Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and the National Water Research Institute Malaysia (NAHRIM) are strengthening the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support more efficient and data-driven river basin assessment across Malaysia through the Artificial Intelligence for River 3S (AiR3S) initiative.
The two institutions organised the Workshop on Deep Learning for Satellite Image Segmentation: Techniques and Applications (Part 2) from 23 to 24 June 2026 at Cyberview Resort & Spa, Cyberjaya.
Building on the first workshop held in October 2025, the programme marked another step towards developing an integrated AI-based system capable of analysing satellite imagery and supporting the assessment of river conditions throughout the country.
AiR3S combines AI, deep learning, satellite data and geospatial technologies to strengthen the monitoring and management of river basins.
The initiative applies the Safety, Suitability and Sustainability (3S) framework to help researchers and relevant agencies interpret environmental data and make more informed decisions.
The workshop brought together 20 researchers and officers from NAHRIM’s River Basin Research Centre, alongside representatives from UniKL.
It was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Faizuddin Md Noor, Director of UniKL’s Centre for Alumni and Career Services (CACS) and Senior Lecturer at UniKL Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (UniKL MIIT).
“Artificial intelligence enables faster and more accurate analysis of satellite imagery, allowing agencies to make informed decisions for sustainable river basin management.
“Through AiR3S, UniKL and NAHRIM are combining technological expertise and environmental research to develop digital solutions that can contribute to Malaysia’s environmental sustainability and national resilience,” he said.
Also in attendance, NAHRIM Acting Director-General, Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Safari Hj. Mat Desa.
The ongoing collaboration brings together UniKL’s expertise in AI and digital technology with NAHRIM’s experience in hydraulic research and river basin management.
Through AiR3S, both institutions aim to establish a more systematic approach to water and river assessment, enabling satellite data to be transformed into meaningful information for environmental planning, risk assessment and sustainable resource management.
