Major role for Faiz

By TOMMY LEE

The Angkasawan, recently named NS programme icon, hopes to use his military and astronaut training to help trainees build confidence and understand the challenges they will be faced with not just at camp but also in life.

MORE confident, better communication skills, a more friendly and open outlook.
These are the qualities which Angkasawan Mejar Dr Faiz Khaleed hopes to see in National Service trainees when they complete their three-month stint in the various camps.

Mejar Dr Faiz, 28, who has been appointed icon for the National Service programme said such characteristics were very important when trainees move on to their working life or when they enter universities.

“It prepares them to be better individuals who can stand up among the crowd,” he said.

“I find the trainees very shy. When asked questions, they know the answers but are not confident to speak up. They are scared of people laughing at them.”

Mejar Dr Faiz said at the end of the day, he hoped that such weaknesses could be addressed. “It will be most satisfying to see the trainees acquire above average communication skills and to be brave enough to look into a person's eyes and introduce himself with confidence.

“Also I hope to see the trainees eventually picking up the qualities of a person who can rationalise things and make decisions which are mature,” he said.

“We want to nurture such optimistic Malaysians to be the bangsa Malaysia we can be proud of,” he said.

He added that one important aspect which must be spelt out clearly was human capital of high calibre.

“It is no point having the best skilled scientists or lawyers who lack character,” he pointed out.

“I also want to see the trainees overcoming their fears, such as fear of heights. They must ask themselves how far they can push themselves.”

On his role as the icon, Mejar Dr Faiz said he started joining trainees in the NS training last month.

“I hope to change the perception of these trainees towards the National Service training programme.

“This is where I come in to change their mindset. Although the programme also includes army-like modules, the focus is actually on character building – to instil leadership qualities, moulding them to be team players and inculcating in them other positive values,” he said.

He said in schools or universities, the trainees would not be exposed to such learning processes as it was heavily centred on academics.

“Once they understand the objective (of the NS training programme), they can go through the training process with an open mind and will benefit more from it,” he said.

Mejar Dr Faiz, who is a military dentist, was shortlisted along with orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to be the first Malaysian in space.

On Oct 10 last year, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar made history by becoming the first Malaysian to fly to the International Space Station.

Both underwent training at the Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre in Star City near Moscow.
Drawing references from the military, he said, where soldiers were asked to carry out vigorous exercises, the focus in National Service was different because its objective was to test the mental stamina and ability of the trainees, not so much on the physical aspects.

Mejar Dr Faiz said he also intend to go to schools to give talks to clear any misconception about the programme.

“Some may even volunteer for the threemonth stint after getting a better understanding of the training programme,” he said.

On trainees facing difficulties adjusting to life in the camps, he said understanding every aspect of the training module was crucial.

“It's about being patient in facing pressure. Everyone has to assess their own capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. What you can do, I may not be able to do.

“Once you understand your strengths and weaknesses, you can overcome any obstacle,” he said.
Mejar Dr Faiz said he understands that not all could adapt to outdoor activities.

“Some are afraid of heights and dare not attempt the 'flying fox' activity. This is where we help them overcome their fears.

“We don't force them but instead let them assess and make their own decision,” he said.
They would be made to realise that if they did not overcome their fears, they would have to carry that burden with them for the rest of their lives.

“As a military man, I will be able to impart my training experience. My training in Russia for the Angkasawan programme will also be helpful in making them look at the bigger picture and understand the challenges in life,” he said.

To a question whether he is paid for his services, Mejar Dr Faiz said it was actually a “national service” on his part, too.