Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is the first Malaysian to go to space. He became interested in science and astronomy early in his life, after being encouraged in this by his father, who bought him books and telescopes. Later, however, he studied medicine and earned his master’s degree in orthopedic surgery, possibly in 2006. But, by then he had registered himself for the country’s first space program and was eventually chosen as a crew member of the Soyuz TMA-11, which was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 10 October, 2007. He remained in space for ten days, doing various medical and industrial experiments and returned to earth aboard Soyuz TMA-10 on 21 October. Currently, he is doing research work at UKM’s Space Science Centre. He also gives talks on his experiences both at national and international levels, motivating youngsters to dream big. He is also very concerned about world hunger and child health and wants to concentrate on mitigating such problems.
