Activities

Postgraduate student, Azim (PhD) participated in the Science Castle Asia 2025 competition at the Chancellor's Hall, Multimedia University (MMU), Cyberjaya as one of the judges for the poster slot. The primary objective of providing young researchers and students a platform to present their scientific projects, engage in knowledge exchange, and foster cross-cultural collaboration.

In conjunction with World Space Week 2025 (WSW25), the UKM Astrophysics group has set up a booth in the Lobby of the Department of Applied Physics, UKM for a week. WSW is an international initiative to strengthen the connection between space and society through public education, participation and dialogue regarding the future of space activities through a focus on WSW25. Theme Among the activities held at the booth were a photo kiosk, a World Space Week reading corner and also the announcement of a selfie competition titled "Mission: Me in Space". This booth was set up to expose UKM students to WSW. The chosen theme for WSW25 is 'Living in Space'. This theme explores the human journey in building habitats in space, emphasizing innovative technologies, challenges and collaborative efforts in realizing this vision.

Postgraduate students, Azim (PhD), Sarah (Master) and Adibah (PhD) were involved in the production of a short video titled 'A Day In a Life of Astronomy Students' which was posted on the Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (FST UKM). The video revolves around the activities they have undertaken throughout their postgraduate studies at UKM.

PhD student Muhammad NurAzim Bin Rosli represented Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in the Varsity Boules Championship (VBC) 2025, held from 26 to 29 August 2025 at Daiman Bowl, Johor Bahru. The UKM contingent received sponsorship support from Terkee Proshop and Klang Bowling.

Competing against university teams from across the country, the UKM contingent proudly secured one gold medal and one bronze medal, showcasing both the athletes’ skills and their strong fighting spirit. According to NurAzim, the experience was truly valuable as it strengthened teamwork while bringing pride to UKM at the national level.

The UKM Astrophysics Group successfully organized the Space Ranger Camp: A Day in the Cosmos on 9 and 16 August 2025, attracting 159 participants of various ages at the Department of Applied Physics, UKM. The program opened with public talks by Associate Professor Dr. Nur Adlyka on “Black Holes” and Dr. Anuar Alias on “Wormholes.” 

The program was divided into two main participant categories: workshop participants (ages 3–14) and the general public. The workshops offered two engaging options: “Journey into the Cosmos,” covering topics such as the solar system, galaxies, stars, and rockets, and “Alien Hunting,” which focused on aliens, exoplanets, rockets, and DIY telescope-making. Other highlights included solar observation activities as well as immersive 3D model and VR exhibitions. Supported by 20 facilitators, mostly UKM Physics students, the event successfully inspired greater public interest in science and space exploration. 

PhD student Muhammad NurAzim Bin Rosli represented Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) at the MASUM Tenpin Bowling Championship 2025, held from 9 to 10 August 2025 at the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Sports Bowl.

The championship brought together student athletes from public universities across the country, showcasing their talent and sportsmanship in tenpin bowling. NurAzim’s participation not only reflects his dedication to co-curricular excellence but also highlights the balance he maintains between academic achievement and sporting pursuits.

PhD student Muhammad NurAzim Bin Rosli undertook a Research Attachment at the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy, Department of Physics, Durham University, United Kingdom, from 16 May to 22 July 2025. During this period, he was supervised by Prof. David M. Alexander, a renowned expert in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) and multi-wavelength astronomy. The program was fully sponsored by MyBrainSc, Ministry of Higher Education (KPT).

Through this attachment, NurAzim strengthened his expertise in his research field, gained access to world-class research facilities, and fostered collaborations with international researchers. He described the experience as highly valuable, broadening his research perspective and enhancing his academic capabilities to a higher level.

Sarah, a Master's student, has been invited by the Maahad Intergrasi Tahfiz Alam Impian (MITS) Astronomy Club to give a talk on how to set up a telescope to participants of the 2025 Astronomy Olympiad.

Our team proudly joined Hari Penyelidikan & Inovasi 2025, organized by FST UKM at Dewan Tun Abdullah Mohd Salleh. Under the booth name Astro-Blasto, we presented: 

“Probing [Ne V] Emission Beyond Active Supermassive Black Holes Using James Webb Space Telescope”

Presented by Dr. Adlyka and assisted by Sarah (Master's) and Hana (Intern), the project uses data from the JWST to explore how [Ne V] emission, traditionally linked to supermassive black holes, may also originate from intense massive star-forming regions. Visitors also got to experience a 360° VR journey into a black hole and check out our 3D-printed JWST model.

On April 30, 2025, Dr. Adlyka’s research team participated in STEM Carnival at SMK Jalan 3 by running a booth titled "Eyes on the Universe." The entire team engaged with students from Form 1 to Form 5, introducing them to space science through three main activities: Astronomy at a Glance (a quick dive into the universe using Stellarium ), DIY Telescope (building a simple mini telescope), and Sun Observation (safely viewing the Sun through a solar-filtered telescope). The event aimed to spark curiosity and interest in astronomy and STEM among secondary school students. 

Associate Professor Dr. Nur Adlyka Ainul Annuar was recently featured in the TVS documentary program “Anggun.”  The project also featured Dr. Anuar Alias, postgraduate Physics students, and an intern. This collaboration brought together diverse perspectives and expertise, making the experience both engaging and enriching.

The filming and  demonstration was held at the Year 2 Physics Teaching Laboratory on 10 April 2025.

Masters student, Sarah, joins as a teaching assistant for the 'AstroKids' course at the Permata Pintar school in Bangi. 

JSEP is a program organized by Permata Pintar for students aged 9-10 to spend the weekend at Permata Pintar learning specific fields such as astronomy, DNA barcoding, robotics, drone manufacturing and more. The 'AstroKids' course has 10 entries from students aged 8-10 years.

Astrophysics postgraduates, Ainun and Sarah, and alumni, Nabila and Ezzat, attended a multimedia theatre titled 'Meniti Cakerawala',  at the Auditorium Bandaraya, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur. 

The theatre was a visual and interactive representation of the book Cosmic Connections Langkawi by Tan Sri Mazlan Othman (Malaysian first astrophysicist), Muhammad Haji Salleh (National Laureate poet) and Jalaini Abu Hassan (artist) with performance directed by Datuk Ramli Ibrahim and performed by the Sutra Foundation performers. 

The theatre tells the story of the cosmic journey that leads to the creation of earth and us, humans. How stars need to die first to create elements that makes a human. 

Astrophysics postgraduates, Aimi, Ainun and Sarah, joined as participants and facilitators for the Star-Fest 2024 organised by Sahabat Langit Utara (SALUT). In conjunction with KKB Outdoor Festival 2024, various astronomy-themed activities were held which were suitable for all ages, whether beginners or advanced astronomers.

Some activites held were Creating Sundials, Finding Muslim Prayer Direction (Kiblah), Navigating Star Maps, DIY Telescopes, Astrophotography classes, Making Stellar Bracelets, Galaxies Painting class, and much more. 

The full event details can be referred at SALUT's official Facebook page: https://tinyurl.com/2evm2c2s.

The Astronomy Group at UKM, Bangi held a poster exhibition in the Lobby of the Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology in conjunction with World Space Week 2024.

The largest space event on Earth, UN-declared World Space Week is celebrated from October 4-10 each year. It is an international event dedicated to showcasing how space science and technology contribute to the improvement of human life. World Space Week features numerous space-related activities organized by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetariums, museums, and astronomy clubs, all synchronized to maximize public and educational impact. World Space Week, declared by the United Nations and celebrated annually from October 4-10, brings together thousands of organizations and individuals globally to celebrate the contributions and advancements in space exploration. Last year, WSW saw unprecedented engagement with over 16,000 events held across 83 countries.

For more information, visit the website: https://www.worldspaceweek.org/ 

Aimi Azizan had the privilege of participating in ThaiPASS'24, a week-long Python+Astronomy Summer School. The event gathered university students from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam. The program focused on applying Python to a variety of astronomical topics, including exoplanet detection, active galactic nuclei (AGN), galaxy classification through machine learning, and cosmology. Guided by leading researchers from the UK and Thailand, Aimi Azizan gained valuable skills in Python for astronomical data analysis and had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow participants and astronomers from across the region. 

Github link for slides and model solutions: https://github.com/Milne-Centre/ThaiPASS2024 

PHD candidate Muhammad Nurazim Rosli and Master's student Anis Maisarah Yassir Azlin participated in PISCON 2024 as presenters. The presentation is done as a 'booth' presentation. Students get experience presenting their respective projects to academics from various fields of study. The conference aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers, research scholars, students, government agencies and industry experts to exchange and share their latest research ideas and findings. It provides a platform for participants to share and discuss the latest advances in multidisciplinary fields and understand the needs of different parties.

Shooting with Prof Madya Dr. Nur Adlyka Ainul Annuar for RTM Documentary Program titled "The First Woman". Also involved in the illustration is Dr. Anuar Alias and Physics graduate students.

Demonstration conducted in Physics Year 2 Teaching Lab on 15th August,2024.

Science culture program with the theme "Technology and Space Adventure" is a collaboration between Apadilangit (Langit Kita Sdn Bhd) and Starlight Education UK, with support from the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), MIGHT (Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology) agency below Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and MASIC (Malaysian Space Industry Consortium). "The main goal of this program is to expose students and the communit about the space mission, Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 in addition to attracting interest students and society towards space science and technology" (YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister MOSTI). The launch ceremony also featured a special appearance by National astronauts Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Charles D. Likes to be presented specially by Apadilangit with partner Starlight Education UK. Astronaut Charles D. Gemar has been to space in three (3) missions using spacecraft space shuttle and has been in space for 581 hours.

Shooting with Prof Madya Dr. Nur Adlyka Ainul Annuar for Nona Documentary Program which will be broadcasted on TV3 on the 11th August 2024. Also involved in the illustration is Physics graduate students.

Demonstration conducted at Astrophysics Lab in Permata Pintar, UKM, Bangi on 4th July, 2024.

JWST Data Analysis and Processing Workshop (South East Asia) is one of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)'s Capacity Building Activities and the International Astronomical Union (IAU)'s Hands-On Workshops. The workshop trained participants to use public JWST data for scientific research. Participants downloaded, reduced, and analysed data from all JWST instruments (NIRCam, NIRISS, NIRSpec, and MIRI), using examples from different scientific cases. The weekday schedule included tutorials and hands-on sessions on data access, reduction, analysis tools and modelling techniques. The workshop featured lectures covering scientific applications of JWST data, such as high-z galaxies (cosmic dawn era), star formation processes, exoplanets, transient astronomy and statistics. Modules also incorporated opportunities to collaborate with the lecturers. All participants were assigned mentors that suited the project they planned to do using JWST instrument during the workshop. The mentors came from institutes in Australia, China, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand and United States. Anis Maisarah Yassir Azlin was assigned two mentors, Dr. Javier Álvarez-Márquez and Prof. Luis Colina who both are affiliated with the Centro de Astrobiología, Spain for her project "Spectral Analysis of NGC 7469 in the Mid-IR Wavelength". The workshop has brought together the astronomy community in Asia and nearby countries with the 40 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia,  Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, Japan, Russia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Philippines. Beyond scientific and technical knowledge, Anis Maisarah Yassir Azlin gained insights into Thailand culture and other countries' cultures by making friendship with the participants and the mentors attending the workshop. 

Attending the 2023 International School for Regional Young Astronomers in Kunming, China was a life-changing opportunity. For 18 days,  Pavithra Mohanadas (PhD) participated in a workshop organized by Yunnan University and Yunnan Observatories. The program aimed to foster collaboration and cultural exchange in the field of astronomy among young scientists from South and Southeast Asia. Enlightening lectures by esteemed professionals from the United States, Italy, Thailand, and China delved into a range of astronomical subjects, including pulsating stars, eclipsing binaries, star clusters, exoplanets, and cataclysmic variables. To round out the experience, Pavithra Mohanadas also had hands-on training with a one-meter optical telescope at Yunnan Astronomical Observatory, gaining valuable skills in data processing. Additionally, the workshop offered a unique opportunity to visit telescopes at Yunnan Observatory, Yunnan University, and Lijiang Observatory, enhancing the practical understanding of astronomical research. The workshop also emphasized cultural exchange, bringing together over 40 participants from 10 countries. Beyond scientific knowledge, Pavithra Mohanadas gained insights into Chinese culture and traditions, fostering a spirit of collaboration and friendship among emerging astronomers from the region.

During the dates of August 28th to August 31st 2023,  Muhammad NurAzim (PhD) and Ainun Agustine Budiyawan (MSc) had the honor of participating in the NARIT's ASTRO101: Hands-On Workshop on Optical Astronomy Research. The program was organized by NARIT and held in the enchanting city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The participants of this program were granted the opportunity to acquire knowledge about the complexities of data processing, and hands on training on how to process data from NARIT Optical Telescope using  the programming language Python. Additionally, participants were also granted the chance to learn how to reduce optical telescope data, execute photometry analysis, SED plotting, and spectrum plotting using the Python. Furthermore, participants also learns of the different astronomical equipments and telescopes that NARIT are offering up for collaborations. According to Ainun, this program has bestowed upon her an incredible wealth of knowledge that she eagerly anticipates implementing in their research. In addition, during the trip to Chiang Mai, NurAzim and Ainun were granted with the chance to visit the majestic Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark, the headquarter of NARIT, where they were graced with a breathtaking full moon observation during the Super Blue Moon phenomena.

Muhammad NurAzim (PhD), has been selected to participate in a summer school organized by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). The program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of radio astronomy and its applications such as masers, molecular lines and pulsars. Participants also learned about radio telescope design and instrumentation and were able to participate in hands on activities in radio data analysis. The participants also had the opportunity to visit the 40m Thai National Radio Telescope which has just been built and is still in its commercial phase. According to NurAzim, this program has helped to improve his understanding of radio astronomy, which is a topic outside his field of study. His experience visiting the 40m radio telescope was a very valuable experience.

During the end of the first semester of his Doctor of Philosophy studies, Muhammad NurAzim was selected to participate in a workshop conducted at the Universiti Malaya. This workshop was also attended by several students from abroad such as Japan, Russia, India and Chile. This workshop provides students with a Python programming class to model the chemical evolution of stars. In addition, there are also classes that explain star formation, evolution and galaxy archaeology. According to NurAzim, this workshop gave him a lot of new knowledge and experience. The five-day workshop also boosted his inspiration to become an astronomer.

On 31 July – 1 August 2022, four students i.e., Pavithra Mohanadas, Aimi Azizan, Nurnabilah Nazri and Muhammad Ezzat Abdul Hamid went to the Langkawi National Observatory (LNO) for field trip. The objective of this field trip was to obtain experience and exposure on operation of observatory owned by Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA). The students also managed to photograph the Milky Way band using their smartphone! This field trip was the first physical activity by the students after two years since the COVID-19 pandemic.

During Muhammad Ezzat Abdul Hamid's first semester as an MSc student, he attended the 14th Asia-Pacific Physics Conference on 17-22 November 2019 at the Borneo Convention Center Kuching, Sarawak. At this conference, Ezzat also presented his research paper entitled “Active Galaxy Nucleus Changes at z ≤ 0.02 in the 105th Swift-BAT Catalog of the Month”.

Nurnabilah Nazri was selected and partially funded the organizer to join NARIT International Astronomical Training Workshop (NIATW) in 2019 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The aim of the workshop was to give opportunity to students in South East Asia region to obtain hands-on experience on observational astronomy and data handling using modern facilities and instrumentations available at NARIT (National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand) and Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Science (ARIES). The workshop focused on high time resolution photometry using the 2.4m Thai National Telescope and 1.3m Devasthal Fast Optical Telescope. Along with 17 other participants from different South East Asian countries, they learned about how to prepare an observing run, how to use the instruments and how to analyze the data obtained from the two telescopes. 

Nurnabilah Nazri volunteered as a Learning Assistant for "A night in Library" event organized by a joint effort between Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor (PPAS) and Semai NGO. The participants of this event were selected students from  schools and university across the country. These students were introduced to Muslim Scientists from the Golden Age and had a chance to interact with Muslim scientists in the present. Dr. Adlyka was one of the invited speaker for this event.