ASIA'S 1ST INTERNATIONAL AEROSPACE AND SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE TO BE COMPLETED BY 2015

CYBERJAYA, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Asia's first International Aerospace and
Science Discovery Centre, to be built by the Selangor State Development
Corporation (PKNS) in collaboration with Advanced Science Education Asia Sdn
Bhd, in Cyberjaya is expected to be completed by 2015.

PKNS general manager Othman Omar said the centre would be built on a 12ha
site in the Selangor Science Park 2 (SSP2) here, but the exact location had not
been identified as they were considering two options at the moment.

"We are still working on the details (of the project) but the concept is
to work together with other space agencies such as the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (Nasa) and the Soviet Space Agency to develop this
centre," he told reporters after the signing of a memorandum of understanding
between the two parties, here, Thursday.

Also present were Malaysia's first astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar
Shukor, who is also the chairman of Advanced Science Education Asia Sdn Bhd, and
five other astronauts, Klaus-Dietrich from Germany, Sergey Treschev from
Russia, Mirsolaw Hermaszewski from Poland, Soyeon Yi from Korea and Vladimir
Lyakhov from Russia who were in town for the XXIII International Association of
Space Explorers Planetary Congress.

Othman said SSP2 was chosen for the centre due to its strategic location as
it was easily accessible via private and public transport, and for its science
and technology characteristics, such as the solar city, green buildings,
sustainable development and other more environment-friendly facilities.

He said the project was also part of their corporate social responsibility,
aimed at providing science education to Malaysians, especially children, apet
from rebranding the Science Park.

"This collaboration will benefit all parties, including the public who will
visit the centre to gain knowledge" he added.

Sheikh Muszaphar said the centre would help inculcate love for science among
people from a young age in the effort to produce more scientists.

"I've always been looking for a place to establish such a centre where
people can learn about astronomy and aerospace science under one roof.

"I also have many friends in other space agencies with whom I hope to form a
network of cooperation in the futuristic field, aerospace and science and
technology," he added.

-- BERNAMA



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