.”
Global collaboration for youth space education
The global collaboration on space education for the Malaysian youth include:
- Designing programmes to train young cosmonauts, including informational, engineering, moral, ethical, and physical development
- Establishing IYSA in Malaysia as a standard-setting model to inspire the creation of similar institutions worldwide
- Preparing youth for future roles in space exploration and fostering international scientific literacy
The initiative brings together a distinguished network of collaborators:
- Timofey Egorov and associates from the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre (Russia) and the Association Ecology of the Unknown as co-developers
- The Shanghai Science & Technology Museum to co-develop the curriculum
- Renowned Malaysian astrophysicist Tan Sri Dr. Mazlan Othman as an adviser
- Tech Dome Penang as project secretariat
- NAF as the co-sponsor and local institutional driver
- CWC as organiser and international liaison
A separate formal agreement to establish the IYSA will be pursued by Nov 30, 2025.
