1st Asian Female Astronaut Encourages Women to Pursue their Dreams

BANGKOK, Dec 12 (TNA) – The Embassy of Japan invited the first Asian female astronaut Dr. Chiaki Mukai, to Thailand to speak to the young generation of women with the view to encourage them to pursue education, career and leadership in traditionally male dominated areas such as Science and Technology. Dr. Mukai delivered a keynote lecture “Space, Me and Fellow Women” at the Woman in Limitless “Space” symposium, jointly organized by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University and C-Asean, a social enterprise aiming to strengthen regional connectivity. Dr. Mukai graduated from Keio University School of Medicine and worked as a cardiac surgeon at Keio University Hospital. She was selected by the National Space Development Agency of Japan as a science astronaut in 1985 and is the first Asian female astronaut to fly to space twice between 1994 and 1998. She said there is no obstacle for a woman to be an astronaut because everyone will be well-trained to be able to do their missions in the space. She suggested specialization can be achieved by regular practice and good teamwork will help us overcome obstacles. The symposium also featured a panel discussion, in which women leaders discussed the challenges that women faced and how they can possibly overcome. Following the discussion, presentations from young women innovators (especially in the space related fields) were held to inspire their own generation. (TNA)