JOHOR BAHRU, 9 September 2025 – UTM Library has taken the lead in driving climate action awareness by hosting the Citizen Science Boot Camp 2025 (CSBC 2025) under the theme “Is Climate Change Written in the Sky?”. The two-day programme was held on 8–9 September 2025 at the Perpustakaan Sultanah Zanariah and Balai Cerai, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru.
In response to the urgent climate crisis, CSBC 2025 was designed as a vibrant platform that unites students, educators, librarians, researchers, and the public through impactful, hands-on science activities. Participants engaged in thematic modules on clouds, the sun, heat, the moon, and stars, with additional training on DIY telescope.
As the heart of knowledge-sharing at the university, UTM Library positioned itself as a hub for citizen science, bridging the gap between academic research and the wider community through collective data gathering, science communication, and participatory learning. More than just scientific exploration, CSBC 2025 emphasised the development of leadership, communication, and project management skills. These competencies equip participants not only to understand the science of climate change but also to actively contribute to initiatives on sustainability.
The boot camp was further enriched by the expertise of UTM academics, Sr. Gs. Dr. Othman Zainon, an expert in Astronomy and Geomatics, Faculty of Built Environment & Surveying, Dr. Aimi Musa specialising in Geoinformation, Faculty of Built Environment & Surveying, Dr. Amni Haslinda Alpandi from the field of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, and Ts. Sr Dr. Kelvin Tang Kang Wee with expertise in Geospatial studies, from Faculty of Built Environment & Surveying. Their contributions provided participants with a multidisciplinary perspective that broadened the understanding of climate change and its interconnected challenges.
The closing ceremony was officiated by UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, who praised the initiative as an exemplary effort to merge knowledge with community engagement.
He remarked, “Over the past two days, we have seen how knowledge, curiosity, and collaboration can come together in meaningful and powerful ways”.
The success of CSBC2025 reinforces UTM Library’s commitment to championing initiatives that integrate academic expertise with community participation. The library will continue to serve as a catalyst for citizen science, ensuring that research and knowledge dissemination contribute meaningfully to addressing global challenges such as climate change.