Students get insight on climate change
Published on: Thursday, May 08, 2025
Published on: Thu, May 08, 2025
By: Jessie Lee Text Size: Mary (fourth from left), Dr Chung (third from left) and other guests at the Youth Camp on Climate Change 2025, held at Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC). (Photo source: Facebook) Kota Kinabalu: Forty students gathered at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok for the Youth Camp on Climate Change 2025, held from April 30 to May 2. The three-day camp, sponsored by the state's Youth and Sports Ministry, was organised by the Sabah Forestry Department. It brought together participants aged 17 to 25 from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Politeknik Sandakan, Kolej Komuniti Sandakan, Kolej Vokasional Sandakan II and Kolej Komuniti Lahad Datu. Participants were divided into smaller groups and assigned different climate-related topics, which they later presented during the final session of the camp. Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin said the ministry greatly appreciates the initiative in organising the meaningful camp. 'When we were informed that 40 youth from diverse backgrounds and areas of study would gather at the Rainforest Discovery Centre to explore the issue of climate change, we were confident that such programmes deserve our attention and support. 'Your presence here shows that Malaysian youth, especially in Sabah, are not only eager to gain knowledge but also ready to take concrete steps in addressing this challenge,' he said, represented by the Ministry's Deputy Permanent Secretary Mary Paul Mijong Dagul. In line with this hands-on approach, the camp included workshops conducted in collaboration with Sabah Environmental Education Network (Seen) partners such as the Sabah Wildlife Department and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). Sabah Forestry Department Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said it is hoped that the Youth Camp on Climate Change would serve as a catalyst for more climate-themed initiatives in the future, with the involvement of youth from all over Sabah. He said it is truly impressive to learn that most of the participants in this camp are not from scientific backgrounds but are passionate to learn and understand climate change issues. 'We believe that the youth, as the heirs of the future, need to be given space to understand and be involved in efforts to address this issue. 'Climate change is not just an issue for experts but a concern that needs to be understood by everyone,' Frederick said, represented by Head of Forest Research Centre Dr Arthur Chung. Participants were divided into smaller groups and assigned different climate-related topics, which they presented during the final session of the camp. They also visited a landfill managed by the Sandakan Municipal Council where they explored the connection between waste management and environmental sustainability. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
13 hours ago
- Daily Express
Tail hair test boosts beef production
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: UQ Centre for Animal Science director, Professor Ben Hayes sampling tail-hair. (QAAFI) SYDNEY: A simple tail hair test could transform the way beef producers identify their most efficient cattle, paving the way for smarter, more sustainable herd management, new research from Australia's University of Queensland said on Wednesday, according to Xinhua. Scientists found that analysing nitrogen levels in tail hair can quickly pinpoint cattle with superior nitrogen efficiency, key to better weight gain, and improved response to urea supplements, according to a release from the university. Advertisement The findings promise a cost-effective tool for global beef producers aiming to improve productivity while reducing resource use, the release said, adding that this simple, non-invasive method could help producers select top-performing animals, boosting profits and sustainability. 'We want to be able to identify the animals that will gain weight better and faster with fewer supplements,' said the study's lead author Brandon Fraser from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), a research institute at the University of Queensland. 'Producing beef with fewer resources means it's cheaper for the farmer and ultimately the consumer,' Fraser said, adding identifying cattle that gain weight efficiently allows producers to breed better herds, which is crucial in northern Australia's challenging dry seasons. The study, published in Animal Production Science, involved testing Brahman steers (male cattle of the Brahman breed that have been castrated, typically raised for beef production) on different diets. Results showed that cattle with better nitrogen conservation exhibited improved growth, regardless of supplementation. Recognising that nitrogen preservation drives efficiency in northern cattle could revolutionise targeted nutrition in these beef systems, said the study's co-author, Associate Professor Luis Prada e Silva at QAAFI. The next step is for industry groups to commercialise tail hair analysis or develop DNA markers for efficiency traits, allowing producers to make genetic decisions faster and more accurately, said Prada e Silva, adding that integrating traits like fertility, resilience, and heat tolerance into genetic selection could further enhance herd performance. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
16 hours ago
- The Star
QuickCheck: Can you find glow-in-the-dark mushrooms in Malaysia's rainforests?
The allure of nature's wonders often leads to tales that sound almost magical. One such tale speaks of bioluminescent mushrooms that light up the night in Malaysia's rainforests. Is it true that these glow-in-the-dark fungi can be found in Malaysia? Verdict: TRUE Glow-in-the-dark mushrooms, scientifically known as bioluminescent fungi, indeed exist in Malaysia's rainforests. Among these, the genus Mycena, particularly Mycena chlorophos, is notable for its enchanting glow. These mushrooms emit a natural light due to a chemical reaction involving luciferin, an organic compound, and the enzyme luciferase. When luciferin interacts with oxygen in the presence of luciferase, it produces light, creating the captivating glow. In Malaysia, these luminescent mushrooms are typically found in the dense rainforests of Borneo, which includes parts of Sabah and Sarawak. These regions provide the ideal humid and moist conditions that these fungi thrive in. Additionally, areas in Peninsular Malaysia such as the Taman Negara National Park offer suitable environments for these mushrooms to grow. Indeed, a 2014 study found these mushrooms growing – and glowing – in at least four places; Ulu Gombak and Sungai Congkak in Selangor, Kuala Koh in Kelantan and in Hutan Simpan Kenaboi in Negri Sembilan. As for the glow itself, it is usually a soft greenish hue, visible along the forest floor or on decaying wood, creating an ethereal experience for nighttime explorers. The presence of bioluminescent mushrooms in Malaysia is not just a visual spectacle but also serves ecological purposes, and this glow attracts insects, which help in spore dispersal, aiding in the mushrooms' reproduction process. This natural phenomenon underscores the intricate relationships within the rainforest ecosystem. For those interested in experiencing this natural wonder, guided night walks in certain Malaysian national parks and forest reserves might offer the opportunity to see these glowing fungi in their natural habitat. However, their presence can be unpredictable, as it depends on environmental conditions like humidity and temperature. In conclusion, Malaysia's rainforests are indeed home to glow-in-the-dark mushrooms like Mycena chlorophos, adding another layer of mystery and beauty to the country's rich biodiversity. So, whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply curious, the chance to see these bioluminescent mushrooms is a testament to the wonders of the natural world. SOURCES:
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Using AI to track hornbills in Malaysian jungles
FOR years, lecturer Dr Mehran Behjati and his wife would spend their weekends outdoors, taking to the bike trails and cycling into the remote areas and villages of Selangor, and even as far as Bukit Tinggi in Pahang, some 70km away from the Klang Valley. Armed with binoculars, they would keep a lookout for birds, particularly hornbills. 'For us, the hornbill is one of the most majestic birds we have ever seen. Every time I see this majestic bird in its environment, I'm fascinated. I'm excited to see them,' Behjati says during a recent interview at his office in Sunway University's Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Behjati, an enthusiastic birdwatcher, also knows that these magnificent creatures, like much of the wildlife in Malaysia, are increasingly losing their habitat due to deforestation and other factors. 'So I think, yeah, why not? We use technology to protect these animals. Most of the time, researchers are developing systems to help humans but not many researchers think about other species,' he says. With that in mind, Behjati has come up with a way to help not just his favourite hornbills but also other wildlife species. Using his knowledge of tiny machine learning (TinyML) and edge computing – which brings computing power closer to where the data is generated – he has put together a cost-effective, sustainable device to monitor these birds' presence in the dense Malaysian jungle. This is done by first recording their calls and then identifying the species by comparing those sounds against a database. Anyone who has hiked through our jungles will understand the challenges faced by wildlife researchers trying to identify calls amid the din of the forest, or even spotting a bird, what more with wildlife like hornbills which are shy and occupy the more dense areas of the jungle. The land of hornbills There are 10 species of the birds in Peninsular Malaysia, and eight in Sabah and Sarawak. Although globally there are 57 species of hornbills, Peninsular Malaysia is considered to be a stronghold for Asian hornbill species, trailing only behind Thailand and Indonesia, both of which have 13 species. At some sites, such as the Greater Ulu Muda Forest Complex in Kedah and the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex in Perak, all 10 hornbill species can be found in one spot. The Malaysian species includes the great hornbill, the rhinoceros hornbill, and the rare, frumpy-looking helmeted hornbill, valued by poachers for its heavy casque known as 'red ivory'. Dubbed 'farmers of the forest', hornbills play an important role in dispersing seeds, which is crucial for plant diversity. A study of Asian and New Guinean hornbills by the National University of Singapore in 2024 strongly suggests that large seeds are highly dependent on hornbills for their dispersal. However, deforestation from development has massively impacted the local hornbill population. Besides being ousted from their habitat, many hornbill species need tree cavities in which to nest and raise their young – and trees are disappearing. Behjati, who has worked on various environmental monitoring and protection projects in Malaysia over the past decade – including one at Tasik Chini, Pahang – knows how challenging things can get for researchers. 'In Malaysia's dense rainforests, traditional environmental and wildlife monitoring methods – like manual surveys, remote camera traps, or conventional wireless sensor networks – often fall short. 'These approaches can be expensive, labour-intensive, invasive, and impractical in remote and hard to reach areas,' he points out. But thanks to recent innovations in embedded systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced wireless technologies like 5G and 6G, we now have the essential tools to build low-power, autonomous, and sustainable devices that can 'listen' or 'see' without disturbing or intruding on the environment. 'These intelligent systems can detect animal behaviours, track ecological changes, and deliver real-time insights to researchers – all with minimal human intervention. 'This will empower ecologists, conservationists, and policymakers to make faster, more informed decisions to safeguard endangered ecosystems.' Smart networks Originally from Iran, Behjati has been based in Malaysia for 15 years, lecturing at Sunway with expertise in, among others, wireless communications, nonterrestrial networks, Internet of Things (IoT), edge intelligence, and TinyML. Behjati focuses his research on designing intelligent systems for real-world applications, particularly in the areas of environmental monitoring, smart cities, and digital inclusion. He explains that while most Malaysians would know AI by the popular large language models like ChatGPT, Deepseek, and Gemini that can generate text or images or answer questions, these cannot be applied to real world conservation efforts. 'Why not? Because they are power hungry. They are a centralised system, they rely on Internet connectivity,' he says. While such AI models can be used to implement, say, an air quality monitoring system in Kuala Lumpur where there's telecommunication infrastructure to transmit data captured by sensors to a centralised machine learning system, this is not possible in remote areas where there's no data network or even electricity. The other limitation, says Behjati, is that centralised AI is power hungry, consuming a huge amount of energy to maintain algorithms. 'When it comes to implementing these devices in remote areas, then we need to provide a power source as well. This is very challenging. 'So these limitations are the main reasons that we can't use AI to support conservation efforts,' he says. Behjati with part of the device that will help monitor hornbills in Malaysia's dense, difficult to penetrate jungles. — ONG SOON HIN/The Star But with TinyML, according to Behjati, there's actually a paradigm shift, as it allows AI models to be run directly on ultra small microcontrollers – devices no bigger than a matchbox. Hence the term tiny machine learning. Microcontrollers are small computers on a single integrated circuit chip that are designed for specific tasks. Examples of microcontrollers are the Arduino Nano 33 BLE, which can cost anywhere between RM115 and RM140, a tiny fraction of the cost of a Nvidia AI chip. For Behjati, the hornbill conservation project began with the collection of real-world audio samples of hornbill calls from open source bird sound archives like Xeno-Canto. These recordings were then digitally cleaned up and processed to extract distinct acoustic features using a method called mel-frequency energy, which effectively captures an acoustic 'fingerprint' of each bird's call. 'Next, we trained a lightweight yet powerful AI model – a 1D Convolutional Neural Network – to recognise and classify the calls of five hornbill species: the Oriental pied hornbill, black hornbill, white-crowned hornbill, rhinoceros hornbill, and bushy-crested hornbill. 'After compressing and optimising the model, we deployed it onto the Arduino Nano, a low-power microcontroller equipped with an onboard microphone,' Behjati explains. By bringing intelligence to the 'edge', where data is collected, the system can function independently, detecting, classifying, and recording wildlife activity in real time, without the need for Internet access or external servers. Once installed in the field, the device continuously listens to its surroundings and identifies hornbill calls in real time, without relying on Internet connectivity or cloud processing. Behjati has detailed the research in a paper titled 'Edge Intelligence for Wildlife Conservation: Real-Time Hornbill Call Classification Using TinyML', co-authored with fellow Sunway University researcher Kong Ka Hing, and published in April; it is accessible via the open access repository arXiv, as well as Behjati's blog. Proof of concept Ultimately, Behjati believes that the system he developed is not limited to saving any particular wildlife and can be applied to broader realms of ecological conservation. The first phase of the project, the proof of concept which corresponds to universal Technology Readiness Level 4, has already been successfully completed. In this phase, the system was successfully tested under simulated forest conditions, confirming its technical feasibility and reliability. 'We are now preparing for broader field deployments in collaboration with local conservation groups and ecologists,' he says, adding that they are especially keen to partner with biodiversity researchers and NGOs that are actively involved in hornbill conservation to scale up the initiative. 'Our long-term goal is to establish a network of these intelligent listening nodes across protected forest areas, enabling continuous, real-time monitoring of hornbill activity. 'By developing a solution that is low-cost, energy-efficient, and open to collaboration, we aim to complement and amplify the important work already being done by Malaysia's environmental community, particularly in biodiversity hotspots such as Taman Negara, Bukit Tinggi [in Pahang], and Sabah and Sarawak, where hornbill habitats face increasing threats,' says Behjati. It's about time that smart technology in the field of conservation in Malaysia takes flight.
