STRUCTURAL TOPIC MODELLING WORKSHOP – DAY 2

STRUCTURAL TOPIC MODELLING WORKSHOP – DAY 2

Back in action for Day 2 of our Structural Topic Modelling (STM) workshop, and this time I was able to join the team. It was great to engage directly in the session and see how everyone has progressed with this powerful analytical technique.

A special moment during the session was a surprise celebration for our August birthday babies. A simple gesture, but one that made the atmosphere even more lively and connected. We had chocolate cake, nasi dagang, pizza and coffee (its a mixed generations). 

Workshops like this are not just about technical knowledge, but also about building a strong and supportive research culture. Grateful for the spirit and effort everyone brought into the room.

Huge thanks again to Usman Mehmood for leading the training with clarity and depth. Here’s to more sessions that grow both our minds and our bonds.

#structuraltopicmodelling #stmworkshop #researchculture #academiclife #postgradtraining #geospatialresearch #labcommunity #birthdaycelebration #datascience #utmresearch

C8F03443-2726-4701-A65F-CD03F5A332E9

STRUCTURAL TOPIC MODELLING WORKSHOP – DAY 1

STRUCTURAL TOPIC MODELLING WORKSHOP – DAY 1

Kicked off a two-day Structural Topic Modelling (STM) workshop organized by our 3D City Modelling research lab. This is our lab’s initiative to sharpen our research skills. 

Today’s session was led by Usman Mehmood, one of our talented lab members who’s been hands-on with this analytical method.

Unfortunately, due to other urgent commitments, I couldn’t be part of the session today, but the learning continues regardless. I’m proud to see the team step up and take the lead in building knowledge together.

This workshop focuses on enhancing our research with data-driven topic modelling using STM, a powerful approach for uncovering themes and trends from textual data. It’s part of our commitment to always push forward with innovative techniques in geospatial and data science.

Here’s a short video from today’s session, just a glimpse of what’s happening. Stay tuned, more updates will follow!

#StructuralTopicModelling #STMWorkshop #GeospatialResearch #ResearchLabLife #KnowledgeSharing #PostgradResearch #DataScienceInResearch #AcademicGrowth #UTM

A GEOINFORMATION-BASED SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM – PATENT GRANTED!

A GEOINFORMATION-BASED SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM – PATENT GRANTED!

After five years of waiting, it’s finally official – our invention “A Geoinformation-Based Search and Rescue System” has been granted patent MY-209770-A by MyIPO Malaysia on 2 August 2025.

The story of this idea:

It all began in 2019, when this concept won first place at the Kenyalang Mapping Technologies Competition. We are all over the media. Unexpected but an exciting experience!

The following year, 2020, I extended the idea into some game-changing innovation, then we went for the patent application. We passed the assessments and got the patent filing. Alhamdulillah. 

In 2021, it went on to win the Ultimate Grand Prize at the Seoul International Invention Fair, beating all global competitors – the first in Malaysia’s history to ever achieve that. Until now, to the best of my knowledge, no one else from Malaysia has done it again. I am proud to give a speech at the international podium as Malaysian! Malaysia boleh!

And now, after years of persistence, 2025, we’re proud to see it finally granted.

This system empowers search and rescue missions through real-time communication and geospatial coordination among victims, teams, vehicles, and drones. A true step forward in disaster response tech.

Inventors:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhamad Uznir Ujang (Head)

Prof. Dr. Zulkepli Majid

Dr. Nor Suhaibah Azri

Dr. Azman Ariffin

Patent Owner: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Application No.: PI2020006996

Filed on: 23 December 2020

Granted on: 2 August 2025

This achievement reminds us that innovation takes time, but perseverance pays off.

Let this serve the greater good in emergency response and smart geospatial solutions.

#GeospatialInnovation #SearchAndRescue #PatentGranted #DisasterManagement #SmartRescue #MyIPO #UTM #GIS4Good #Geoinformation #Innovation #FromIdeaToImpact

CONGRATULATIONS TO USMAN ON HIS SUCCESSFUL PHD VIVA DEFENSE

CONGRATULATIONS TO USMAN ON HIS SUCCESSFUL PHD VIVA DEFENSE

I am proud to share that my PhD student, Usman, has successfully defended his viva presentation this morning and passed with flying colors. The entire session, from the start of his presentation to the final verdict, took only 1.5 hours, making it one of the fastest viva sessions recorded.

His research focuses on the development of a 3D spatio-temporal management model for high-rise building maintenance, offering innovative solutions for efficient and data-driven maintenance planning in urban environments.

In addition to the swift and confident defense, his thesis was recommended for Merit by both internal and external examiners. This distinction reflects the highest level of academic recognition and speaks to the outstanding quality of his research.

Congratulations once again, Dr. Usman, on this remarkable achievement. Your dedication, perseverance, and excellence throughout your PhD journey have truly paid off.

#PhDViva #DrUsman #3DSpatioTemporal #BuildingMaintenance #SmartCityResearch #HighRiseInnovation #ResearchExcellence #MeritAward #ProudSupervisor

APPOINTED BY UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA (USM)

APPOINTED BY UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA (USM)

Feeling anxious when being appointed as an External Expert for the Board of Studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). An APEX university with higher ranking than UTM.

It’s truly a privilege to support the advancement of geospatial education and to collaborate with one of Malaysia’s leading academic institutions.

Thank you USM, for this trust and opportunity.

#Geospatial #GIS #AcademicLeadership #USM #APEXUniversity #HigherEducation #LifelongLearning

GEOSPATIAL INNOVATION: IGNITING SMART CITIES, ECO-SYNERGY, AND URBAN RESURGENCE

GEOSPATIAL INNOVATION: IGNITING SMART CITIES, ECO-SYNERGY, AND URBAN RESURGENCE

This book is expected to be available on October, 2025 by Springer.

This is a collaborative effort exploring how 3D City Modelling, digital twins, remote sensing, and AI can contribute to building smarter, more resilient, and sustainable cities.

Appreciate the support so far, more updates soon.

#SmartCities #GeospatialInnovation #3DGIS #UrbanResilience #DigitalTwins #EcoSynergy #SustainableDevelopment #GeoAI #RemoteSensing #SpringerBooks #ComingSoon #UrbanInnovation #CityTech

GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY: BARCELONA 2026

GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY: BARCELONA 2026

I will be traveling to Barcelona in March 2026 to deliver a keynote speech. But with the Iran-Israel conflict, I’ve been reflecting on more than just travel plans. Global tensions serve as a reminder of how interconnected our world is and how quickly uncertainty can affect even the most meaningful commitments.

I remain hopeful that the conference will proceed as planned. More importantly, I hope for peace, understanding, and stability for everyone across all affected regions.

Let us continue to support each other and stay informed during these uncertain times.

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

#Keynote2026 #Barcelona #Peace #GlobalAwareness #AcademicLife #TravelConcerns #HopeForPeace #LeadershipInUncertainty

MY BOOK CHAPTER TALK IN BERLIN

MY BOOK CHAPTER TALK IN BERLIN

Besides writing journal papers, I enjoy working on books and book chapters. One example is this chapter I wrote titled “An Overview of Advances in Geoinformatics Technologies: Facilities and Utilities Optimization and Management for Smart City Applications”.

I enjoy this kind of writing because it helps raise awareness and spark new ideas about what’s possible in our geospatial science field.

Today, I’m excited that I’ve been invited to give a talk about this chapter at the Global Summit on Advances in Recycling and Waste Management in Berlin, Germany, this September 29–30, 2025.

I’m happy to know that the book has contributed to the community. I hope the session will offer something valuable and inspiring to those attending!

#Geoinformatics #SmartCities #BookChapter #AcademicWriting #UrbanInnovation #Sustainability #GIS #3DModeling #SmartCitySolutions #GlobalSummit #Berlin2025 #ResearchImpact

INVITATION AS CHAIRMAN FOR TOWN PLANNING MPhil VIVA VOCE – MUHAMAD NOOR AIMAN BIN BANI


INVITATION AS CHAIRMAN FOR TOWN PLANNING MPhil VIVA VOCE – MUHAMAD NOOR AIMAN BIN BANI

Congratulations to Muhamad Noor Aiman bin Bani for successfully completing his Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Viva Voce. The thesis topic is “Tahap Kebolehaksanaan Penilaian Impak Sosial (SIA) di Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan.”

The panel members involved in this session were:

• Chairman: Assoc. Prof. Ts. Gs. Sr. Dr. Muhamad Uznir Bin Ujang

• Assistant Chairman: Dr. Ak Mohd Rafiq bin Ak Matusin

• Internal Examiner: Ts. Dr. Gabriel Ling Hoh Teck

• External Examiner: Prof. Dr. Azizan bin Marzuki (Universiti Sains Malaysia – USM)

• Main Supervisor: TPr Ts. Dr. Gobi Krishna A/L Sinniah

Congratulations once again to the student, supervisor, and all committee members for making this session successful!

#viva #mphil #utm #masterofphilosophy #socialimpactassessment #sia #graduateresearch #studentachievement #supervision #academicjourney #researchsuccess #facultyofbuiltenvironment

SUCCESS BUILT ON HUMILITY, EFFORT, AND OPENNESS


SUCCESS BUILT ON HUMILITY, EFFORT, AND OPENNESS

Sharing a small but meaningful success story. A paper by my former postgraduate student has been accepted for presentation.

He is the kind of person who truly shows what learning looks like: staying humble, staying curious, asking questions, welcoming suggestions, even asking for corrections when needed, and always ready to brainstorm and refine ideas together. Before the submission, we discussed, shared thoughts openly, and turned ideas into a real and solid piece of work.

And the result? You can see it yourself. A total knockout.

This reminds me that it is not just talent that makes a difference. It is attitude, hard work, and the willingness to grow that truly set people apart. Congratulations. This success is fully earned.

As for me, I have always believed in giving advice sincerely but never forcing it. I will say it once. Whether you choose to listen or not is entirely up to you. We are all responsible for our own paths. I do not gain or lose anything either way. For those who choose to listen and grow, the rewards are theirs to reap.

#DengarCakap #SiapaUntung #TumpangGembira #Mentorship #Gratitude #ResearchJourney #3DModelling #GrowthMindset