Category Archives: Supervisions

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

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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

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

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

PHD VIVA VOCE

PHD VIVA VOCE

Huge congratulations to my student, Syahiirah Mohd Salleh for successfully passing her PhD viva-voce this morning with excellent results!

Her thesis, titled “36-Intersection Model Topology Rules for 3D Objects in Spatial Database”marks a significant contribution to the field of Geoinformatics.

The session was chaired by Prof. TPr Dr. Ho Chin Siong, with Dr. Norhakim bin Yusof as the assistant chairman.

Special thanks to the examiners:

  • External Examiner: Assoc. Prof. Gs Dr. Tan Mou Leong (USM)
  • Internal Examiner: Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahrizal bin Sunar (Faculty of Computing, UTM)

The chairman and both examiners praised Syahiirah’s work for its originality and technical depth, agreeing that her research has great potential to be applied in various fields, from 3D GIS systems and spatial data infrastructure to urban planning and smart city development. 

We are incredibly proud of Syahiirah’s dedication, perseverance, and scholarly achievements.

Wishing her continued success in her academic and professional journey!

#PhDViva #Geoinformatics #UTM #3DGIS #SpatialDatabase #ProudSupervisor

3D GIS Lab Iftar Gathering 2025

3D GIS Lab Iftar Gathering 2025

Yesterday, we’re treating the entire lab to iftar. It was a wonderful evening spent with my postgraduate students at our annual Iftar session! Great food, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of camaraderie made it a truly memorable event.

Date: 13 March 2025

Venue: Gleneagles Terrace Restaurant, Pulai Springs Resort

In research, we push boundaries, tackle challenges, and work tirelessly towards innovation. But moments like this remind us that beyond hard work, we need time to connect, reflect, and recharge. A well-balanced journey is what keeps us moving forward.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined and made this gathering special. Looking forward to more moments like this in the future!

UNEXPECTED REUNION AT 30,000 FEET

Guess who I met today! 🙂 Erin, one of my former academic advisees. The last time we met was in 2019 when she came to my office to get my signature on her graduation form. Her final question to me was, “Dr., do you think I should continue in GIS or become a stewardess?”. Without hesitation, I answered, “Stewardess”. If my ex-boss (pensioned) knew, they’d probably be mad at me, since I was supposed to encourage her to stay in GIS. But as her academic advisor, I knew Erin personality very well.

Today, I’m so happy to see her thriving. I always wished to bump into her on a flight, but we kept seeing each other from far away at the airport, until today, when we finally ended up on the same flight. Erin even met her soulmate at work, and I got to meet her husband today! Before this, I only saw him in her stories.

Also, I’ve never received a gift on an AirAsia flight (because, well, it’s AirAsia right), but today was a first! My son got a cool AirAsia toy, and we received drinks. Thank you, Erin and your husband. As your academic advisor, I’m so proud of you. Even though you’re now a mother, I still see you as the same bright and youthful Erin from your first year.

6 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH IN UNIVERSITY 

6 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH IN UNIVERSITY 

University life can be overwhelming, but taking care of your mental health should always be a priority! Here are six tips to help you thrive.

Small changes make a big difference! Let’s prioritize mental wellness together.

What are your go-to methods for keeping a positive mindset?

#MentalHealth #UniversityLife #SelfCare #university #campus #StudentWellBeing #UTM

STRENGTHENING RESEARCH SKILLS – SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW (SLR) TRAINING DAY 2

STRENGTHENING RESEARCH SKILLS – SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW (SLR) TRAINING DAY 2

Day 2 of our Systematic Literature Review (SLR) training, continuing the journey of building strong research skills within my lab. Led by Hafiz Usman Mehmood, this personal coaching session for lab members focused on advanced techniques and practical applications of SLR.

Key topics covered included:

1. The PRISMA Framework

2. Thematic Analysis & Qualitative Synthesis

3. Structuring Papers & Reporting Results

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King

These sessions aim to prepare our research group to confidently undertake systematic reviews, ensuring their work is rigorous and impactful. It’s rewarding to see the enthusiasm and dedication from everyone involved.

#ResearchSkills #SystematicLiteratureReview #LabTraining #AcademicExcellence #PostgraduateResearch #Mentorship

FULLY-FUNDED PhD AND MPhil OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!

FULLY-FUNDED PhD AND MPhil OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!

Over the past three days, I’ve shared three different posters, which indeed that we are offering three distinct fully-funded opportunities for passionate individuals looking to contribute to cutting-edge research:

1. PhD in 3D Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (Geo-AI) research – Pioneering research in geospatial AI to tackle urban sustainability challenges.

2. PhD in 3D City Modelling and Urban Sustainability research – Advancing energy efficiency in smart cities through innovative 3D modelling techniques.

3. Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Sustainable Urban Design Framework research – Exploring the digital realm of City Information Modelling for sustainable urban futures.

Each opportunity offers full tuition coverage and a monthly stipend, exclusively for Malaysian students. If you’re passionate about geospatial innovation, AI, or urban sustainability, there’s an opportunity waiting for you.

For more details or to apply, feel free to reach out.

Let’s drive impactful research together.

#PhDopportunity #MPhilopportunity #ResearchFunding #GeospatialAI #SmartCities #UrbanSustainability #UTM #Research