Born: 1951 (Seremban, Malaysia)
Biography:
Emerita Professor Tan Sri Dr. Mazlan binti Othman (Jawi: مصلان بنت عثمان; born 11 December 1951) is a Malaysian astrophysicist whose work has pioneered Malaysia’s participation in space exploration. She was her country’s first astrophysicist and helped to create a curriculum in astrophysics at the national university, as well as to build public awareness and understanding of astronomy and space issues. Mazlan has made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics and has played a crucial role in promoting space science both nationally and internationally.
Mazlan was born in Seremban, Malaysia, and attended Kolej Tunku Kurshiah, a prominent boarding school in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. Her aptitude for mathematics led her to pursue a science curriculum, despite her family’s encouragement to become a physician. She decided to study physics and earned a BSc. (Honours) from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1975 on a Colombo plan scholarship. Mazlan’s dedication and passion for astrophysics led her to return to Otago and obtain her Ph.D. in physics in 1981, becoming the first woman to do so since the University’s establishment in 1869.
After completing her studies, Mazlan returned to Malaysia as the country’s first astrophysicist. She worked tirelessly to create a curriculum in astrophysics at the national university, allowing the growth of the field in Malaysia. Mazlan also focused on building public awareness and understanding of astronomy and space issues, contributing to the country’s growing interest and involvement in space exploration.
In 1990, Mazlan’s efforts in public education were recognized when she was appointed to lead the Planetarium Division of the Prime Minister’s Department in Malaysia. Under her guidance, Planetarium Negara, Malaysia’s national planetarium in Kuala Lumpur, was developed and opened to the public in 1993. Her expertise in space science led her to be appointed as the Director General of the government’s new Space Science Studies Division shortly after the planetarium’s inauguration. During her tenure in this role, she initiated a microsatellite development program, further advancing Malaysia’s capabilities in space technology. In recognition of her contributions, Mazlan was appointed as a full professor in 1994.
In November 1999, Mazlan’s career took an international turn when she was appointed as the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna by Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Her role at UNOOSA involved dealing with issues of international co-operation in space, promoting the prevention of collisions and space debris, and supporting the use of space-based remote sensing platforms for sustainable development.
In July 2002, Mazlan returned to Malaysia at the request of Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad to serve as the founding Director General of Angkasa, the Malaysian National Space Agency. During her tenure at Angkasa, she played a pivotal role in the launch of the first Malaysian astronaut, Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, in October 2007. Her leadership and dedication in advancing Malaysia’s space program were instrumental in shaping the country’s achievements in space exploration.
In 2007, Mazlan was reappointed as the Director of UNOOSA by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. She left Angkasa to resume her role at UNOOSA in December 2007. Mazlan’s work at UNOOSA focused on fostering international collaboration in space exploration, ensuring the sustainable use of outer space, and addressing the challenges posed by space debris and collisions.
Throughout her career, Mazlan has made significant contributions to astrophysics, both in Malaysia and on the global stage. Her pioneering work has paved the way for Malaysia’s involvement in space exploration and has inspired future generations of scientists. Mazlan’s dedication to public education and awareness has also played a crucial role in fostering an interest and understanding of space science among the general public.
Awards:
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