Jejak Karbon One-day Program (SDG4, SDG12, SDG13)

Date: 8^th July 2023 | Venue: Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi Gombak, Selangor

Environmental Management Center (EMC)’s efforts for research implementation is the provision of research grants known as Geran Penyelidikan Alam dan Perubahan Iklim (PAPI) to dedicated researchers at UKM. A particular study was focused to instill awareness and introduce the concept of reducing carbon footprint through the ‘Program Jejak Karbon’. The program includes many interesting and exciting activities, involving UKM students as facilitators and participants. The students’ activities are periodically evaluated, and the results will be presented by the students upon the completion of the program.

IPI Seminar Series 5/2023: Geophysical Investigations of Habitability in Ocean Worlds: Focus on Electrical Conductivity and Magnetic Induction (SDG 4, SDG9, SDG17)

Date: 7^th August 2023 | Venue: IPI Seminar Room, Level 7, Research Complex

On August 7, 2023, IPI hosted an enlightening seminar entitled “Geophysical Investigations of Habitability in Ocean Worlds: Focus on Electrical Conductivity and Magnetic Induction”. The distinguished speaker for this event is Dr. Steven D. Vance, an esteemed researcher from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This seminar gave a comprehensive explanation of the geophysical factors influencing habitability in ocean worlds, with a specific emphasis on the roles of electrical conductivity and magnetic induction.

Environmental Data Programme Workshop (SDG13, SDG15)

Date: 23^rd October 2023 | Venue: Bangi Resort Hotel, Selangor.

The Earth Observation Centre has orchestrated a workshop on the Environmental Data Program, engaging multiple agencies such as Jabatan Alam Sekitar, Kementerian Sumber Asli, Alam Sekitar dan Perubahan Iklim (NRECC), Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (JPS) and Pusat Hidrografi Nasional (PHN). This workshop is designed to deliberate on the Environmental Data program’s implementation and gather insights from participants regarding cross-boundary environmental pollution studies.

Briefing Session: Program Laman Cakna Alam (SDG4, SDG11, SDG13)

Date: 26^th October 2023 | Venue: Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Pomson, Hulu Langat, Selangor

The Environmental Management Center (EMC), in collaboration with Khadijah International Waqf Foundation (KIWF), has organized the second Program Komuniti Alam dan Perubahan Iklim (KAPI), involving five primary schools in Hulu Langat. The initial phase of the program commenced with a briefing session conducted by UKM’s experts for the school’s teachers. The program’s objective is to familiarize teachers with the knowledge and flows of the program, which will later be conveyed to the students in their respective schools.

IPI Research Seminar: Using Machine Learning Methods to Forecast Air Quality: A Case Study in Macao (SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 13)

Date: 1^st November 2023 | Venue: Meeting Room, Level 5, Research Complex, UKM Bangi

On November 1, 2023, IPI hosted a seminar entitled “Using Machine Learning Methods to Forecast Air Quality: A Case Study in Macao”. The distinguished speaker for this event was Prof. Thomas Lei from the Institute of Science and Environment at the University of Saint Joseph in Macao. The seminar provided a platform for an in-depth exploration of the application of machine learning methods in forecasting air quality, with a specific focus on a case study in Macao. Attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into cutting-edge research and advancements in the field, as well as to engage with Prof. Thomas Lei on this topic.

Evaluation Session: Program Laman Cakna Alam (SDG 4, SDG 11, SDG 13)

Date: 8^th November 2023 | Venue: Schools of Hulu Langat, Selangor

At the onset of the program, the five participating schools prepared their own ‘Laman Cakna Alam’. The program’s rules and regulations outline that the space should consist solely of recyclable materials. The composition of recyclable materials in developing the space contributes to the points in the evaluation session by UKM’s experts. Surprisingly, within the limited time given, each school demonstrated outstanding results, with almost all features of the space made up of recyclable materials. Some products even show great potential for commercialization if the correct platform is provided. The children and their minds are indeed like white canvases, ready to spill their unimaginable ideas and views.

Launching of Sahabat Sungai Hulu Langat (SDG4, SDG6, SDG11, SDG13)

Date: 11^th November 2023 | Venue: Institut Kemahiran Tinggi Belia Negara Dusun Tua, Hulu Langat

The completion of the Laman Cakna Alam’s evaluation marks the conclusion of the program. Each school is awarded a prize sponsored by the Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Nasional, with titles ranging from Sekolah Cakna Alam Platinum (for the champion) to Sekolah Cakna Alam Bronze (for the fifth place). Additionally, four students from each participating school receive the title of Jaguh Cakna Alam along with a monetary reward credited directly into their Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional (SSPN) accounts. The results were announced concurrently with the launch of the Sahabat Sungai Hulu Langat ceremony, an initiative by the Parliament and ADUN of Hulu Langat office, in collaboration with the Khadijah International Waqf Foundation (KIWF) and the District Education Office of Hulu Langat.

Final Presentation of Program Jejak Karbon di Sekolah (SDG4, SDG11, SDG13)

Date: 14^th November 2023 | Venue: Akademia Siber Teknopolis, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

After the dissemination of knowledge to the students in July 2023, they were given the opportunity to independently conduct activities, with minimal supervision from their respective teachers. The students were divided into several groups, and intense competition among them was evident during the presentation session held at Akademia Siber Teknopolis, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Various presentation styles and approaches were showcased to capture the attention of the judges evaluating the presentations. The opening ceremony of the presentation was officiated by the director of IPI, Associate Professor Dr. Zaini Sakawi.

3^rd International Conference on Unmanned Aerial Systems in Geomatics – 2023 (UASG 2023) (SDG9, SDG 11, SDG 13)

Date: 20^th – 21^st November 2023 | Venue: Bangi Resort Hotel, Selangor.

UASG 2023 focuses on advancing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology and addressing current issues under the theme “UAV: A Game Changer for Geomatics.” Through UASG 2023, IPI has successfully attracted more researchers to explore UAVs and Drones at an advanced level, elevating UKM’s international reputation in this field. The collaboration with IIT Roorkee, India has expanded our international network and cooperation significantly. 

Memorandum of Understanding Preparation Meeting (MoU) Geospatial Services between Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Pusat Geospatial Negara (PGN) (SDG 9, SDG11, SDG17)

Date: 14^th December 2023 | Venue: Wisma Sumber Asli, Presint 4, Kementerian Sumber Asli, Alam Sekitar dan Perubahan Iklim (NRECC), Putrajaya.

The meeting aimed to deliberate on enhancing collaboration between PGN and academia, focusing on expertise development and Geospatial services. During the session, both parties presented and finalized aspects of their cooperation to be formalized.

2023 8^th International Conference on Space Science and Communication  (IconSpace 2023) (SDG 9, SDG13, SDG17)

The Institute of Climate Change (IPI) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia through Space Science Centre (ANGKASA), has organized the 2023 8^th International Conference on Space Science and Communication (IconSpace 2023) on 3^rd – 4^th October 2023 at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang.

The conference aimed to provide a platform for researchers, scientists, and industry people to communicate and disseminate information on the latest developments in space science, space communication and related fields. With the theme “Advanced Space Technology: Accelerating Global Agenda”, IconSpace 2023 has gathered many local and foreign researchers including Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, United States of America, Nigeria, and Nigeria.

IconSpace 2023 participants and Committee

The conference commenced with a formal officiating ceremony led by YBhg. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Wan Kamal Mujani, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Setting the tone for the event, the opening ceremony was followed by an insightful keynote session featuring Prof. Ts. Dr. Kasturi Devi Kanniah from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. She delivered a keynote speech titled “Mapping Fine Particulate Matters in the Maritime Region of Malaysia Using Multisource Remote Sensing Data”. The session continued to captivate the audience with another keynote address titled “Equatorial Plasma Bubble (EPB) Observation and Effects on Modern Technology” by Prof. Dr. Pornchai Supnithi from Thailand.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Kasturi Devi Kanniah (UTM) and Prof. Dr. Pornchai Supnithi (Thailand) delivering their keynote speeches.

After two keynote speeches, participants presented their research findings in three parallel sessions. These sessions covered four tracks: Astronomy, Atmospheric and Magnetospheric Sciences, Remote Sensing and Applications, Satellite and Communication Technology. The setup allowed for a diverse range of topics and encouraged active discussions, creating a collaborative environment for sharing insights and advancements in space science and communication.

The conference featured a presentation of 50 research papers across three parallel sessions, with the Satellite and Communication Technology track having the highest number of submitted articles. All eligible articles meeting the specified criteria will undergo consideration for publication in Springer or Jurnal Kejuruteraan.

Some of the participants during the parallel presentation session

On the conference’s second day, two keynote speakers from Japan, Professor Dr. Kensei Kobayashi and Professor Dr. Kunio Sakakibara, shared their expertise. Professor Dr. Kensei Kobayashi discussed the “Origins of Terrestrial Bioorganic Compounds,” examining how these compounds are formed on Earth. Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Kunio Sakakibara presented on the “Development of High-Gain and Beam-Scanning Antennas in Sub-THz Wave Band,” discussing advancements in antenna technology. These insightful talks added valuable perspectives to the conference, enriching discussions on space science and communication.

After all the sessions ended, two tutorial sessions were hosted in conjunction with IconSpace 2023. Dr. Ng Kok Jiunn from TE Connectivity led the tutorial on “Industrial Antenna Perspective” shedding light on the latest in antenna technology and its industrial applications. Simultaneously, Associate Prof. Dr. Gan Kok Beng from UKM led the tutorial on “Machine Learning for Space Technology Application”. These sessions aim to provide participants with valuable insights and foster a learning environment at the forefront of technology.

IconSpace 2023 supported by World Space Week and received a sponsorship from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). The 8^th IconSpace conference had successfully achieved its targets as one of the initiatives to advance the developments of space science research in Malaysia. The next IconSpace conference will be held in the year 2025 and further information is available at the website http://www.ukm.my/iconspace/.

6th Asia‐Oceania Space Weather Alliance Workshop (AOSWA 2023) (SDG 9, SDG13, SDG17)

The 6th Asia‐Oceania Space Weather Alliance Workshop (AOSWA 2023) was co-organized by the Space Science Centre (ANGKASA), Institute of Climate Change (IPI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). The event gathered 70 presenters from 16 countries, representing diverse local and international research institutions and higher education entities across the Asia-Oceania region. This inclusive assembly served as a platform for discussions on recent advancements in observational, theoretical, modeling, forecasting, and practical applications within the field. The primary objective of the workshop was to foster research collaborations and networking opportunities, capitalizing on the distinctive characteristics of the Asia-Oceania upper atmosphere region.

The workshop unfolded across three days. The opening ceremony on the first day was honored by the presence of Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Wan Kamal Mujani. Mr. Tuan Haji Azlikamil bin Napiah, Director General of the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), commenced the event with Keynote Speech 1, ‘Space Weather Forecast: Malaysia’s Distinctive Insight.’ Subsequently, Prof. Erna Sri Adiningsih from the Indonesian Space Agency Secretariat, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia, presented Keynote Speech 2, ‘Space Weather Monitoring: From Comprehensive Research to Regional Services.’

The second day’s highlight was Keynote Speech 3, ‘Space Weather in a New Space Age: LEO Satellite Environment,’ delivered by Dr. Donghun Lee from Kyunghee University, Republic of Korea. The concluding day featured Keynote Speech 4, ‘Space Weather: A Scientific Phenomenon of Global Concern,’ presented by Dr. Nat Gopalswamy from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, USA.

The oral presentations were conducted in a hybrid format across 8 dedicated sessions. Additionally, on the second day, an afternoon session featured a poster presentation with the participation of 15 presenters.

On the last day, the Steering Organizing Committee (SOC) and several participants explored Kuala Lumpur’s city center, visiting landmarks including the National Palace, Planetarium, National Mosque, Dataran Merdeka, Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), and Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC).