Latest news with #NationalPlanetarium
Barnama
08-07-2025
- Science
- Barnama
Malaysia Introduces Astronomy Module For Students With Visual Disabilities
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Students with visual impairments in this country are now able to 'explore' space after the launch of the Special Astronomy Module for them. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang said the module, a collaboration between the National Planetarium and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, is an important initiative towards making science and technology education more inclusive, especially in the field of astronomy. "This module is specially designed to be used in schools that have students with special needs, especially those with visual impairments, thus making astronomy education more accessible and not limited to those with perfect vision," he said when launching the module at the National Planetarium here today. Also present were the secretary-general of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, director of National Planetarium Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor and chairman of Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad Zainul Rahim Mohd Zain. Chang said a total of 12 schools had been identified as recipients of the initial phase of the module through the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme. He said the module used tactile models as the surface of the sun and the solar system, supported by narrative audio and sound effects that allowed the learning experience to be more comprehensive. "With appropriate technological support and continuous improvement, this inclusive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) culture can have a great impact on all levels of society, including the disabled community who are often marginalised in this field," he said. Chang said the initiative was in line with the principle of inclusiveness outlined in the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy as well as the concept of Malaysia MADANI which emphasises fair access to education for all. He also hoped that more collaborations between the government and the private sector could be implemented to help children who face physical constraints to pursue knowledge so that they would not be left out of the national education stream.
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Malaysia launches astronomy module for visually impaired
KUALA LUMPUR: Students with visual disabilities in Malaysia can now engage in astronomy through a newly launched module designed specifically for them. The initiative, a collaboration between the National Planetarium and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, aims to make science education more inclusive. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang highlighted the module's importance in breaking barriers for visually impaired learners. 'This module is tailored for schools with special needs students, ensuring astronomy education is accessible beyond those with perfect vision,' he said during the launch at the National Planetarium. The module features tactile models of the sun and solar system, accompanied by audio descriptions and sound effects for an immersive learning experience. Chang noted that 12 schools have been selected for the initial phase under the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme. The project aligns with Malaysia's National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and the Malaysia MADANI vision, which advocates equal educational opportunities. Chang also encouraged more public-private partnerships to support students with disabilities in pursuing knowledge.
The Star
07-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
Malaysia introduces astronomy module for students with visual disabilities
KUALA LUMPUR: Students with visual impairments in this country can now 'explore' space following the introduction of the Special Astronomy Module designed for them. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the module was a collaboration between the National Planetarium and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad. "This module is specially designed to be used in schools that have students with special needs, especially those with visual impairments," he said when launching the module at the National Planetarium here Monday (July 7). Also present were the secretary-general of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, National Planetarium director Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad chairman Zainul Rahim Mohd Zain. Chang said 12 schools had been identified as recipients of the initial phase of the module through the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme. He said the module used tactile models of the sun and the solar system, supported by narrative audio and sound effects, which allowed the learning experience to be more comprehensive. "With appropriate technological support and continuous improvement, this inclusive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) culture can have a great impact on all levels of society, including the disabled community who are often marginalised in this field," he said. Chang said the initiative was in line with the principle of inclusiveness outlined in the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy as well as the concept of Malaysia Madani, which emphasises fair access to education for all. He also hoped that more collaborations between the government and the private sector could be implemented to help children who face physical constraints to pursue knowledge so that they would not be left out of the national education stream. – Bernama
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
Save the night sky for future generations, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Planetarium, a gathering spot for aspiring stargazers, faces losing its cosmic view not just to weather, but to the relentless spread of urban lighting and development. Its director, Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor, said the planetarium's main educational offerings, such as its indoor space theatre, remain unaffected. However, outdoor astronomical activities are facing growing limitations. "The planetarium is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur for easy public access, which is essential for its role as an edutainment centre on astronomy and space. "But being in a capital city comes with trade-offs, particularly the visibility of the natural night sky," he said. While the planetarium can still facilitate observation of bright celestial objects like the Moon, Jupiter and Mars, Zamri noted increasing obstruction. Dimmer stars, low-lying constellations and deep-sky phenomena are now increasingly obscured by cloud cover, weather or buildings. "Sometimes, after heavy rain and on clear nights, we can still see bright planets and constellations like Orion and Leo. But thick stagnant clouds trap and scatter city lights across the sky, forming a bright dome that blocks our view, sometimes of almost the entire sky." He added that although satellite imaging was not part of the planetarium's core activities, light pollution occasionally provides an unexpected opportunity for studies focused on the pollution itself. "The situation also opens up research opportunities into the effects of artificial lighting on the urban sky," he said. However, astronomy enthusiasts and advocacy groups see the growing glow of urban lights as a threat to both science and the public's connection to space. Dark Sky Malaysia founder Emma Zulaiha Zulkifli said Malaysia has no lighting regulation or planning policy, allowing unchecked artificial lighting to flood both urban and rural areas, particularly in the Klang Valley. She warned that night sky brightness in the Klang Valley had reached Bortle Class 8 to 9, among the most light-polluted categories, making visibility of the Milky Way nearly impossible to the naked eye. "My 85-year-old mother once told me that seeing the Milky Way was normal during her childhood. Today, it's a luxury," she said. She outlined four types of light pollution, namely sky glow, glare, light trespass and clutter, all of which impact optical astronomy. Sky glow, in particular, creates a dome of artificial light that obscures the faint glimmer of stars reaching Earth. "While stargazing with the naked eye is still possible for bright objects like the Moon and some planets, deep-sky objects and galaxies are almost entirely out of reach unless observed from remote, dark-sky locations," she said. Even astrophotography, once a popular amateur pursuit in suburban areas, now requires filters and extensive data collection to compensate for the brightness of the urban regions. As for serious astronomical research, she said it is virtually impossible in light-polluted areas unless the study is specifically designed for such environments. She believes that the solution is within reach but requires immediate collective action. "Light pollution is one of the most easily reversible forms of pollution. All we need is responsible lighting: use it only when needed, only where needed and only as bright as needed. Too much of anything can be harmful." As the country looks skywards both for education and inspiration, Emma Zulaiha urged policymakers to take steps to protect the night sky for future generations. "The night sky is a natural heritage. Let's not let it fade from the view of the next generation," she said.
