Mazlan Othman Advocates for AI in Education to Enhance Critical Thinking

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — Tan Sri Dr. Mazlan Othman, Malaysia’s pioneering astrophysicist and former director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), advocates for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings to foster critical thinking among students. In a recent interview, Dr. Othman emphasized the necessity for educational institutions to evolve their assessment methodologies to focus on creativity and inquiry rather than rote memorization.

Dr. Othman, who holds a doctorate from the University of Otago, argues that the true potential of AI lies in its capacity to prompt thoughtful questioning. "The skill is in the questioning — teachers should assess students by the kind of questions they ask AI tools," she stated. This paradigm shift in education could empower students to become independent thinkers, moving away from traditional approaches that prioritize problem-solving under direct instruction.

Drawing from her extensive background in astrophysics, Dr. Othman encourages educators to inspire students by intertwining scientific inquiry with an appreciation for the arts and nature. "For example, the way to attract students to maritime science or the maritime industry is not to teach them how to build boats but to inspire them about the sea," she explained. This holistic approach not only cultivates curiosity but also enhances the learning experience by connecting students with broader themes and concepts.

Mazlan Othman’s journey to becoming Malaysia’s first astrophysicist is remarkable. Born in Seremban, she initially pursued a career in physics education, influenced by her obligations as a Colombo Plan scholar. However, her discovery of astrophysics in her third year of university shifted her career trajectory. Upon returning to Malaysia in 1981, she became a lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and played a crucial role in establishing an astrophysics program.

In 1994, Dr. Othman was appointed as a professor and subsequently became the first director-general of the National Planetarium, overseeing the launch of Malaysia’s first remote-sensing satellite, TiungSAT-1, in 2000. Her leadership extended to the National Space Agency (Angkasa), where she served from 2002 to 2007.

During her tenure at UNOOSA, Dr. Othman contributed to significant global initiatives, including the negotiation of a protocol addressing near-Earth object collisions. She noted, "Countries were pushing for a protocol to deal with asteroid strikes because a theory suggested that 65 million years ago, an asteroid strike caused the extinction of dinosaurs." This protocol was reached after extensive discussions among member states, although they ultimately refrained from allowing the UN Security Council to make final decisions on such matters.

Underlining the importance of innovation in the space sector, Dr. Othman highlighted projections indicating that the global space economy could reach nearly USD 2 trillion (RM 9.2 trillion) by 2035. She noted that international politics significantly influence space-related decisions, given the strategic advantage that dominance in space can confer in warfare.

Reflecting on Malaysia’s potential for further space exploration, Dr. Othman stated that a second astronaut mission could be considered if Malaysia has something novel to contribute to the venture. Her insights into the intersection of education and technology underscore the evolving landscape of academic assessment and the critical role of AI in shaping future generations to think more deeply and creatively.

In summary, Tan Sri Dr. Mazlan Othman's call for a reformed educational framework that leverages AI capabilities presents a compelling vision for the future of learning. As Malaysia navigates its educational challenges, the incorporation of innovative technologies and methodologies could indeed enhance the critical thinking skills essential for students in the 21st century.