Tag Archives: #GeoinformatikUTM

Connecting the Dots: Internship Evaluations in Geoinformatics

Evaluating our industrial training students is always one of the most fulfilling parts of academic life because it gives us a direct window into how classroom theories translate into real-world applications. For this round, since our four students are attached to four different companies in various locations, we took the evaluation sessions online. Each student presented their day-to-day scope of work, key project contributions, and the unique challenges they faced during their placement.

These sessions are crucial from an academic standpoint. They allow us to carefully assess whether the host companies provide a suitable learning environment and ensure that the scope of work truly aligns with the core principles of Geoinformatics. Seeing them handle real GIS workflows, spatial data management, and industry-grade tools confirms that they are getting the solid industry exposure they deserve.

I hope our students maximize this golden opportunity to absorb as much practical knowledge and technical skill as possible. More importantly, I look forward to having them bring these rich experiences back to UTM, sharing their insights and inspiring their peers. All the best to our interns as they complete their industry journey!

#IndustrialTraining #Geoinformatics #InternshipSupervision #UTM #FABU #HigherEducation #GIS #StudentDevelopment #AcademicLife #SpatialData

Selamat Datang Warga Baharu Geoinformatik: Bermulanya Satu Perjalanan Baru!

Suasana di Fakulti Alam Bina dan Ukur (FABU), UTM kembali meriah dengan kehadiran wajah-wajah baharu yang penuh semangat pada 5 Oktober 2026. Sesi aluan pelajar baharu Program Sarjana Muda Sains Geoinformatik dengan Kepujian kali ini cukup istimewa apabila disambut hangat oleh hampir kesemua rakan pensyarah program.

Seramai lebih kurang 90 orang pelajar baharu dari dalam dan luar negara, termasuk lepasan pelbagai latar belakang diploma, kini rasmi melangkah masuk ke dalam keluarga besar Geoinformatik UTM. Majlis dimulakan dengan kata-kata azimat dan amanat inspirasi daripada Dekan FABU, Ketua Jabatan, serta PM Dr. Faisal.

Seterusnya, Dr. Suzanna Azmy selaku Penyelaras Program memberikan penerangan komprehensif mengenai struktur pengajian dan hala tuju akademik bagi memastikan para pelajar bersedia mengemudi perjalanan mereka. Selepas sesi bergambar beramai-ramai yang merakamkan detik permulaan ini, suasana diteruskan dengan perkongsian yang lebih dekat di hati daripada Presiden Kelab Geoinfo dan alumni program, memberikan gambaran sebenar tentang kehidupan kampus serta realiti kerjaya geospatial.

Melihat kepelbagaian latar belakang dan tenaga positif para pelajar baharu ini memberikan kami di barisan akademik semangat baharu untuk membimbing mereka.

Selamat datang ke UTM, manfaatkan sepenuhnya peluang yang ada, terokai dunia geospatial dengan rasa ingin tahu yang tinggi, dan bina kenangan terindah sepanjang bergelar mahasiswa!

#Geoinformatics#UTMMalaysia#FABU#Geospatial#Freshies2026#HigherEducation#AcademicLife#UniversityLife#GeoinfoFamily

Off to Teluk Gorek – Visiting GIS Training Camp!

Just completed a site visit to the GIS Training Camp (KLGIS) at Teluk Gorek, Mersing!

The KLGIS (GIS Training Camp) program is a crucial field platform for students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical reality. Throughout this camp, they have the opportunity to strengthen their technical skills and gain hands-on experience in various fieldwork processes, including:

🔹 Traverse Surveying 🔹 Detailing 🔹 Airborne Mapping 🔹 LiDAR Technology Applications

Aside from overseeing the smooth execution of the program, the main purpose of my visit was to provide moral support and a boost of encouragement. A massive kudos and congratulations to the dedicated camp facilitators and the resilient students who are braving the challenges of fieldwork out there.

Fieldwork experiences like these are what build the endurance and technical competencies highly sought after by the industry. Keep up the excellent work, and may the knowledge gained at Teluk Gorek leave a lasting impact on your future careers! 🚀🌍

#KLGIS #Geospatial #GIS #Surveying #LiDAR #AirborneMapping #TelukGorek #Mersing #AcademicLife #FutureProfessionals

Invited as SME to PGN!

Honored to be invited by the National Geospatial Centre (PGN) as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to conduct a briefing and knowledge-sharing session on the MS2647 metadata standard. 🗺️📊

This special invitation was part of an initiative to enhance and upgrade the MyGeoportal application, ensuring it aligns with the latest developments of the MS2647 standard.

During the session, we dived deep into the technicalities, and I had the privilege of sharing insights on understanding MS2647, the key components in the standard, the 4 main parts in this documents, understanding and aligning the main document information, with information in Annex B and Annex C.

  • Understanding MS2647: Breaking down the core framework and requirements of the standard.
  • Implementation Strategies: Practical approaches to adopting the standard effectively.

I hope this sharing session provides a clear and actionable roadmap for the PGN team, ultimately contributing to a more robust, standardized, and efficient MyGDI improvement.

Looking forward to seeing the new and improved MyGeoportal in action! 🚀

#SubjectMatterExpert #Geospatial #Metadata #MS2647 #MyGeoportal #PGN #DataStandardization #KnowledgeSharing #GIS #AcademicInsights

Sustaining Excellence in National Standards: Progressing the NSC 07/TC 2 Agenda

Continuity is vital in the complex world of standardization. I recently attended the latest session of the Technical Committee on Geographic Information/Geomatics (NSC 07/TC 2), continuing my role as a representative for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

This meeting was a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to refine Malaysia’s geospatial framework. We are currently in the final stages of reviewing two critical documents:

1. MS 1759 (Amendment): Geographic information/geomatics – Feature and attribute codes.

2. MS 2039 (Amendment): Addresses – Standard Format – Requirements.

By consistently revisiting and enhancing these standards, we ensure that our national data infrastructure remains synchronized with technological advancements and industry demands.

Our work doesn’t stop at the national level. As part of our committee’s ongoing commitment to international excellence, we also finalized preparations for Malaysia’s active participation in the global ISO technical meetings. This May 2026, our journey continues in Ottawa, Canada, where we will represent Malaysia’s interests and stay aligned with global geospatial trends.

Being part of this long-term process is a rewarding experience. It’s about ensuring that the foundation we build today supports the digital and geospatial innovations of tomorrow.

#Geospatial #Geomatics #UTM #ISOStandards #NationalStandards #MS1759 #MS2039 #Standardization #Ottawa2026 #GlobalCollaboration #ContinuousImprovement #TechnicalCommittee

New Publication Alert!: Bridging Spatial Data Sharing and Smart City Innovation

I am excited to share that my latest research chapter, “Spatial Data Sharing in Smart Cities Implementation: A Systematic Literature Review,” has been published by Springer Nature!

As cities worldwide transition into “Smart Cities,” the ability to share, integrate, and visualize spatial data—from GIS and remote sensing to drone technology—becomes the backbone of urban sustainability and citizen well-being.

Key Insights from the Chapter:

~ Global Trends: Our systematic review (using the PSALSAR technique) highlights that the Asian region, particularly China, is leading the discourse in this field.
~ Core Challenges: We scrutinized five critical areas—Technology, Data Quality, Social impact, Environmental factors, and Governance.
~ Future Roadmaps: The study outlines four strategic directions, including empowering community collaboration in Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and transforming governance toward “Spatial Enablement.”

In an era where “Location Intelligence” drives decision-making, understanding the hurdles of data compatibility, security, and accessibility is crucial for researchers and urban planners alike.

🔗 Read the full chapter here: https://lnkd.in/gnXVKftG

A big thank you to the editorial team for bringing this comprehensive review to life. I hope this work serves as a valuable resource for those shaping the future of our urban ecosystems.

#SmartCities#SpatialData#GIS#SpringerNature#ResearchPublication#UrbanPlanning#DigitalTransformation#SDI#LocationIntelligence#AcademicWriting

Strengthening Data Collaboration for Wildlife Sustainability at JTS, Kuching

Despite the heavy rain in Kuching since early morning, our spirits remained high as we gathered at the Land and Survey Department (JTS) for a strategic discussion regarding the research grant led by Dr. Noordyana.

Our focus was centered on the project: “Database Development on Socio-economic Management for Wildlife Tourism and Conservation.” This session was crucial as it involved coordinating the integration and management of databases developed through this grant for the benefit of all relevant agencies.

A heartfelt thank you to our strategic partners for their invaluable insights during our session at JTS including JTS, SFC, SAINS and other participants from Land Office and Resident’s Office.

The synergy between academia and government agencies is the cornerstone of ensuring that socio-economic management in wildlife tourism and conservation is driven by accurate, centralized data.

I am hopeful that the outcomes of today’s discussion will yield long-term positive impacts for all stakeholders and for the natural heritage of Sarawak.

#WildlifeConservation #DataManagement #Sarawak #ResearchGrant #Sustainability #SocioEconomic #EcoTourism #ConservationData #JTS #Kuching

Memperkenalkan Research-Led Teaching dalam Kursus Pengajaran

Pengajaran dan pembelajaran di peringkat tertier (universiti) perlu sentiasa berkembang dan ditambahbaik, seiring dengan penemuan dan kajian terkini yang telah didapati.

Akan tetapi, kebanyakan kaedah pengajaran dan pembelajaran masih kekal statik, dengan kaedah penyampaian kuliah dan amali sahaja. UTM dengan beberapa inisiatif di bawah New Academia Learning Innovation telah memperkenalkan dan meningkatkan kaedah pembelajaran yang lebih aktif dan berkesan sesuai dengan zaman yang semakin mencabar. 

Salah satu kaedah pembelajaran dan pengajaran yang dapat mengaitkan pelajar dengan kajian dan penemuan terkini adalah dengan satu kaedah dikenali sebagai Research-Led Teaching. 

*Sumber: Nota Prof Ir. Ts. Dr. Sharifah Rafidah binti Wan Alwi

Research-Led Teaching bertujuan untuk mengintegrasikan pengajaran berasaskan aktiviti berasaskan kajian. Ianya menambah pengalaman melaksanakan kajian dalam kelas pengajaran kursus. 

Terdapat empat kaedah pelaksanaan Research-Led Teaching ini, iaitu: Research-based, Research-Oriented, Research-driven, dan Research-tutored. Boleh baca secara mendalam di laman web UTMCDeX: https://utmcdex.utm.my/research-led-teaching/ 

Bagi menambahbaik pelaksanaan kursus Spatial Data Management, kaedah Research-Tutored telah diimplementasikan dalam kelas. Ianya memberikan pelajar yang mengambil kursus ini untuk melaksanakan sebahagian cara melaksanakan kajian. 

Pelajar diberikan tajuk khusus, dan diminta mencari rujukan dalam laman sesawang jurnal, seperti WOS dan Scopus. Pelajar juga didedahkan kaedah menggunakan perisian Mendeley bagi mempercepatkan proses membuat rujukan kelak. Pelajar diminta untuk mencari sekurang-kurangnya 5 artikel jurnal dalam laman sesawang yang dinyatakan. 

Selepas mendapat artikel jurnal ini, pelajar kemudiannya dikehendaki membaca, dan mengenalpasti beberapa perkara utama, antaranya apa tujuan kajian, apa permasalahan, kaedah yang digunakan dalam kajian itu, serta data yang digunakan dalam kajian tersebut. Pelajar kemudiannya diminta untuk mengkelaskan kajian-kajian yang didapati. Kemudian dibentangkan dalam kelas. 

Sesi soal-jawab antara rakan sekelas seterusnya dibuat, untuk melihat, adakah betul hasil kerja dilaksanakan oleh kumpulan tersebut, dan seterusnya persoalan kritikal akan dilontarkan bagi meningkatkan kefahaman pelajar.

Kaedah Research-Led Teaching (Pembelajaran Terpandu-Kajian) ini sangat diperlukan bagi menambahbaik pekerjaan semasa. Lebih-lebih lagi kerajaan menetapkan Malaysia mencapai Negara Berpendapatan Tinggi, yang sangat memerlukan kepada inovasi dalam pelbagai bidang. Dan salah satu kaedahnya, adalah dengan mengkaji kajian terdahulu, serta mengkaji bagaimana penambahbaikan rekabentuk, produk, atau model itu boleh dilaksanakan.

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