Category Archives: Geospatial

Advancing National Data Ecosystems: AI & Geospatial Integration in BUDI95

I am deeply honored to be featured in Bernama alongside Dr. Mohamad Shukor Talib, discussing the future of national data management.

Our feature highlights how BUDI95 (an integrated database system) is not just a repository, but a potential cornerstone for a National Data Management Ecosystem. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geospatial Technologies, we can transform raw data into actionable insights for more precise and impactful decision-making.

A huge thank you to Bernama for providing a platform to share these academic perspectives. We believe that the synergy between advanced technology and robust data frameworks is the key to a more digitally resilient Malaysia.

🔗 Read the full feature here: BERNAMA – BUDI95 Berpotensi Jadi Ekosistem Pengurusan Data Nasional

#Bernama #BUDI95 #DataScience #AI #Geospatial #NationalDataEcosystem #AcademicInsight #DigitalMalaysia #TechForGood

Geeking out over Geospatial at IGRSM Talk 2026/1!

I had the absolute pleasure of moderating today’s IGRSM Talk 2026/1, and what a way to kick off the year! It’s not every day you get to bridge the conversation between the complexities of the deep sea and the urgent needs of global sustainability.

We had two heavyweights in the industry today who truly brought their A-game. My notebook is full, and my mind is buzzing with new perspectives:

Rear Admiral Dr. Najhan bin Md Said (Director General, NHC) – The Admiral gave us a masterclass on “Building Malaysia’s Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure.” It was fascinating to hear how we are moving toward “Smarter Maritime Governance.” It’s clear that managing our vast waters isn’t just about drawing lines on a map; it’s about creating a coordinated, high-tech pathway that links data, policy, and sovereignty.

Gs. Danesh Prakash Chacko (Jeffrey Sachs Centre, Sunway University) – Danesh delivered a powerful reality check on “Sustainability: The Role of GIS.” He showed us that GIS isn’t just a supporting tool for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—it is the very backbone that allows us to measure, visualize, and actually achieve them. His passion for using open data to solve real-world environmental challenges is always infectious!

As a moderator, what struck me most was the synergy between these two topics. Whether we are looking at the sea floor or our urban landscapes, the “Spatial” element is what ties everything together.

A huge thank you to the IGRSM committee for the invitation, to our esteemed speakers for their time, and to the participants for the high-level engagement in the Q&A. The energy in the virtual room today proves that the geospatial community in Malaysia is not just growing—it’s leading.


Stay safe, stay spatial, and see you at the next one!

hashtag#IGRSM hashtag#GIS hashtag#Hydrography hashtag#Sustainability hashtag#SDGs hashtag#GeoAI hashtag#SpatialData hashtag#MalaysiaGeospatial hashtag#MaritimeGovernance hashtag#LifeOfAModerator

GeoConnect 25 Visit — Antaragrafik Systems Sdn Bhd

Last week, the GeoConnect 25 delegation had an insightful visit to Antaragrafik Systems Sdn Bhd, one of Malaysia’s leading geospatial solution providers with over three decades of experience in end-to-end geospatial, mapping, and surveying services.

During the visit, we were welcomed by the CEO, Dato’ Sr. Hj. Nor Azman Baharum, along with the Chief of Sales and several team members, who shared rich insights into the company’s history, vision, and future direction in the geospatial industry. Their presentation highlighted Antaragrafik’s journey since its establishment in 1995 and its strong commitment to delivering comprehensive geospatial solutions across sectors.

We were also introduced to advanced technologies currently used in the field, including:
• Hybrid aerial photogrammetry cameras that support precision airborne data capture
• Hybrid mobile TLF systems for versatile terrestrial surveying
• Automated total station equipment for efficient and accurate geospatial measurement

These demonstrations provided participants with practical exposure to cutting-edge tools driving modern geospatial practices.

The session continued with interactive quizzes, Q&A, and hands-on activities — where students got the chance to try out the equipment and deepen their understanding of how such technologies are applied in real-world geospatial workflows.

A big thank you to the team at Antaragrafik for the warm reception and knowledge sharing, and to the students from the Geoinfo Club, UTM, for coordinating logistics and engagement throughout the visit.

#GeoConnect25 #Antaragrafik #Geospatial #Geomatics #RemoteSensing #Innovation #UTM #Geoinformatics #IndustryEngagement

GeoConnect ’25 – Lawatan ke Pusat Geospatial Negara

Last Tuesday, the GeoConnect 25 delegation had an enriching visit to the Pusat Geospatial Negara (PGN) — the national authority coordinating geospatial data and standards in Malaysia under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.

We were welcomed and had a productive discussion with Director of PGN, Rusliza Hanim binti Maarif, gaining strategic insights into PGN’s role in driving geospatial coordination, data sharing, and national spatial data infrastructure.

The session continued with a comprehensive presentation by Sr Dr. Noor Anim Zanariah binti Yahaya, where she elaborated on the functions, history, and key initiatives of PGN — from policy development and standards to outreach and technical reference services.

We also learned about data acquisition processes at PGN, including how users and institutions can request and access geospatial data for planning, research, and application development.

The visit concluded with an interactive Q&A session with students, offering them firsthand exposure to national-level geospatial data governance and practical engagement with PGN experts.

This experience was made even more meaningful thanks to the excellent coordination by students from the Geoinfo Club, UTM, who organised the logistics and engagement throughout the visit.

GeoConnect25 #PusatGeospatialNegara #PGN #Geospatial #MyGDI #SpatialData #UTM #Geoinformatics #StudentEngagement

Showcasing My Research on Geospatial Data Management at ACRS 2025

I had the privilege to attend the Asian Conference on Remote Sensing (ACRS) 2025 in Makassar, Indonesia (27–31 October 2025), where I presented my paper “A Conceptual Geospatial Data Management Model for National Parks.”

The paper is part of the research grant project, “Database Development on Socio-Economic Management for Wildlife Tourism and Conservation,” focusing on improving how spatial and socio-economic data are managed to support sustainable park management and conservation.

ACRS continues to be an excellent platform for the geospatial and remote sensing community, bringing together researchers, professionals, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and drive innovation across Asia. Truly an inspiring experience to connect with experts shaping the future of geospatial science.

ACRS2025 #RemoteSensing #Geospatial #GIS #NationalParks #Research #Innovation #UTM

GeoMod 3D – International Research Colloquium 2025

I had the opportunity to attend the GeoMod 3D International Research Colloquium 2025, organised by the 3D GIS Research Lab, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), on 21 October 2025.

This one-day event gathered academics, researchers, students, and industry professionals to exchange ideas and share the latest developments in 3D mapping, modelling, and spatial data management. The colloquium featured insightful presentations from international experts, including speakers from Germany, Australia, Turkey, Singapore, and Malaysia, covering topics such as 3D Digital Twins, BIM, LADM, City Models, and Marine Applications.

What made this event even more engaging was the active participation from industry partners such as AFTECH Sdn. Bhd., Indah Geomatik, and I-Net Spatial Sdn. Bhd., who shared their experiences and real-world projects in 3D development and applications within the geospatial sector.

It was a meaningful platform that bridged the gap between academia and industry — fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing in the ever-evolving field of Geoinformatics.

Kudos to the organising team for an excellent and inspiring event! 

Another Paper Published for 2025!

I’m excited to share that my latest paper, “GIS-Based Site Suitability for 5G Telecommunication Towers Enhancing Mobile Network Coverage,” has just been published in the Journal of Advanced Geospatial Science and Technology (JAGST)

This study applies GIS-based spatial multi-criteria analysis (SMCA) to identify optimal locations for 5G telecommunication towers in Kulai, Johor. With 5G coverage still limited in Malaysia, our findings show how geospatial data can be leveraged to plan and expand next-generation mobile networks more effectively — from analysing existing 4G/5G infrastructure to assessing population density, terrain, and signal coverage.

We hope this work contributes to smarter infrastructure planning and improved connectivity for underserved areas.

Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gfJ_y-im

GIS Training Camp 1 2025 Site Visit

Last week I went to Teluk Gorek, Mersing to visit 2nd year students of Geoinformatics that are currently doing their GIS Training Camp 1.

This time GIS Training Camp 1 was held in Telok Gorek, Mersing. With a total number of 48 students. They collected all the data for the resort and later will be processed and stored in a geospatial database.

I hope this experience will help them facing the real world problems and able to provide solutions related to issues they’ll face later.

#geoinformatics #sbegh #GIS #GISbootcamp #GIStrainingcamp

Master Project Proposal Defend

I’m grateful to become one of the panels for Master of Science in Geoinformatics this semester with Dr Suzanna Noor Azmy and Prof Dr Anuar Ahmad

All the students’projects are really interesting and hopefully students will gain some insight and information to help their projects grow and be improvised later

Hope to hear good news from all of them later!

#geoinformatics #MSc #masterproject #MBEO

Courtesy Visit to MBOT: Strengthening Academic and Professional Collaboration

I had the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) to discuss key matters related to the Bachelor of Science in Geoinformatics with Honours programme at the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

The main objectives of the visit were to discuss on the current curriculum and explore enhancements aligned with industry needs. Besides that, this discussion also important to understand the procedures and guidelines related to academic programme registration with MBOT.

Other than curriculum matters, this courtesy visit also discuss on exploring any opportunities for closer collaboration between FABU UTM and MBOT in student activities and professional development programmes.

The discussion was meaningful and timely to ensure that our academic offerings remain relevant, industry-driven, and capable of producing professionally recognised and competent graduates.

Thank you to the team at MBOT for the warm welcome and continuous support in strengthening geoinformatics education in Malaysia.

#MBOT #Geoinformatics #FABU #UTM #HigherEducation #ProfessionalRecognition #CurriculumDevelopment #Geospatial #STEM #AcademicIndustryLinkage