BUSAN, 21 July – Two promising students from the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have made significant strides in their research careers by connecting with global experts at the prestigious Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly in Busan, Korea. Postgraduate students Mohd Adha bin Abdul Majid and Nurul Ain Najwa binti Zulkifle, enrolled in the Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy programs in Remote Sensing, respectively, showcased their innovative work in coastal monitoring and inland water management, captivating the attention of leading researchers from around the world.
Showcasing Groundbreaking Research
Nurul Ain Najwa presented groundbreaking research on the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery to accurately map Malaysia’s complex coastlines. Her work, presented in a session chaired by renowned expert Dr. Stefano Vignudelli, has the potential to revolutionize coastal management by providing critical data for erosion and flood prevention, potentially saving millions of dollars in disaster recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Mohd Adha introduced an approach for estimating water levels in Malaysian reservoirs using satellite SAR altimetry. His presentation, chaired by Dr. Kanako Muramatsu from Nara Women’s University (奈良女子大学, Nara joshi daigaku – NWU), Japan, offers a promising solution for improving water resource management in the tropics, ensuring a sustainable water supply for millions of people.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurul Hazrina binti Idris, the students’ supervisor and FABU’s Assistant Dean of External Engagement, expressed her pride in their achievements. She emphasized that the COSPAR experience has significantly boosted their confidence in presenting their research on a global platform, positioning them as emerging leaders in remote sensing and space research.
Expanding Their Network with Global Experts
Nurul Ain Najwa and Mohd Adha have embarked on a remarkable journey to connect with the world’s leading minds in Earth observation and climate science. Their quest for knowledge has led them to forge invaluable relationships with a constellation of distinguished experts.
Dr. Jérôme Benveniste, a pioneer in radar altimetry at the European Space Agency (ESA), shared insights into ocean dynamics, inspiring the duo to explore new applications for their research. Prof. C.K. Shum, a renowned geodesist, offered invaluable guidance on the complex interplay between Earth’s gravity field and climate change, broadening the students’ understanding of the global impact of their work. Dr. Xiaoli Deng, a trailblazer in coastal altimetry, provided practical advice on overcoming challenges in coastal monitoring, fostering a collaborative spirit between the students and the expert. Dr. Takahiro Osawa, a specialist in remote sensing, shared his expertise in SAR data applications, opening new avenues for the students’ research. Dr. Stefano Vignudelli, a leading figure in coastal altimetry, offered an opportunity for the students to co-author a research paper involving satellite altimetry, further enhancing their research capabilities.
These interactions have not only provided Nurul Ain Najwa and Mohd Adha with unprecedented access to cutting-edge research but have also positioned them as key players in a global community dedicated to addressing pressing environmental challenges. The experience was transformative for both, with Nurul Ain Najwa expressing her excitement about the conference’s vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with leading experts. Meanwhile, Mohd Adha was inspired by the high calibre of research presented and is determined to elevate his own work.
A Global Stage for Innovation
The 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, held in Busan, South Korea, was a dynamic convergence of over 3,000 space scientists and experts from 55 countries. The event, marked by a vibrant atmosphere and exhilarating performances, served as a catalyst for groundbreaking research and international collaboration.
A historic gathering of leaders from major space agencies underscored COSPAR’s pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration. The assembly introduced significant initiatives such as the Space-Weather Roadmap and the New Policy on Planetary Protection, demonstrating the conference’s impact on global space governance.
Beyond policy and research, COSPAR 2024 was a platform for nurturing young talent. UTM students, Nurul Ain Najwa and Mohd Adha, exemplify the next generation of Malaysian space scientists. Their participation highlights the nation’s growing contribution to the field.
As the curtain falls on COSPAR 2024, anticipation builds for the next assembly in Florence, Italy, in 2026. The conference’s legacy of fostering innovation and international cooperation promises to shape the trajectory of space exploration for years to come.
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Prepared by,
Mohd Adha Abdul Majid
Mohd Adha showcases innovative methods for estimating inland water surface elevation using satellite SAR altimeters at COSPAR 2024.
Nurul Ain and Mohd Adha capturing a memorable moment with Prof. Dr. Xiaoli Deng from the University of Newcastle, an expert in satellite radar altimetry and coastal zone data.
