KUALA LUMPUR: The city has been "invaded" by "extraterrestrial beings" who will make Planetarium Negara their home for the weekend!
Indeed - the second edition of the Kuala Lumpur Sci-Fi Convention 2016 has kicked off, and thousands of science fiction enthusiasts are expected to converge on the venue to experience and learn about space science through talks, workshops, screenings and exhibitions.
Planetarium Negara director Anita Bahari said some 10,000 visitors are expected to take part in the out-of-this-world two-day event.
"The convention is held in conjunction with the release of the highly-anticipated sci-fi movie 'Star Wars: Rogue One', and the 50th anniversary of the popular sci-fi series, Star Trek.
The first wave of visitors to the convention yesterday was greeted by Jedi ushers and usherettes, complete with light sabers to guide them down darkened paths.
"We are expecting (an even) bigger crowd tomorrow, especially since it is the school holidays," added Anita.
On day one of the convention, Malaysian astronaut Major Dr Faiz Khaleed spoke of his journey to becoming one of the country's first astronauts, alongside Datuk Dr Sheikh Muzaffar.
Malaysia's first astrophysicist, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Mazlan Othman, who is also the United Nations' Ambassador for Extraterrestrial Life, also shared her perspectives on the search for life beyond earth.
National Creative Industry Trust Foundation board of trustees member Datuk Zulkifli Ishak said the convention aims to promote science to the younger generation.
"The venue for the convention itself is very fitting for the sci-fi themed event.
"We are confident that it will promote interest in science and space, while elevating the Planetarium as a hub for space science in the country.
"We hope the convention will be an annual event and that it could grow to be one of the world's major sci-fi events," he said today.
The convention also showcases an array of collector toys and figurines from pop-culture favourites such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Transformers, as well as Gundam toy models.