Move to enhance biodiversity conservation via digital tools

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A group photo of SFC staff, Swinburne staff and students taken during their field visit to Semenggoh Nature Reserve.

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KUCHING: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) have embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at transforming biodiversity conservation through digital innovation.

This collaboration underscores Sarawak’s progressive vision of protecting its natural heritage using advanced technologies, education and cross-sector partnerships.

By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity, the initiative seeks to modernise conservation efforts and elevate the effectiveness of environmental education.

At the core of this partnership is the development of digital tools designed to improve biodiversity monitoring, enhance field operations, and modernise park guide training and management systems.

The initiative is being implemented through Swinburne’s Strategic Projects, Industry and Experiential Learning (SPINE) Programme – an experiential learning framework that links academic study with real-world problem-solving.

“This partnership showcases how we can align our tech expertise with Sarawak’s environmental priorities,” said its Department of Information and Communication Technologies head and project lead, Dr Lee Sue Han.

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“By bringing together computer science and environmental science, we are creating a tech-enabled conservation ecosystem,” he said.

Over 110 students from Swinburne Sarawak are actively involved in the project, working under the mentorship of faculty experts, including Dr Fu Swee Tee (Software Development), Dr Lee Sue Han (AI), Dr Mark Tee Kit Tsun (IoT), and Dr Kelvin Yong Sheng Chek (Cybersecurity).

Key innovations under development include an AI-powered training platform for park guides, an immersive e-learning module to boost biodiversity awareness, and a comprehensive digital system to manage and monitor park guides.

Students also joined SFC field officers and rangers at conservation sites like Semenggoh Nature Reserve, collecting biodiversity data and gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

This real-world data will be fed into AI systems designed to assist in species identification and field education.

To solidify the partnership, Swinburne Sarawak and SFC will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), setting the stage for further joint initiatives and deeper integration of digital tools in environmental conservation.

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For updates on Swinburne Sarawak’s latest initiatives, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (@swinburnesarawak, @Swinburne_Swk), subscribe to their YouTube channel, or visit www.swinburne.edu.my.

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