A former NASA administrator and astronaut, Major General Charles Bolden, had visited two of Penang STEM Centres recently, namely Penang Science Cluster (PSC) and Tech Dome Penang. The visits were organised in co-operation with the US Embassy of Malaysia. Since the world is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the history of the first moon landing, he eventually made his visits to Penang to share on the experiences, besides strengthening the US and Malaysia partnerships.
Penang Science Cluster (PSC) played a role as the host of the event on that day as part of their Beyond the Moon programme, a programme supported by the US Embassy and also the American Corners. During the event, Bolden had a sharing session with the students on his personal experiences as an astronaut. Surina Shukri from MDEC was also one of the VIPs attended.
US Embassy’s Dean Thompson welcoming and addressing the crowd
Chargé d’affaires Dean Thompson, Major General Charles Bolden, Ooi Peng Ee of Penang Science Cluster and YB Prof. Ramasamy meet
Beyond the Moon Press Conference with Dean Thompson, Surina Shukri of MDEC, Major General Charles Bolden and Ooi Peng Ee of Penang Science Cluster
Later, Tech Dome Penang also hosted a sharing session entitled ‘Mars Exploration’ with Dr. Charles Bolden, sharing the latest information regarding the progress of Mars exploration. More than 200 students and astronomy enthusiasts turned up for the event and the VIPs in attendance were Deputy Chief Minister II & Penang STEM Chairman, YB Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, State Executive Councillor for Youth & Sports, YB Soon Lip Chee, State Assembly Persons, YB Chris Lee, YB Satees Muniandy and YB Syerleena Abdul Rashid.
Dr Charles Bolden recalling his personal experience at Tech Dome Penang
Q & A session at Tech Dome Penang
US Embassy’s Dean Thompson welcoming and addressing the crowd
A keen astronomy fan posing with his idol