MAZLAN OTHMAN

Director General
National Space Agency

RESUME

BRIEF CAREER HISTORY

Joined Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) as a Tutor in 1975. Became a lecturer upon
obtaining a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Otago, New Zealand in 1981.
Seconded to the Prime Ministers Department in 1990 to head the Planetarium Division. This
Division became the Space Science Studies Division when its scope of responsibility was
expanded to cover strategic National Space issues in 1993. Made Director General of the new
Division in the same year. Appointed by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia as Professor of
Astrophysics in 1994. Appointed Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space
Affairs in Vienna, Austria in 1999. Returned home to set up and lead the National Space
Agency in July 2002.

CAREER ACTIVITIES
As a lecturer of astrophysics at UKM (beginning 1981), efforts were focused on setting up
academic courses and laboratories for undergraduate and post-graduate training. Activities
designed for building public awareness of astronomy and space were also initiated. Inclusion
of space science in the formal national school curriculum became a reality in 1990.
As an academic has published papers on space, environmental management issues in national
and international journals, proceedings, chapters of books etc.
Efforts towards the establishment of the National Planetarium began in earnest in 1986.
Activities in Malaysia were interrupted by a period of sabbatical leave at University of Tokyo,
Japan, for 6 months while undertaking professional observational work at Kiso Observatory.
The Planetarium Project was formally launched by the government in 1989. Took over the
management of the project in December 1990 and in May 1993 the National Planetarium was
open to the public. Founded the Space Science Studies Division in the Prime Ministers
Department. In November 1994, as the Director General of the Space Science Studies
Division, initiated the National Microsatellite Programme. The microsatellite, built jointly by
Malaysian engineers and the University of Surrey, was completed in October 1997 and was
eventually launched by a Russian rocket in 2000. Tiung-SAT provided images of the earth
and information on the space environment. Was chiefly instrumental in instituting
Astronautic Technology Sdn. Bhd (ATSB), a government-owned company, which is currently

spear-heading space technology development in the country through the manufacture of

RazakSAT. Left the country in 1999 for almost three years to take up the position of Director
of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in Vienna, Austria. Returned home to
set up and lead the National Space Agency in July 2002.
As Director General of the National Space Agency, current strategic initiatives include
instituting national level discussions and coordination on spaced related activities,
formulation of the national space programme and law policy, and ratification of international
space treaties and conventions. Efforts are now focused on the establishment of ground based
physical infrastructure and human capital development to support the design and
manufacture of satellites and other space related activities.
Except during term of office at the United Nations, continues to give lectures and supervise
post-graduate students at UKM. Frequently invited throughout career to give scientific or
keynote papers all over the world on subjects related to astrophysics, satellite technology and
policy matters related to space. Member of various scientific committees for the International
Astronomical Union (IAU) and member of Editorial Board for the international journals
Space Forum and Space Policy. Assessor and referee for numerous local and international
scientific and policy papers on physics and space. Chairperson of many conferences,
symposium and workshop sessions.
Fellow of various professional organizations, including the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, the
International Academy of Astronautics, the Institute of Physics Malaysia and the Malaysia
Scientific Association. Currently the Vice President of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
Has a keen interest in fusing the sciences with the arts. Is the initiator of the Science Inspired
Arts Camp series conducted jointly with the National Art Gallery that brings together, every
two years, prominent artists and scientists. Has been instrumental in the production of two
large format film science documentaries and has produced four planetarium shows.
Awards received include the Excellent Service Award from the Prime Ministers Department;
Avon Women of Excellence Award; Honorary Doctor of Science for the University of Otago,
New Zealand; the Kings Birthday Honours which carries the title Datuk; the Russian
Federation Blue Planet Award; the CIPTA Special Malay Scientist Award; named in the
Global Malaysian list; the Tag Heuer Women of Distinction Award; and Avon Inspirational
Career Mother.

HOBBIES
Cycling, mountain climbing, trekking and amateur radio (A licence).