2024 ESRI Young Scholar Award - Malaysia

A Journey of Passion and Purpose

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The Beginning.

The story begins in a quiet, sunlit corner of the study room. Here, a young geospatial researcher and a PhD in Geospatial candidates from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Syed Ahmad Fadhli Syed Abdul Rahman, pours over maps, datasets, and endless lines of code. For him, geospatial science is not just a field of study but a way of understanding the world, layer by layer, pixel by pixel.

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But Let’s Rewind a Bit.

Syed’s fascination with maps started in his school days when he noticed how geography could explain patterns, from the way rivers carve landscapes to how cities grow. This curiosity evolved during his undergraduate studies, where he delved into the technical realms of GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis. The deeper he dug, the clearer his purpose became: to use geospatial technology to solve real-world problems.

His journey was far from smooth. Balancing academic responsibilities with fieldwork and research was no small feat. There were nights when he worked tirelessly, tweaking algorithms and processing spatial data. Yet, these challenges only fueled his resolve.

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One pivotal project changed everything. Syed worked on a groundbreaking study that integrated advanced geospatial methods to address urban safety. His innovative approach not only impressed his mentors but also gained recognition in academic and professional circles. The project embodied his philosophy: geospatial technology must serve humanity and the environment.

Then came the call—a call that many dream of but few receive. Syed’s  outstanding work  had caught the attention of ESRI Malaysia, and he was nominated for the prestigious 2024 ESRI Young Scholar Award.

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The months that followed were a whirlwind of preparation. Syed refined his presentations, collaborated with peers, and stayed laser-focused on his mission. Winning the award wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was an opportunity to shine a light on the potential of geospatial technology in Malaysia.

When the announcement was made, it wasn’t just his name on that screen, it was the culmination of years of dedication, sleepless nights, and unwavering passion.  ESRI Young Scholar Award 2024-Champion! 

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The Global Stage at San Diego – ESRI UC 2024.

Fresh from the honor of being named Malaysia’s 2024 ESRI Young Scholar Award recipient, Syed Ahmad Fadhli Syed Abdul Rahman found himself on a flight to San Diego, California. His destination? The prestigious  ESRI User Conference (ESRI UC) , a weeklong gathering of geospatial professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.

For Syed, the ESRI UC was more than a conference; it was a crossroads of inspiration, opportunity, and learning. With his presentation on BIM-GIS Integration as the centerpiece of his agenda, he also planned to immerse himself in the wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities that the event offered.

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The moment he arrived at the sprawling San Diego Convention Center, Syed felt the energy of the global geospatial community. From the lively plenary sessions to the bustling exhibit halls, the conference was a testament to how GIS continues to shape the world.

Syed’s days were filled with interactions with fellow Young Scholars from across the globe. Each conversation revealed unique insights. These exchanges not only broadened his perspective but also underscored the universal language of geospatial solutions.

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The highlight of Syed’s journey came when he stepped to present his project on  BIM-GIS Integration . The audience, a mix of experts, professionals, and peers, was captivated by his innovative approach to bridging building information modeling (BIM) with GIS. Syed demonstrated how this integration could revolutionize user evacuation process, optimize emergency management processes, and enhance safety aspect in city developments.

As the applause filled the session, Syed realized the significance of this platform. It wasn’t just about presenting his work; it was about contributing to the global discourse on geospatial innovation.

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Diving Into the ESRI UC Programs.

Syed’s schedule at the conference was packed with sessions that expanded his knowledge and sharpened his skills:

  • Empowering Communities: Collaborative GIS for Problem Solving: This session deepened his understanding of how GIS can drive collective action to address complex challenges.
  • The Future is Here: AI and VR in GIS Education: Syed explored how cutting-edge technologies like AI and VR are shaping the future of GIS learning.
  • Autodesk Integration with ArcGIS Using CAD and BIM Data: This workshop offered practical insights into the technicalities of integrating BIM data into GIS, complementing his research interests.
  • Lightning Talks and Networking Events: These dynamic, fast-paced sessions and socials introduced Syed to innovators and thought leaders who inspired new ideas for his future projects.
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From Learning to Leading.

Beyond the formal sessions, Syed took full advantage of the Map Lounge, regional user group meetings, and interactive demonstrations. He discovered novel applications of geospatial analysis and connected with developers, researchers, and policymakers.

One memorable moment came during the Asia Pacific Regional User Group Meeting, where the participants proudly shared Malaysia’s geospatial advancements. It was a reminder of how his journey, though rooted in his home country, had global relevance.

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A Moment of Recognition with Jack Dangermond.

The grand finale of the ESRI User Conference (ESRI UC) arrived with the Esri Awards Ceremony, a prestigious gathering held in the San Diego Convention Center. The room brimmed with excitement as the geospatial community celebrated the year's most outstanding contributions to GIS.

For Syed, this was the moment that encapsulated years of dedication, innovation, and passion. Standing at the podium to present the awards was none other than Jack Dangermond, the visionary founder and CEO of Esri, often referred to as the "Godfather of GIS." Known for his immense contributions to the geospatial field, Jack embodied the ideals of leadership, innovation, and global impact that Syed aspired to achieve.

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When the names of the Young Scholars were announced, Jack extended a warm speech and congratulated the Young Scholars. The words "Your work is not only innovative but also critical for the future" "Young leaders are shaping the future of GIS." makes all the Young Scholars inspired to contribute more to the world through GIS.

All Young Scholars stood with the award in their hands, humbled and inspired by the recognition. The applause from the audience, an assembly of global geospatial leaders, innovators, and peers, was not just for the award but for the transformative potential of their work.

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A Milestone Beyond the Trophy.

That moment with Jack Dangermond was more than symbolic; it was a milestone in Syed’s journey. The award wasn’t just a testament to his achievements but a responsibility to continue pushing the boundaries of GIS for meaningful impact.

As the ceremony concluded and the audience dispersed into conversations and celebrations, Syed reflected on the magnitude of the experience. Receiving the Young Scholar recognition from Jack Dangermond himself was a dream realized, a defining chapter in a story that had only just begun.

Syed returned to Malaysia with a renewed purpose: to leverage the skills, knowledge, and connections gained at the ESRI UC to drive geospatial innovation for his country and the world. It was not the end of his journey but the start of a new chapter, one filled with potential, promise, and passion for geospatial excellence.

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A Heartfelt Gratitude to Esri Malaysia.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Esri Malaysia for this incredible opportunity and recognition. Being named the 2024 Esri Young Scholar Award recipient for Malaysia has been an honor beyond words, a validation of the years of dedication to geospatial innovation and research.

This journey would not have been possible without Esri Malaysia's unwavering support and commitment to nurturing talent in the geospatial community. Your belief in the potential of young scholars like me is inspiring, and it motivates us to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to society.

Thank you for not only recognizing my work but also for providing a platform to learn, grow, and connect with the global GIS community. This recognition has been a milestone in my career and a driving force for future innovations in geospatial technology.