Professor ChM. Ts. Dr. Coswald Stephen Sipaut @ Mohd Nasri awarded the Strategic Research Fund (SRF) grant.

The Strategic Research Fund (SRF) is a funding programme within Dana Pemacu MOSTI, designed to fund strategic research and top-down initiatives based on priority areas and in alignment with National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (DSTIN). It aims to support the development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy (STIE), encompassing research, new technologies, processes, innovative products, and value-added improvements to existing technology/products that significantly impact society, the economy, and national concerns as outlined in the DSTIN.

The IMHTS project is led by Professor ChM. Ts. Dr. Coswald Stephen Sipaut @ Mohd Nasri, with Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Kenneth Teo Tze Kin as the sub-project leader overseeing the project development, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Hanafi Ahmad Hijazi as the sub-project leader managing system application development, and Ts. Dr. Elia binti Godoong as sub-project leader responsible for community management and technology transfer. 

This innovative project, developed by UMS researchers, involves the development and application of IMHTS technology over a 40km track across nine villages in the Ranau district. The goal is to develop a surveillance and monitoring system for jungle trekking activities along the routes that have limited internet access.

Sabah is known for its limited internet coverage in rural areas. Unfortunately, news of missing, sick or injured trekkers have been reported. The IMHTS project aims to overcome this issue by monitoring the location of trekkers along the designated routes. This technology will help in terms of monitoring trekking activities and enhancing safety along the routes. Indirectly, this project will also have a potential to boost eco-tourism and to improve the socioeconomics of the communities along the trekking routes. 

Written by Dr. Lim Kit Guan