We are pleased to celebrate the achievement of Dr. Taufiq Khairi Ahmad Khairuddin and his talented team, who have been awarded the Bronze Medal at the prestigious New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI) 2024. This recognition highlights their innovative research on “An Application of Paraboloid in Depicting the Real Shape of a Charcoal Kiln Based on Data from Terrestrial Laser Scanning.”

Meet the Team
The project was led by Dr. Taufiq Khairi Ahmad Khairuddin, with contributions from a dedicated team of experts:

  • Zulkepli Majid – UTM Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (UTM-CIAM) and Geospatial Imaging and Information Research Group, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, UTM.
  • Dr. Mohd Ali Khameini Ahmad – Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, UTM.
  • Dr. Ahmad Fadillah Embong – Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, UTM.
  • Dr. Mohammad Izat Emir Zulkifly – Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, UTM.
  • Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari – Tourism Division, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Langkawi, Kedah.

Project Overview
The award-winning project focuses on reconstructing the original shape of a historic charcoal kiln in Kubang Badak, Langkawi, which has only partially survived. Utilizing terrestrial laser scanning data, the team employed a paraboloid model to accurately depict the kiln’s structure, enabling precise calculations of its surface area and volume. This approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also serves as a valuable resource for teaching, learning, and potential tourism development.

Impact and Future Prospects
The project aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to STEM education and heritage conservation, providing teaching and learning materials for higher education and contributing to tourism through the preservation of historic sites. By leveraging advanced mathematical modeling and geospatial technology, the project showcases the application of mathematics and technology in real-world settings.

Congratulations to Dr. Taufiq and his remarkable team for their contribution to scientific innovation and cultural preservation!

For more details, please visit UTM Faculty of Science.

Invention summary

The project, “An Application of Paraboloid in Depicting the Real Shape of a Charcoal Kiln Based on Data from Terrestrial Laser Scanning,” focuses on reconstructing the original form of a partially preserved historical charcoal kiln in Kubang Badak, Langkawi. By using terrestrial laser scanning technology, the research team gathered 3D data of the kiln and applied a mathematical paraboloid model to recreate its complete shape. This approach allowed for precise calculations of the kiln’s surface area and volume, offering insights into its original structure.

The project has several practical applications, including serving as an educational tool in higher education to teach advanced mathematical modeling and geospatial technology. Additionally, it has potential as a tourism resource by preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Langkawi’s historical charcoal kilns, aligning with national goals for STEM education and heritage conservation. The project exemplifies the use of mathematics and technology in real-world applications, demonstrating how scientific methods can contribute to cultural preservation and educational advancement.