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KUCHING, Aug 17: More than 500 people attended a talk given by Malaysia’s first astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, titled ‘Public Lecture: My Journey into Space’ held at the Sarawak Islamic Complex (SIC) today.
The program is organised as part of the ‘Festival Kreativiti dan Inovasi Islam (FesKII 2023) – The Beauty of Islam’ which is being held until Aug 20 in conjunction with the 60th Sarawak Independence Day celebrations.
During the lecture, Dr Sheikh shared his experiences about his journey to outer space, including his background, from his formative years as a primary school pupil in Malaysia until he graduated from Karsturba Medical College, in Manipal, India.
As an orthopedic surgeon, he was involved in space research and humanitarian efforts, volunteering in war-torn Afghanistan and flood-ravaged Cambodia, before being chosen as an astronaut for the Angkasawan programme in 2007.
On Oct 10, 2007, Dr Sheikh became the first Malaysian to set foot aboard the International Space Station, launching into space on the Soyuz TMA-11 with the Expedition 16 crew.
Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi was also present at the programme.
In addition to the forum and lectures, various other activities are also held at SIC premises, among which are an exhibition of Islamic art, an exhibition of astronomical artifacts and telescopes, a Hajj simulation, robotic innovation, archery, a Khat competition and also a Mu’amalah stall. — DayakDaily
