📝 Summary
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) hosted a workshop on muon imaging with a visiting team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), bringing together academics and industry representatives to discuss research collaboration and its real-world applications. The workshop was the final stop of the SJTU 2026 Global Challenge Programme project, which explored muon physics and its potential for non-destructive testing. The event aimed to deepen mutual trust and lay a foundation for future joint research and technology implementation between the participating institutions.
JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 10 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) proudly hosted the “Knowledge Transfer Workshop: Muography for Underground Imaging” on 10 August 2026 at the Skudai campus in Johor. Chaired by UTM Physics Department staff member Dr. Razif Razali, the academic exchange brought together a visiting project team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU).
Highlighting the real-world impact and industrial relevance of the research, representatives of PLUS (the North-South Expressway company), the Centre of Excellence in Engineering and Technology (CREaTE) Public Works Department (JKR) and the staff and students of the Physics Department and Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA) took part in the event.
This significant workshop served as the final stop of the SJTU 2026 Global Challenge Programme project, titled “Muon Imaging for Non-Destructive Testing: Transnational Geological Survey“.
The programme’s broader field research was conducted across Malaysia from 4 to 11 August 2026. Throughout this transnational trip, the SJTU team explored the academic frontiers of muon physics and discussed collaboration prospects with leading scholars at several prominent institutions, including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Malaya (UM) and Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), before culminating their journey at UTM.
The event commenced with the Head of the UTM Physics Department, Dr. Izyan Hazwani Hashim, introducing the university’s dedicated muon physics research team and providing a foundational overview of the field tailored for the undergraduate audience. Following the welcoming remarks, Assoc. Prof. Kim Siang Khaw introduced SJTU and the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute (TDLI), delivering a comprehensive keynote lecture on the principles of muon physics and advanced imaging technology.
Attendees were then treated to a series of in-depth technical presentations and interactive demonstrations delivered by the visiting researchers. Undergraduate students Yi Xiyan and Li Yifei showcased the practical working principles of a muon imaging detector. In a proud moment for the faculty, TDLI doctoral student and UTM alumnus Wong Guan Ming returned to share his personal particle physics research journey, inspiring students by highlighting his contributions to international efforts such as the COMET and muEDM experiments.
The academic exchange further explored complex concepts as TDLI master’s student Mehdi Kaci presented on cosmic-ray physics and the search for PeVatrons.
Additionally, doctoral student Wang Yinghe detailed the technical routes of muography, ranging from multi-layer tracking detector systems to three-dimensional structural reconstruction, while TDLI doctoral student Zeng Yonghao broke down the intricate design of data acquisition (DAQ) systems.
To complete the technical overview, undergraduate Hao Zhanxu systematically outlined the complete muon imaging data analysis workflow. The successful event concluded with a lively free discussion session and a commemorative souvenir exchange, successfully deepening mutual trust and laying a solid foundation for future joint research and technology implementation between the participating institutions.
