Events

Previous Events

4th UM-NARIT Bilateral Meeting

1 November  2024
The Grand Beach Resort, Port Dickson

Delegates from UM and NARIT gather at The Grand Beach Resort to discuss recent progress and future plans in joint research initiatives, including advancements in antenna telescope development and transfer testing. This meeting marks an important step forward in fostering collaboration and innovation between the two institutions."

15th East Asian VLBI Workshop

28 - 31 October 2024
The Grand Beach Resort, Port Dickson

Academics and researchers from East and Southeast Asia gather at the 15th East Asian VLBI Workshop at The Grand Beach Resort, Port Dickson. This year’s event continues to foster collaboration and innovation among VLBI peers, highlighting the growth of the East Asian VLBI Network and extending the spirit of scientific partnership across the region.

JCMT Users Meeting 2024 -Public Talks

13 June  2024 - Planetarium Negara

JCMT Users Meeting 2024

10 - 13 June  2024 - Pusat Sains Negara

The 7th annual meeting which gathers users of the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope operated by EAO in Hawai'i was successfully held in Malaysia, hosted by Radio Cosmology Research Laboratory in a collaboration between Pusat Sains Negara and Planetarium Negara. Current users presented latest results of their programs and called for more interests to have a hand in the research projects.

EAO Board Members visit to National Aerospace Industry Corporation  (NAICO) Malaysia 

24 May 2024 - National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia

EAO Board Members and RCL members visit to National Aerospace Industry Corporation (NAICO) Malaysia. The meeting was aimed for future collaboration and experts exchange between NAICO and other SEA country members specializing in Aerospace and Astronomy. 

EAO Board Members visit to MYSA, Banting

23 May 2024 - Malaysia Space Agency, Banting, Selangor

A visit to MYSA Banting that brings EAO Board Members to expand and share expertise, ideas, and future collborations between Malaysia and other east asia country in Astronomy research developments.


Visit from Nançay Radio Observatory, France

5 February 2024 - Office Meeting Room, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya

A special talk given by Alain Doressoundiram, astrophysicist at the Paris Observatory - University PSL was held in Office Meeting Room, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya.  This talk focuses on astronomy outreach and future collaboration between Paris Observatory and RCL UM.



Talk by Prof. Yu Liu

11 January 2024 - DKF, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya

A special talk given by Prof. Yu Liu was held in DKF, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya. This talk focuses on solar telescope technology. 


Site Visit with YBhg. Datuk Ts. Dr. KSU MOSTI For The Project -“Joint Sino-Malaysia Research of Space Remote-Sensing and Radio Astronomical Observation For The Low-Middle Latitude Space Weather Variation

8 January 2024 - Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan

RCL-UM was honored with the site visit from YBhg. Datuk Ts. Dr. KSU MOSTI for one of the on going projects under financing of MOSTI for a joint project with China.


This site visit was accompanied with a meeting on updates regarding the projects. 

Planetarium Talk by Prof. Melanie Johnstonhollitt


30 December 2023 - National Planetarium, Kuala Lumpur


A special talk given by Prof. Melanie Johnstonhollitt was held in National Planetarium, Kuala Lumpur. This talk focuses on galaxy cluster where she emphasizes on how we perceive the universe throughout the radio regime from the solar system scale to mega structure of the universe. 


She also explained the history of  the radio facilities in Australia such as  Square Kilometer Array (SKA) and  Murchison Widefield Array (MWA).

Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) Extension between Universiti Malaya (UM) and East Asia Observatory (EAO) 

11 December 2023 - iCube, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is one of the observer of EAO since 2019, this is when the MOU between Universiti Malaya and EAO was signed. As an observer, Malaysia was able to join Large Programs under EAO and access the data directly. Malaysia also can obtain limited observation time on the telescope. 

Currently, Malaysia is highly involved in one of the ongoing JCMT Large Programs called RAdio Galaxy Environment Reference Survey (RAGERS) lead by Prof. Dr. Thomas R. Greeve (DTU). This MOU Extension was signed to prolong collaborations, deepen partnerships, continue shared research efforts, expand academic exchanges, and maintain ongoing commitments for mutual benefits.

Planetarium Talk by Dr. Paul Ho 

9 December 2023 - National Planetarium, Kuala Lumpur

The UM-RCL members has organized a special talk featuring Dr. Paul Ho at the National Planetarium, Kuala Lumpur. This talk focuses on East Asia Observatory (EAO) participations on James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) in Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) project. 

This sharing session provides insight in the EAO's contribution towards amazing EHT projects. 

Prof Jeremy Visit from University of Hong Kong

8 December 2023 - Office Meeting Room, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya

Professor Jeremy, a Malaysian astrophysicist, currently serves as a lecturer at the University of Hong Kong. His expertise lies in gravitational lensing, and he and his team are visiting RCL UM to expand their research group and community. Additionally, Professor Jeremy conducted a talk and sharing session, establishing engagement between the University of Hong Kong and the University of Malaya.

Meeting with Dr. Paul Ho from East Asia Observatory (EAO) at Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) - MOSTI

7 December 2023 - Banting

The East Asia Observatory (EAO) was formed to pursue joint projects in astronomy within the East Asia region. EAO is tasked to operate the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) located at the Maunakea, Hawai and are one of the telescopes that were involved in the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) project.

RCL-UM has invited Dr. Paul Ho to visit the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) in order to discuss the follow up of the membership between Malaysia and EAO. This visit is an exciting opportunity for Malaysia to engage with more than just observer status. 

Meeting with Global Component Asia SDN BHD (GCA)

1 November 2023 - Subang


RCL-UM has been given an opportunity to visit Global Component Asia SDN. BHD. (GCA) in Subang to have a first-hand experience with the aircraft technologies that being manage by GCA. The meeting with the Chairman, Dato' Nonee Ashirin Dato' Mohd Radzi and her team was being done to discuss a potential coact between our institution with the commercial entity in expanding the local astronomy facilities in this country.

This important meeting marks the first inaugural partnership with a private sector and represents a valuable opportunity for both organizations to interact and collaborate effectively.

Meeting with Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia)

31 October 2023 - Petaling Jaya


RCL-UM has been received an invitation to visit the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia). This visit is an exciting opportunity for our institution to engage with METMalaysia and learn more about their vital work in the field of meteorology and climate science.

The objective of this meeting is to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and to deepen our understanding of the critical role of METMalaysia plays in providing weather forecasts, monitoring climate changes, and contributing to disaster management in Malaysia with the application of radio astronomy knowledges toward the development space weather studies. 

Planetarium Talk

28 October 2023 - National Planetarium, Kuala Lumpur


A special talk given by Prof. Dr. Zamri Zainal Abidin was held in National Planetarium, Kuala Lumpur. This talk focuses his journey on establishing a radio astronomy community in Malaysia. His efforts started back in 2005 when he travelled back to his home country as he completed his PhD in University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

This sharing session proves that his "Today's tears water tomorrow's gardens" in building this stellar community locally.

Low-Frequency Radio Antenna (LFRA) System Training in China

17 September - 2 October 2023 - Kunming; Chengdu; Mianyang; Urumqi in China


A total of three students has been arranged to visit China within the period to have training by the collaborators from China on configuring the LFRA equipment system. This visit is arranged to provide intensive and thorough training on operating the array system for the matching grant project.

This antenna system comprises 12 unit of Log-periodic Antenna shaped that fully equipped with a electrical measurement device called Mokulab that act as spectrum analyzer for the system and a ionospheric-beacon tracking+GNSS system. This system mainly focuses on the study of the solar activities and its effect toward the changes in the ionosphere of the Earth.

Inaugural Lecture "Building Radio Astronomy Community : Challenges & Rewards"

27 September 2023 - Universiti Malaya


An inaugural lecture titled "Building Radio Astronomy Community: Challenges and Rewards was delivered by Prof. Dr. Zamri Zainal Abidin, the Head of Radio Cosmology Laboratory. His lecture provided a compelling and insightful overview of the challenges and rewards associated with building a thriving radio astronomy community. 

During his lecture, Prof. Dr. Zamri Zainal Abidin embarked on a journey of exploration, highlighting the importance of nurturing a cohesive and collaborative radio astronomy community. The lecture delved into the challenges that our community faces and unveiled the remarkable rewards that await those who actively engage in the cosmic quest for knowledge.

3rd UM-NARIT Bilateral Symposium 2023

8 September 2023 - Chiang Mai, Thailand


The Radio Cosmology Research Lab and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) were coming together in person for the 3rd UM-NARIT Physical Bilateral Symposium after two years of online interactions. The symposium aims to discuss and advance ongoing research projects, exchange insights, and update each other on respective research activities. This event provides a valuable opportunity for both organizations to create a synergy physically and work together towards common research goals.

"Decoding the Universe" Workshop

7 August 2023 - Online

The "Decoding the Universe" Workshop was hosted by the Radio Cosmology Research Laboratory on August 7, 2023. Participants had the opportunity to delve into the realms of celestial phenomena while gaining insights into how Python programming contributes to understanding the universe. The workshop featured distinguished speakers, namely Prof. Dr. Paul Ho (EAO), Prof. Dr. Thomas (DTU), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yuan-Sen (ANU), who generously shared their profound knowledge, further enriching the workshop's experience. 

First BURSTT Meeting with ASIAA

31 May 2023 - Online

The first BURSTT (Bustling Universe Radio Survey Telescope in Taiwan) meeting was held virtually to discuss the collaboration between UM and ASIAA, Taiwan on building an FRB outrigger station in Malaysia as part of the BURSTT program. Led by Prof. Dr. Ue-Li Pen, ASIAA's scientific and technology team, represented by Chao-Te Li, Kai-Yang Lin, and Yao-Huan Tseng, shared their progress with the BURSTT Telescope. ASIAA is prepared to collaborate with UM, starting with a 6-month knowledge acquisition phase followed by another 6 months of involvement in data processing and analysis. This collaboration will strengthen Malaysia's position in FRB research.

First Discussion on a Possible MOU with KASI

28 April 2023 - Online

A virtual meeting was recently held with Jung Taehyun, head of KASI's radio astronomy division, to discuss the possibility of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Universiti Malaya and KASI (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute). This meeting marks the beginning of a series of discussions aimed at establishing an MOU between the two institutions.

Special Visit by the Director of ASIAA

3 April 2023 - Radio Cosmology Research Lab, Universiti Malaya

The distinguished Prof. Dr. Ue-Li Pen, Director of Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA), paid a special visit to the Radio Cosmology Research Lab. The lab's postgraduate students seized the opportunity to showcase their work through engaging poster presentations, with each uniquely detailing their research. Notably, PhD student Affan Adly Nazri delivered an exceptional presentation, earning him the best poster award.

During the visit, Prof. Dr. Pen shared his insights on the latest developments in the field of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), making for an enlightening discussion, resulting in an MOU between UM and ASIAA on the making of a future FRB station in Malaysia.  The experience was valuable for both the students and the visiting professor, underscoring the importance of international collaborations in advancing the field of astronomy and astrophysics.

Shooting of the Documentary "Galaksi"

30 March 2023 - Radio Cosmology Research Lab, Universiti Malaya

"Galaksi" is an upcoming astronomy-themed documentary that promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Hosted by Amirul Hazim Kamarulzaman, co-founder of Apadilangit, the series features 13 episodes of interviews with notable astronomy figures all over Malaysia, including Prof. Dr. Zamri Bin Zainal Abidin and Dr. Juan Carlos Algaba Marcos who will delve into topics ranging from Lohong Hitam (black holes) and Kehidupan Selain di Bumi (extraterrestrial life). But that's not all - at the end of each episode, there will be simple space-themed experiments and DIY projects for viewers to try in the comfort of their homes. The documentary is to be aired on the TV1 channel by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), possibly by the end of 2023 or early 2024, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!

 

For an exclusive sneak peek, check out behind-the-scenes photos and snippets of the documentary shoot at our very own Radio Cosmology Laboratory.

Faculty of Science Three Minute Thesis 2023 (FS3MT)

22 March 2023 - Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya

The Faculty of Science Three Minute Thesis is the faculty level competition that involves postgraduate students to present their thesis in just 3 minutes. On March 22nd, 2023, a PhD student from our lab, Shaiful Hassan, participated in the competition and competing with other 14 more students from 3 different departments in Faculty of Science. He presented his talk entitled "When Worlds Collide: The Surprising Impact of Environment on Galaxies". 

International Astronomical Union (IAU) Symposium 377 (and Monsoon School)

31 January - 10 February 2023 - Universiti Malaya and Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) Symposium is an IAU scientific meeting held with the goal of promoting astronomy through international collaborations. IAUS 377 was the first IAU conference in Southeast Asia since 1990 and the first in Malaysia. IAUS 377 is also the largest professional astronomy conference in Malaysia. The symposium was themed 'Early Disk-Galaxy Formation From JWST To The Milky Way', and includes various topics such as the JWST, high redshift observations, cluster formation, cosmological simulations, and archaeoastronomy of Southeast Asia. The symposium includes various plenary talks, invited talks, poster presentations, and public lectures. In conjunction with the symposium, the IAU Monsoon School 2023 was also organized at Universiti Malaya on 13 January - 4th February. Students participating in the monsoon school were thought on the basics in astrophysics, programming, and data science. 

Global Malaysian Astronomers Convention (GMAC) 2023

16 - 18 January 2023 - Pusat Sains Negara

The Global Malaysian Astronomers Convention 2023 aimed to bring together local and global Malaysian astronomical community for the first time to build networks, develop astronomy education, increase publicity, and connect with aspiring astronomers. The three day event includes various plenary talks, talks by invited speakers, and forum discussions, as well as multiple public events and roadshows in the community.

2nd Malaysia VLBI Workshop

5 - 8 September 2022 - Hybrid

After the successful first Malaysian VLBI Workshop held in Kuala Lumpur in November 2019, a second meeting on the advances of the VLBI situation in the country after three years was held in 2022.

e-Journal Club Talk - Mr. Satyan Anandakrishnan 

9 August 2022 - Online

This e-Journal Club Talk was a special talk from an invited speaker, Mr. Satyan Anandakrishnan, a former aeronautics engineer who worked on both the James Webb and Hubble telescopes, covering his topic "Science driven Engineering design of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)".


2nd UM-NARIT Online Bilateral Symposium 2022

3 August 2022 - Online

This 2nd UM-NARIT Online Bilateral Symposium involves the discussion and updating on future MOU activities and potential basic research collaborations between Radio Cosmology Research Lab and National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT).

Visit of Chairman of Board of Directors of Universiti Malaya to the Lab

13 May 2022 - Radio Cosmology Research Laboratory, Universiti Malaya

Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of UM, together with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Dr Yatimah Alias, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof Dr Shaliza Ibrahim and the Faculty of Science's Dean, Prof Dr Zulqarnain Mohamed made a short visit to the Radio Cosmology Lab.

EHT PRESS CONFERENCE WATCHALONG AND Q&A WITH DR JUAN CARLOS ALGABA 

12 May 2022 - Hybrid

The Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya hosted a local press announcement including a broadcast of the ESO press conference and small discussion on the role of Malaysia in the results, followed by a Q&A session. 

JCMT Malaysia Users Meeting 2022

31 March 2022 - Online

The main purpose of the meeting is to encourage the submission of observation proposals during the current 22B Call for proposals and join any of the newly approved JCMT Large Programs under open enrollment and with talks by the PIs of the two Large Programs: RAGERS and PITCH-BLACK.

e-Journal Club Talk - Dr. Stefan Duchesne 

23 March 2022 - Online

This e-Journal Club Talk was a special talk from an invited speaker, Dr. Stefan Duchesne, a researcher from CSIRO, covering his research topic "Diffuse Radio Emission In Galaxy Clusters: Observations with Australian Radio Telescopes".

Exploring Galaxies with MaNGA

9 September 2021 - Online

Exploring Galaxies with MaNGA is an astronomy workshop aiming to provide exposure to the general public on astronomy and introduce basics in galaxy data gathering and analysis using MaNGA and Marvin.

UM-NARIT Online Bilateral Symposium

29 June 2021 - Online

UM-NARIT Bilateral Symposium involves the signing of an MOU between the Radio Cosmology Research Laboratory and National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and aims to discuss on potential basic research collaborations and future MOU activities.

CASA Pipeline for ALMA Data

19 November 2020 - Online

CASA Pipeline for ALMA Data is an advanced workshop aiming to provide researchers with an introductory level exposure to the use of CASA Pipeline in processing ALMA data. 

Nancay Radio Heliograph Data Reduction Workshop

12 February 2020 - Radio Cosmology Research Laboratory, Universiti Malaya

This workshop aims to train participants in data reduction and analysis technique in solar physics using data from the Nancay Radio Heliograph.

1st Malaysian VLBI Workshop

11 - 14 November 2019 - Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya

The 1st Malaysian VLBI Workshop aims to formulate strategies to build a radio telescope in Malaysia, as a part of a global network of telescopes used for VLBI. The workshop included reports, lectures, discussions, and hands-on sessions.