Enfis engineer reaches for the stars.

25/08/2005 11:37:09

Enfis Ltd announced today that one of its senior scientists is on the verge of becoming his country’s first astronaut.
25 August 2005, Swansea, Wales UK.

Malaysian Siang Pheng Ong is a Senior Research and Development Engineer with Enfis which is headquartered at the Technium Centre on Swansea’s docklands development. Enfis is an acknowledged leader in the development and manufacture of high power LED modules.

In 2003 the Malaysian government struck a deal with Russia to co-operate on space matters. The result was that two Malaysians would be chosen, following an extensive selection process conducted by the Malaysia Astronaut Programme Committee, to undergo training at the International Space Station in Russia. The intention is that the two trainees will then join two Russian cosmonauts on a Soyuz rocket that will rendezvous with the International Space Station. The Malaysian government regards the project as an important initiative in helping to kick-start its own space industry.

Following an initial selection process Siang Pheng Ong is returning to Malaysia later this month to face the final selection round. If he is successful he will travel to Russia for an 18 month training programme. Criteria involved in the initial selection process emphasised candidates should be medically and psychologically fit and have the appropriate academic qualifications, physical ability and aptitude.

Siang has been working for Enfis for 3 years having joined the Company after completing a 1st Class BEng Honours Degree in Electronics with Communications from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department from Swansea University in 2002. He is currently studying for a PhD.

At Enfis, which is one of Wales’ most dynamic technology companies, Siang Pheng Ong has been responsible for the specification and formulation of the test and measurements systems and strategy for LED and laser diode products. Enfis received its initial seed funding from Sir Terry Matthews’ Wesley Clover Corporation and last year received an investment from Finance Wales.

Commenting on the announcement Shaun Oxenham, Enfis’ Chief Executive Officer stated “Everybody at Enfis is delighted for Siang at having proceeded so far in the selection process because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for him to become his country’s first space traveller. He possesses outstanding engineering talent which we would be sad to loose but if he joins the international space station he has promised to send us a post-card from space.”