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Human Resources Development
Plan For Remote Sensing in Malaysia
Nik Nasruddin Mahmood*,
Rejean Simard* * and Lee Choo Har*
*Malaysia Centre for Remote Sensing (MACRES)
Letter Box 208, CB 100, 5th Floor, City Square Centre
Jalan Tun Razak, 50400
E-mail : macres@macres.gov.my
** Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS), Malaysia Project Office
Letter Box 143, Lot T118G,3rd Floor, City Square Centre
Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Fax: 603-2620098
E-mail : simard@xybase.com.my
Abstract *Malaysia Centre for Remote Sensing (MACRES)
Letter Box 208, CB 100, 5th Floor, City Square Centre
Jalan Tun Razak, 50400
E-mail : macres@macres.gov.my
** Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS), Malaysia Project Office
Letter Box 143, Lot T118G,3rd Floor, City Square Centre
Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Fax: 603-2620098
E-mail : simard@xybase.com.my
Under the Seventh Development Plan, Malaysia is embarking in a major capacity building programme with the main objectives of operationalizing remote sensing technology in the country. The entails the development of infrastructure such as a new Headquarters for the Malaysia Center for Remote Sensing (MACRES) and the establishment of a Satellite Ground Receiving Station, as well as the development of skilled and trained manpower.
This paper presents the strategy developed to support the human resources development (HRD) requirements for remote sensing in Malaysia. It includes the presentation of HRD plans currently implemented at MACRES as well as for its user agencies at national level. These plans address various HRD initiatives such as graduate study programmes, short and medium term training and technology transfer initiatives. It is envisaged that this strategy will contribute significantly to the national remote sensing development in Malaysia.
1.10 Introduction
The operationalization of remote sensing technology in Malaysia has been given very high priority under the seventh Development Plan. Major related activities concern the development of infrastructure such as a new Headquaters for MACRES and the establishment of a Satellite Ground Receiving Station at Temerloh located about 100 km form Kuala Lumpur. The development of skilled and trained manpower is also of high priority given the start of the operation of the new Headquaters and the Station in 1998/99.
There is also an urgent need for training the staff at MACRES and of its user agencies in the applications of remote sensing technologies. This is emphasized by the launch of major remote sensing application initiatives such as the National Resources and Environment Management (NAREM) programme which will establish a national database to support integrated development planning activities in Malaysia. Consequently training initiatives at all levels need to be harmonized to complement the structures and mechanism already in place through the National Remote Sensing Programme. The HRD strategy for remote sensing in Malaysia is considering a comprehensive manner the requirement for very specialized training of MACRES staff leading to more application-oriented training for its key user agencies. It will be implemented during the whole Seventh Malaysia Development Plan Period (1997-2001) and even beyond. The following sections present the major components of these two programmes as currently implemented.
2.0 Human resources development plan at MACRES
The development of the HRD plan began by analyzing MACRES's collective vision as to where it wants to be in the long term. All MACRES progammes and activities were studied in order to understand the current human resources situation. MACRES programmes are at this time very dynamic and divisional responsibilities (see Figure 1) are expected to be more structured as the new Headquaters and the Satellite Ground Receiving Station are completed and the new systems delivered. Hence, although analysis of training and technology transfer requirements needed to begin as soon as possible, it was recognized that their development would be a continuous process which would be refined as implementation progressed.
Figure 1. MACRES Organizational Chart
The overall objectives of the HRD plan is synchronized with and reinforce the objectives of MACRES, namely:
- to develop space remote sensing and related technologies, and
- to operationalized their applications for resources and environmental management, and strategic planning of the country.
- Strengthen internal management skills,
- build remote sensing R&D capabilities which meet Malaysia needs, and
- develop new skills needed for effective operation activities mainly in the use of upgraded data reception facility.
The training programme is organized into two components: Core training and Specialist training. The internal programme focuses on developing a core training capability in MACRES that is available to all technical staff and ensures that a common understanding of remote sensing and the functions of MACRES exists throughout the organization . In support to this international programme, MACRES is also developing Training Center with the capability to serve their own training needs and to provide training as a service to other agencies The external programme sends staff out to established Centers worldwide , on a rational basis, for specialized training.
2.1.1 Core training programme
Training topics for the core training programme are sub-divided into three groups: geomatics, communications and organization, and information technology. The information technology training is required to ensure that the staff can effectively use the latest information technologies being implemented in MACRES. The topics depends bon the shared computer systems and networks, and electronic office and communication tools that are staff are expected to use.
2.1.2Specialist training programme
Specialist training is a critical component of MACRES's plans to invest in new technology and is an effective tool that management can use to direct programmes an dprojects toward the Centre's strategic goals (such as the implementation of NAREM programme ). The priorizing of the specialist training, with respect to topics and timing by division, is coordinated with MACRES's organizational development strategy and plans for future growth.
The functions for each division and the backgrounds of the staff currently in the division were considered during preparation of the specialized divisional training programmes. For illustration, Table 1 presents a typical specialized divisional training programme topics for a particular division (Spatial Data and Analysis ) at MACRSE (similar divisional training programmes were also produced for the other eight divisions of MACRES). For the purposes of planning the Specialist training programme has been subdivided into two main components: Professional development, and Function-defined skills development.
2.1.2.1 Professional development programme
Where individuals lack the educational background requirement for a particular job and are interested in longer-term professional development, then the individuals training plan includes graduate courses. MACRES habitat has the long term objective that all research officers to be graduated at least at a the Master degree level with some of them at the Ph.D level.
Fields of study within university faculties or departments have been identified in each division's table of Specialist training programme topics. The present degrees of staff in each division were used in the topic selection process. The primary fields of study relevant for graduate studies in remote sensing and related technologies are found in university faculties or department, such as electrical and systems, engineering, information and computer system sciences, environmental and resource studies, earth and space sciences. Fields of study for non-remote sensing related studies include: graphics design, publications and multimedia, business development and marketing, technology and engineering, management, operations management, human resources and training, information management and infrastructure management.
2.1.2.2 Function-defined skills developed
Learning to use the equipment in production is the primary focus of training for some divisions, while preparing to use the new data sources in operational programmes is the focus of training requirements in other divisions. Every division has its unique function-defined training requirements which fit into MACRES's strategic vision for the Centre. MACRE is now procuring new remote sensing equipment, which will have significant impact on the tasks carried by each by division. Staff will be trained to operate and maintain the major sub-systems of the new Satellite Ground Receiving Station. Application R&D staff is to be trained to be use the new information extraction and data applications systems.
| Main functions of division | |
| Research in the application of image-based GIS for resources and the environment | |
| Establish an integrated image-based GIS and attribute databases | |
| Research in GPS, DEM, and related discipline | |
| Provide consultancy services in the specific areas of image-based GIS | |
| Establish digital topographic database | |
| Professionals Development | |
| Graduate Degrees | Fields of Study |
| Environmental and resources studies | Integrated natural resource management informations systems Coastal zone management and environmental protection |
| Earth and space activities | Sustainable resource management issues and EO programs |
| Geogratics /remote sensing specialties | GIS applications, DEM, orthoimages, Stereo images, 3D data representation, digital topographic databases, GPS and GIS integration, interferometry |
| Develop and maintain current technical knowledge and contacts | |
| Objective: To have all researcher offers attend at least one professional development activity per year. | |
| Visits to / from
organizations carrying out similar types of work
Consideration should be given to benefits / disadvantages of sending two staff from different MACRES divisions to same facility, or to sending two SDA Division staff to same facility. | |
| Conferences, workshops,
short courses 1-2 year, depending on whether he/she also attends courses or receives training as part of technology transfer projects.Priority should be given to attending meetings where staff would present results of their work, and to participation in meetings where work on joint foreign projects would be carried out. | |
| Review of publications, electronic media and independent research into images-based GIS applications for natural resources and environmental management | |
| Function-defined Skills Training | |
| Application of image-based
GIS for resources and the environment User training for all staff when new IPS and GIS systems delivered or software installed, or as determined by supervisor Useful workshop topics provided by training consultants/agencies/venders:
| |
| Integrated image-based GIS
and attribute databases Useful workshop topics provided by training consultants / agencies / vendors:
| |
| Research in GPS, DEM and
related disciplines Useful workshop topics providing by training consultants / agencies
| |
| Consultancy
services-courses /agencies Useful workshop topics provided by training consultants / agencies
| |
| Digital topographic
database Useful workshop topics provided by training consultants / agencies
| |
2.2 Technology Transfer Programme
MACRES has recognized the need for technology transfer as a means of quickly empowering itself, its partners and its user and its user community to the new technologies and commercial opportunities. The technology transfer programme is working in close association with other initiatives, such as the implementation of the Satellite Ground Receiving Station, but has the specific overall objective to improve the nation-wide exploitation of remote sensing technology, for the management of Malaysia's natural resources and protection of the environment .
In order to realize the stated objective, strategic national scope technology transfer initiatives are currently underway, namely the NAREM programme including the Satellite Image Mapping project. The technology transfer for these projects relies mainly on specific on-the-job training activities of MACRES's staff at trainer's facilities as well as short-term (1-2 weeks) and mid-term (3-6) visits of experts at MACRES.
3.0 Human resources development plan at national level
The main objective of the training plan for the user agencies is to strengthen human resources capabilities in operational remote sensing applications in Malaysia. This capacity building programme aims to train enough user agency people to produce a critical mass as a group of scientists and engineers to support national self-reliance objectives in this area as well as contribute to the sustainability for the whole remote sensing programme in Malaysia.
This training programme aims also to introduce new remote sensing technologies and applications to potential new user groups in Malaysia. In doing so, it is expected that it will contribute significantly to increase awareness of remote sensing applications, to develop the market for remote sensing data, and to extend the use of remote sensing data for natural resources and environmental management, and for strategic planning in Malaysia.
3.1 Scope of Studies and Courses
Due to common training objectives for scientists and engineers involved with remote sensing application activities in Malaysia, the types of training envisaged for the user agencies are very similar to those currently implemented at MACRES for the Application and Image Processing division. They can be regrouped in three main categories:
- long-term courses for graduate studies,
- mid-term courses for basic training in remote sensing (2 month duration ),
- and short-term courses for specialized worships (1-2 week duration).
A series of course dealing with specific application and basic remote sensing topics has been identified for mid-and short-term studies. These courses aim to support the use of remote sensing technology in the current operations of user agencies The short-term courses are associated with specific events such as conferences, workshops and short-courses conducted in Malaysia. The mid-term courses concern specific basic training activities dedicated to the user agency training programme itself. These courses are organized by MACRES together with local universities.
3.2 Participating Agencies and Candidates
The National Remote Sensing Programme defines the core group of user agencies to benefit of this national level training programme (approximately thirty in total). An average number of two candidates for each agency has been identified to participate to the graduate study programme.
Series of four yearly basic training courses are planned to be organized during the Seventh Plan period ( with approximately twenty user agency participants likely attending each of these courses). Similarly, a serious a four workshops a year I currently planned during the same period. The workshops are to offer specialized training on various remote sensing application topics of interest to user agencies. Courses and workshops organized in 1997 by MACRES covered topics such as "Microwave Remote Sensing for Terrain Modelling Application ", " Introduction of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and its Applications in Forestry ", "Basic Remote Sensing", and "AIRSAR Pacific Rim" (organized with NASA).
In summary, it is expected that for the whole Seventh Plan period, the user agency training programme will offer the following studies and courses:
- a total of 60 graduate studies to be undertaken both in Malaysia and abroad,
- a series of four basic courses in remote sensing for a total of 80 participants,
- and a series of 16 workshops in specialist remote sensing applications for a total of 320 participants.
The government of Malaysia has embarked in a major development for a new era of its remote sensing programme. Associated with major infrastructure development, a comprehensive HRD plan is now implemented to support MACRES and its key user agencies. It is believed thast this strategy will contribute significantly to the end-to-end operationalization of remote sensing activities in the country. In addition, it is believed that this National Training initiatative will also encourage and facilitate interdepartmental cooperation in different application development areas.