JEMPOL: The Science subject in schools must be empowered in accordance with the country’s aspiration to excel in space exploration.
Malaysia's first astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha said that at the moment there were still a large number of students who were not interested in pursuing the science stream.
He urged teachers and schools to be more creative and change the teaching methods for science to attract students’ interest.
"If it is not done now, the country will have problems in science-related fields in the future.
"I don't know how we can produce more astronauts, doctors, scientists or experts in science if students are not interested in the subject," he said during the Journey To Space programme organised by SMK Seri Jempol here.
A total of 800 students from schools around Jempol, Jelebu and Kuala Pilah took part in the programme, which was held in conjunction with the school's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Carnival.
Also present were SMK Seri Jempol principal, Mazlan Yaakub and its Parent-Teachers Association president Zaidi Jusoh.
Relating his experience as the country's first astronaut, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said he would not think twice about taking part in another space expedition.
He said he had fond memories as part of a team which explored space.
"The memories of becoming the first astronaut from the country is still fresh in my memory and it is a sweet experience even though it took place 12 years ago.
"Because of that, I'm willing to go to space again, even if it's only a one-way ticket.”
He said that astronauts needed to master the sciences and without the subject, it was impossible to become an astronaut.
On a related matter, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said he was not aware of the second astronaut programme, which was expected to be held by 2030.