‘Holistic approach needed to ensure growth of country’s space programme’
KUCHING: A holistic approach is needed to ensure the country’s space programme continues to expand in the future.
Malaysia’s second astronaut Major Dr Mohd Faiz Khaleed said for this to happen, the people must first understand what the national space industry is all about and its importance to the country.
“The space programme is not about just sending a person to space with certain objectives and then full-stop. It must have a continued agenda if the country wants to continue with the space race like all the big nations who control the industry such as the US, Russia, China, Japan and others,” he said yesterday.
Dr Mohd Faiz was here for the P194 Petra Jaya Education Bureau’s ‘ School Attack’ programme at SK Rakyat.
“To continue with such programme, the government must train qualified people in the field of science, technology and medicine to become astronauts and be the next batch of people from this country to continue the legacy of going into space,” he said.
Dr Mohd Faiz said that countries like China and Japan are currently doing this to compete with the US and the Russians, adding he would support any effort by the government in making sure there is “no stagnation in the country’s space programme.”
“Sending an astronaut into space is expensive but to train them is not. The cost to become an astronaut for a qualified Malaysian is as much as the cost of sending a student from Malaysia to do medicine in the UK.
“So in order to have continuity and well- trained candidates to be our next batch of qualified astronauts, we must have a pool of good scientists, engineers, medical doctors and pilots to be trained.”
He pointed out that the current focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) would enable the country to catch up with other nations’ space programme.
Dr Mohd Faiz said that despite not being selected to go to into space, he will continue with his role to inculcate the importance of science and technology among the young.
“It is very important that parents support their children, especially in terms of spiritual and emotional needs, because the learning period is a long way and young people need the support of their parents.
“I appreciate parents who know the importance of education. As for students, you must never be afraid to make mistakes in school as you have teachers to help and guide you.”
Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Petra Jaya incumbent, and SK Rakyat headmistress Siti Ajar Yasin were present at event.