In 1992, in response to the Vision 2020 plan laid out by YA. Bhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed for the development of communications infrastructure for Malaysia for the new millennium, Binariang Sdn. Bhd. brought together a team of experienced and highly motivated experts to develop and launch Malaysia’s first communications satellite system. The project was named the Malaysia East Asia Satellite or MEASAT for short.

This effort culminated in the launch in 1996 of the MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2 communications satellites from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The two high-powered Boeing 376HP communications satellites provided regional C-Band coverage and pioneered the use of Ku-Band in the high rain fall South East Asia region. Operated from a purposed built satellite control facility located 915m above sea level in Gunung Raya, Langkawi, the MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2 satellites started providing satellite service across South East Asia from 1996.

The launch of MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2 led to a rapid increase in Malaysian infrastructure development, both in telecommunication and broadcasting industries, including the launch of the first world’s digital Direct-To-Home (DTH) Multi-Channel TV Service, Astro.

Originally part of the Maxis Group, the satellite division became independent in 1998. Undertaking a reverse takeover of Malaysian Tobacco Company (“MTC”) in 2001, renaming the holding company MEASAT Global Berhad, and the operating Company MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd, the company came of age.

Since the launch of the first two satellites, MEASAT has been supporting the development of Malaysia’s ICT infrastructure, while expanding its regional presence. Today MEASAT operates satellites providing reach to over 145 countries, representing 80% of the world’s population. It supports customer over 145 countries and host one of the region’s strongest DTH neighbourhoods.