Malaysia-born Nasa scientist Florence Tan an inspiration to all, says Johor Ruler

Johor-born Florence Tan was appointed the deputy chief technologist at the Nasional Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently.

JOHOR BARU: The appointment of Johor-born Florence Tan as deputy chief technologist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (Nasa) science mission directorate has caught the attention of many Malaysians, including the Johor Sultan.

In a Facebook post, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar said he is proud of her achievement.

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He also congratulated Tan, who was born in Muar, on her appointment.

“It is a wonderful achievement, especially because of the position she holds at a globally important and prestigious organisation.

“It will also serve as an inspiration to other Johoreans pursuing their various careers, dreams and talents,” said His Majesty.

According to the Nasa website, Tan, a mother of two has worked there for many years.

Her achievements include designing and building electronic components for space probes and writing software for mass spectrometers that had been sent forth into various quadrants of the solar system.

She is also chair of the space agency's Small Spacecraft Coordination Group.

Her inspiration to work in the space business started ever since she watchedStar Trek re-runs on Malaysian television while growing up.

She made her way to college in the United States, working her way towards an internship and later a career at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center.

The electrical engineering MBA holder (from John Hopkins University) has also been recognised with the space agency's Exceptional Achievement Medal, the Robert Goddard Exceptional Achievement and multiple Special Act Awards over the years.