Simulator Visit Videos from NTV7 kids@fgw

Do enjoy the videos from our sim visit aired over NTV7 kids@fgw...

Part 1...

Part 2...


Part 3...


Click here to read an article reported by Sinar Harian on our visit...

Simulator Centre Visit

18 students ranging from graduates to undergraduates, schoolchildren and special kids were given the opportunity to try their hands on the controls of the latest Boeing 737-800 full motion flight simulator at the MAS and CAE Flight and Simulator Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The main objective of the event was to let the kids experience what it feels like to pilot a jet aeroplane and hopefully inspire them to choose a career in the aerospace industry. The 2 hour session started off with a brief presentation by En. Shazmi Ali from CAE followed by a short tour of the facilities and the all important flight simulator session. The crew of NTV7 kids@fgw hosted by the ever bubbly Johan were also on site to report on the event. Certificates were given to all the lucky participants at the end of the day. All and all it was a great event and most importantly all the kids had fun and so did we. Until next time, happy holidays to all....

Briefing session

In the simulator

NTV7 host Johan

Certificates presentation

Group photo

Thank you CAE and MAS!!!

Dr Mazlan, The Woman Guiding UN's Outer Space Affairs

NEW YORK, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Meet Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman, the former director-general of the Malaysian National Space Agency (Angkasa), now based in Vienna, Austria, where she heads the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

As the director of UNOOSA she has been guiding the world body's outer-space programme and seems to have made a mark with her extensive knowledge of astrophysics.

Mazlan who frequently visits the United Nations' headquarters in New York for official work, holds a position that brings her in contact with the world's leading astrophysicists.

"Yes, there is a high level of responsibility involved in the kind of work I do. But it is also an exciting field which is challenging as well as replete with opportunities," she tells Bernama.

Some Westerners may find it uncommon to see an Asian woman head an outer-space body that is essentially perceived as a male domain. However, a glance at the petite incumbent's impressive credentials can easily convince even the hardened sceptic that this is a woman who commands respect in her field.

LEADING THE SPACE CHALLENGE

Mazlan who was first appointed to UNOOSA in 1999, returned to Malaysia in 2002 to helm Angkasa where she was intrumental in launching the first Malaysian astronout into space Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor in 2007.

She returned to her post as the director of the UNOOSA at the end of 2007 and ever since she has been dealing with issues like international cooperation in space, use of space-based remote sensing platforms for sustainable development, coordination of space law between nations and mitigating risks posed by near-earth asteroids.

Mazlan, a soft-spoken woman though, infuses the necessary leadership qualities in whatever she does, according to people who have had the opportunity to observe her at close range.

A TOUGH JOB

How does she find working for the UN with its challenges and demands that are incumbent on anyone holding a position of high visibility?

"The challenge of the UN is that it is a multilateral forum, addressing global issues. Consensus, therefore, needs to be built amongst many stakeholders with multifaceted backgrounds and expectations. There needs to be a balance between many parameters such as geography, developing and developed, and gender," she muses.

Prodded to explain her perception of life - not just vegetation but also living beings such as aliens - in outer space, Mazlan cautiously responds:

"Scientifically, we know that there are billions of galaxies containing trillions of stars, many of which will have planets.

"Hence, even if the probability of life is extremely small, given the larger number of stars, the probability is definitely non-zero. What we need to acknowledge is that 'life' can come in many forms and not just the form that we see here on earth."

Asked whether she was ever approached by scientists and other experts who seriously wanted to discuss with her life in outer space, she replies: "Yes, of course. There are experts who study astrobiology... in other words, life in outer space, and there are also experts who study planets, outside the solar system. All of the work has bearing on the issue."

SPACE, STILL NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY

Speaking on specific challenges and opportunities of her present job, she reveals that space is still not taken into account in many aspects of the diplomatic negotiations and debates.

"My job is to bring the attention of the UN member states as well as the UN entities on the important role space can play in bringing benefits and the due consequences that may arise, if we do not pay attention to space issues," she says.

However, there are also opportunities. Because space is part of the discussions already taking place at the United Nations, the attention given to it can be further enhanced by expounding the idea that space is the common province of all mankind.

"And that space exploration is an important agenda of the United Nations and, therefore, international cooperation is vital," she says.

Mazlan has two grown-up children - her son, an aerospace engineer, is pursuing an MBA course in the United States while her 16 year-old daughter lives with her in Vienna.

By Manik Mehta

Taken from Bernama: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=625445

Dr. Harridon receives award during SUPAN-4

During the SUPAN-4 (Sambutan Ulangtahun Program Angkasawan Negara) held at the National Planetarium on the 15th of October 2011, Dr. Harridon our Head of Rocketry Division received an award for UniKL's parabolic flight science experiment in collaboration with JAXA. It was indeed a momentous occasion and we are proud of his achievements. During the gala dinner, ANGKASA honoured several other individuals for excellence demonstrated in the field of aerospace through research papers published by them. Kudos to them all, and especially to our very own Dr. Harridon. We at AAM share your success and wish you the very best in all your future endeavours...

Some of our members at the dinner giving support

ISS Contact: National Space Challenge 2011

As part of the annual National Space Challenge organised by the National Space Agency, radio contact with the International Space Station (ISS) was made tonight at 10:46pm. 19 students managed to interact with Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa using ham radio with the assistance of Mr. Sangat Singh and Mr. Sion who were handling the radio equipment located at the National Planetarium, Kuala Lumpur. The students asked about microgravity conditions and life in space which was answered in detail by Furukawa during the short 10-minute window. After the event, I managed to address the students using a megaphone and got to find out how they were enjoying the programme and their keen interest in science and aerospace. All of the 26 participants of the space challenge were excited about their experience tonight. All and all it was a great event and kudos to the staff of the planetarium for running such an excellent session. More info on the National Space Challenge. Thank you...

Mr. Sion with the ham radio equipment at the satcom station

JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa

With our mentor Mr. Sangat Singh

University applauds top graduates

Published: Thursday, 15 September 2011


Advisor to the Malaysian National Security Council and local graduate, Dato’ Ir Dr Abu Bakar Bin Jaafar, has been awarded the University of Newcastle Alumni Convocation Medal for professional excellence. The award was one of eight Alumni Awards presented to graduates from across the world recognising their outstanding achievements.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders, said the annual Alumni Awards were an opportunity for the whole city to celebrate the success of its graduates. “The 2011 awards demonstrate once again that Newcastle graduates are leading in their fields globally.  It is always an honour to pay tribute to their achievements.”

University of Newcastle 2011 Alumni Award winners include:

• International Leadership – Peter Tay, President Singapore Food Industries Limited and Dr Andrew Mears, Principle Consultant, Majority World Technology Ltd
• National leadership – Denise Goldsworthy, Managing Director Rio Tinto and 2010 Telstra Business Woman of the Year
• Regional Leadership – Dr Anne Wakatama, General Manager Health Services the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, Malaysian Airlines Captain and part of Malaysia’s Astronaut Program

Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin

• Newton John Award – Julie Squires, internationally recognised sculptor
• Exceptional Community Service – Associate Professor Pauline Chiarelli, Australia’s first Physiotherapist Continence Advisor
• Indigenous – Dr Sarah McEwan, rural general practitioner working in Indigenous health
• Young Alumni – Dr Nikola Bowden, University of Newcastle researcher into improved diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

President of Alumni, Brian Kennaugh, said each of the winners were an inspiration for students. “Each distinguished winner has had a major impact on the world and displayed the highest standard of professional excellence, creativity and innovation.”

Taken from: newcastle.edu.au website
More info on finalists

Space Talk at Merewether High School, Newcastle, Australia

After 20 years I returned to Newcastle, Australia but this time it was to give a talk to students of Merewether High School. The event was organized in conjunction with the University of Newcastle's Awards Night to be held at the Newcastle City Hall tomorrow. Two other nominated finalists, Dr. Andrew Mears and Ryan Andriessen supported the event with their own presentation related to their respective careers. I had fun interacting with the students and it was important that we broadened their horizons on the possibilities of choosing their future career path. All and all it was a great event, strengthening the association's continued effort on our outreach programmes abroad.

(More info on awards night: Alumni Awards 2011)

With some of the students of Merewether High School
together with Ryan Andriessen (L) and Dr. Andrew Mears (C)