BY AISYAH SOLEHAH HAMZAH & ELENA MAZLAN
PUTRAJAYA – The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) held a CEO Sparkz program for the first time for the year 2020. CEO Sparkz is a program under the Organisational Excellence initiatives, which aims to make MESTECC as a work place that apply the values of Excellence, Integrity and Focus. The program is also intended to provide a powerful communication platform between influential CEOs/icons and MESTECC communities to share positive aspirations and motivations that can inspire others to work enthusiastically and excellently.
The program was held at JPA auditorium with the title, exploring space. Dr Wan Wardatul Amani Wan Salim and Dr Nur Adlyka Ainul Anuar, [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] two prominent Malaysian women scientists who have made their name in the field of astronomy at international levels.were invited to share their stories and experiences.
Dr Wan Wardatul Amani is well-known for her achievements as the first Malaysian to launch a satellite into space. According to Dr Amani, her first job was to clean the microscope lens. She cleaned hundreds of lenses daily, and that task eventually led her to many more opportunities in astronomy. Looking at her passion for work, she was suggested to a professor to be given a more challenging project. “Even the smallest thing that I do bring me to where I am today”, said Amani. “I never look down upon any jobs and opportunities that came to me”, she added.
She also adheres to the motto to empower science to create the change. Besides being in academia and space industry, she volunteered to help the flood victim in Kelantan to experience the difficulties of the victim there and had seen the worst situation. Looking at the problems she encountered, she devised a tool to help detect the presence of bacteria in the water. She is always positive to contribute to the country and establish good relations with investors or non-government organizations (NGOs).
On the other hand, Dr. Adlyka, was the pioneer amongst team of astronomers uncovered a hidden supermassive black hole She became interested in astronomy when she was in primary school after learning about the solar system. For her astronomy is a very fascinating and intriguing. At the age of 13, she aimed to pursue her studies in astronomy and become an astrophysicist despite the criticism from negative people.
Dr Adlyka believes in the power of dreams. “Being a scientist is not an easy task. One should be passionate and committed to their chosen field of study and keep on looking forward in no matter what they do’’ said Adlyka. She also shared her challenges of becoming famous after her success in the UK.
These two prominent scientist proved that passion is the key to a successful career in science.[/ihc-hide-content]
