ANOTHER KEYNOTE TALK, MAY 2025 – XI’AN CHINA
I haven’t even delivered my keynote for this month’s conference yet. And the next invitation has already landed. This month conference is over 3,200 km from Skudai. And next month? Even farther, nearly 4,300 km to Xi’an, China. From South Asia to East Asia. Whatever it is, I am grateful for the trust given to share ideas across borders. Thanks!
Keynote Abstract:
The keynote by Associate Professor Uznir Ujang explores the transformative potential of integrating 3D Geospatial Information Systems (3D GIS) with Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) for tackling urban challenges related to environmental quality, water systems, and energy efficiency. Traditional 2D geospatial methods often fall short in capturing the complexities of urban dynamics. This talk introduces a new paradigm where advanced 3D city models, enhanced by AI-driven spatial analytics, topological structures, and temporal intelligence, offer innovative solutions for resilient city planning.
Key real-world case studies, such as urban air quality visualization, traffic noise propagation, wind flow analysis, and voxel-based environmental simulations, demonstrate how this convergence of technologies can revolutionize decision-making. With data acquisition methods like LiDAR, UAVs, and CityGML semantic modeling, cities can leverage precise, intelligent tools to address sustainability challenges.
Join us as we discuss the future of integrating 3D geospatial intelligence into global sustainability frameworks and urban agendas.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ABDULLAH AHMAD
Warm congratulations to Abdullah bin Ahmad (P127080) from the Department of Civil Engineering, UKM, for successfully completing his Master of Science viva voce! He is a senior engineer at the Public Works Department (JKR).
His thesis focused on a highly relevant topic: GeoBIM Data Structure for Sewer System, which I believe is a crucial area in advancing infrastructure management through geospatial and BIM integration. From my view, the nation needs more awareness on the importance of GeoBIM. It is good to have more research like Abdullah’s.
The session was held on 14 April 2025 (Monday), at 9:30 a.m. at the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, UKM Bangi.
I was honored to serve as the External Examiner, representing Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The viva panel included:
Chairperson: Prof. Ir. Dr. Siti Rozaimah Sheikh Abdullah (JKKP, FKAB)
Internal Examiner: Sr. Ts. Dr. Noraini Hamzah (JKA, FKAB)
Main Supervisor: Lt. Kol. Bersekutu (PA) Prof. Madya Ts. Gs. Sr. Dr. Khairul Nizam Abdul Maulud (JKA, FKAB)
Thank you to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) for the trust and opportunity. It’s always a privilege to contribute to academic quality and support innovative research through external examiner roles.
Wishing the candidate every success in future research and practice!
#congratulations #externalexaminer #geobim #civilengineering #ukm #utm #vivaexamination #postgraduatestudies #academiccontribution #researchquality
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:
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
KEYNOTE TALK: GEOAI-DRIVEN 3D URBAN MODELLING
It’s an honour to be given a 45-minute keynote slot, an academic recognition that reflects trust from the international scientific community.
Unlike typical paper presentations, a keynote isn’t just about showing results. It’s about vision. Future directions. Inspiring researchers across disciplines.
Sharing how Geospatial Science matters, whether it’s for noise modelling, wind flow, water systems, or urban resilience. This keynote is my way of showing how 3D City Modelling and GeoAI can drive meaningful applications across sectors.
Just an abstract for today. The rest of the presentation notes will be drafted later.
#keynotetalk #geospatialscience #geoai #3dgis #urbanmodelling #smartcities #climateaction #academicrecognition #internationalconference #utm
SMALL GESTURES, BIG MEANING
Received a letter of appreciation from the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed.
I believe, it’s a simple gesture, yet it carries great value, a reminder that even small contributions can help shape the future of higher education.
Grateful to be part of this process and always ready to support initiatives that elevate academic excellence.
ISDB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS 2025–2026
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has officially extended the application deadline to 20 April 2025 for its renowned Scholarship Programs for the academic year 2025–26.
These programs are designed to nurture talent and build capacity in IsDB Member Countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries, supporting students in undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral studies.
The IsDB remains committed to human capital development, technological advancement, and inclusive progress. This is a valuable opportunity for ambitious students seeking to make an impact in their communities through education.
Apply now and take the next step in your academic journey.
Application link: https://www.isdb.org/scholarships
#IsDB #Scholarship2025 #HigherEducation #HumanCapitalDevelopment #SustainableDevelopment #IslamicDevelopmentBank #YouthEmpowerment #GlobalOpportunities
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!
4TH CHAPTER: DONE AND DUSTED! (PART 2)
Referring to my previous post, I don’t see myself as extraordinary. Dato’ Seri Zaini Ujang, the former UTM Vice-Chancellor, published an entire book in just a week. What I’m doing is merely writing book chapters.
For an even greater example, Imam As-Shafie could write and complete a kitab in only three days. That level of expertise is beyond anything I can achieve.
In my last post, I shared how I completed my fourth book chapter, 5,800 words, 16 pages, and 40 references, in just six hours. That marked four chapters in two weeks, a personal milestone. The key lesson? Focus and persistence matter. Avoiding multitasking allowed me to work faster and more effectively.
Maybe our generation, myself included, has lost some of the discipline needed for deep work, or perhaps we’re too easily distracted, making quality writing a slower process. Let’s keep reminding and pushing each other to be better.
4TH CHAPTER COMPLETED – 4 CHAPTERS IN 2 WEEKS
Finally, it’s a wrap! Chapter 4 is done, 5,800 words, 16 pages, and 40 references, completed in just 6 hours. Had to put it on hold on Wednesday, but today I squeezed in 1.5 hours to finish it strong.
This marks a major milestone, 4 book chapters completed in just 2 weeks. It wasn’t easy, but persistence and time management made it happen. One key takeaway: avoid multitasking, focus leads to faster and better results.
Every chapter is a challenge, and every challenge is a step forward. Alhamdulillah for the progress. Now, on to the next one!