Mazlan: Young must carry space dream

GEORGE TOWN: Professor Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman wants the younger generation to continue to develop the field of space science.

She received an honorary doctorate in science at Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) 37th convocation ceremony yesterday.

Mazlan said her dream, going back 25 years, of Malaysia becoming a respected country in space science was bearing fruit.

"I have moved on to the international stage at the United Nations, and now the task of developing space science in the country must be continued by the younger generation," she said after receiving her award from USM Chancellor Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin.

Present were the Raja Perempuan Perlis Tuanku Fauziah, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff and USM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dzulkifli Abdul Razak.
A total of 738 graduates received their degrees. Some 331 received postgraduate degrees, 358 first degrees and 58 diplomas were awarded in the first of two convocations to be held at USM this year.

Mazlan said knowledge and a strong will to succeed were vital to ensure that one's dream came true.

She said one of her sweetest successes was helping Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha realise his dream to go into space.

"The younger generation should have confidence and courage to delve into whatever field they want to."

Mazlan said she hoped more Malaysian scientists would explore space.

"I would also like to congratulate Dr Sheikh Muszaphar who received the Anugerah Kencana Canselor in recognition of being the first Malaysian in space."

Earlier, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said the graduates should play their role in helping society because they were the agents of change and development.

He urged them to play their roles intellectually, to utilise the opportunities available, and to be innovative in facing competition.