SHAH ALAM: Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Mazlan Othman has added another milestone to her distinguished career, following her election as a 2026 Fellow of the International Science Council (ISC).
A pioneer in Malaysia’s space exploration and astrophysics, she continues to make significant contributions to scientific advancement and international cooperation.
Who is she?
Born on Dec 11, 1951, in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Mazlan made history as Malaysia’s first astrophysicist and a leading figure in the development of the country’s space science capabilities.
She served as the founding director-general of the Malaysian National Space Agency (Angkasa) and was appointed twice as director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (Unoosa) in Vienna.
Throughout her distinguished career, she has combined scientific expertise with international diplomacy, while maintaining a strong interest in the creative arts.
How it all began
Her journey into science began at Tunku Kurshiah College (TKC), where she was encouraged to enrol in the pure science stream, despite her initial inclination towards English literature and the arts.
Her interest in physics was sparked by fundamental questions about atomic nuclei that her teachers were unable to answer.
Driven by curiosity, she went on to study physics at the University of Otago in New Zealand under a Colombo Plan scholarship, graduating with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in 1975.
Drawn to astrophysics for its combination of scientific mystery and philosophical depth, she pursued further studies at the same university, earning a PhD in Physics in 1981. She became the first woman to achieve the qualification in the university's 112-year history.
Key achievements
Upon returning to Malaysia, Mazlan joined Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) as the country's first astrophysicist. There, she developed Malaysia's first astrophysics curriculum, conducted research at the Kiso Observatory in Japan and introduced public astronomy awareness programmes.
In 1990, then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad appointed her to head the Planetarium Division under the Prime Minister's Department, where she oversaw the establishment of the National Planetarium.
She was subsequently appointed director-general of the Space Science Studies Division in 1993, spearheading micro-satellite projects before attaining full professorship in 1994.
In 2002, she became the founding director-general of Angkasa, where she led national space initiatives that culminated in Malaysia sending its first astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, to the International Space Station in 2007.
Her expertise also earned her international recognition when then United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed her director of Unoosa in Vienna, a position she held from 1999 to 2002.
She was later reappointed to the post by then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, serving from 2007 to 2014. During her tenure, she oversaw efforts involving international space cooperation, space debris mitigation, near-Earth object risks and the harmonisation of space law.
Beyond her scientific and administrative responsibilities, Mazlan has remained committed to bridging the worlds of science and art.
Taking to heart the advice of a Peace Corps teacher early in her career to never abandon her creative interests, she incorporated artistic elements into scientific outreach initiatives.
These included organising batik art competitions, space art camps in collaboration with the National Art Gallery, and astronaut suit design competitions.
Mazlan remains one of Malaysia's most influential scientific figures, having broken gender barriers while shaping the country's space science agenda and contributing to international space governance.
Her pioneering role in building Malaysia's space capabilities and her leadership in global space affairs continue to inspire future generations of scientists.