KAEDFEST 2023: Astronaut Datuk Dr. Sheikh shares the key to success

By Dini Izzati Arsad

GOMBAK, 3 November: Datuk Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, Malaysia’s first astronaut, shared the key to success during the special sharing session of the Malaysian icon, Mics and Moments. The event was held on 23 October 2023 at the Main Auditorium of IIUM Gombak and was also attended by Naim Daniel, a young singer and songwriter.

In the sharing session, Datuk Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar imparted his life experience and the difficulties he faced in order to achieve one of his ambitions to be an astronaut. He mentioned that he came from an extremely competitive family and always wanted to win. He also highlighted that he has a unique perspective on the power of the human mind. 

He believes the mind plays a crucial role in achieving success and overcoming challenges in space and earth. During his extensive training in Pasukan Khas Laut (Paskal or Naval Special Warfare Forces), he relied heavily on his mental strength to cope with the training and to be the best out of the 11,000 candidates.

Datuk Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar also believes that the power of the mind extends beyond space travel.

“I always knew I would become an astronaut since childhood and had visualized it daily,” he said. 

He has seen firsthand how positive thinking and visualization can help individuals achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. 

“Perseverance and hard work are equally crucial. I faced numerous setbacks on my path to becoming an astronaut, but I refused to give up on my dream. My advice to everyone is to have a clear goal and work diligently towards achieving it, regardless of any hurdles that may arise. Everyone should believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, no matter how big and impossible they may seem…,” he urged.

The session continued with a question-and-answer (QnA) session with the participants and ended with a photography session.

Mic and Moments was one of programmes that was organised by the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED) of the IIUM in the festival KAEDFEST that ran from 22 to 27 October 2023.***