Year 2 International Lightning and Disaster Symposium

Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), in collaboration with Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) of Malaysia and Kindai University of Japan, will hold the Year 2 International Lightning and Disaster Symposium for the "Real Time Lightning 3D Imaging and Forecasting Project for Sustainable and Reliable Supply of Energy and Storm Disaster Early Warning" on 23^rd June, 2025 at the Hotel Seri Malaysia Melaka. At this symposium, the researchers of this project, the government of Malaysia, academia, and private partners present the developments of nowcast and early warning system of lightning strikes and severe weathers.


Project background/objectives

The RTL-3D project seeks to reduce the damages caused by lightning strikes and related disaster such as flash floods in Malaysia by leveraging advanced solutions. These innovations aim to forecast lightning hazards before they occur, enhancing disaster prevention and response in Malaysia.


To achieve this purpose, advanced algorithms are being developed to map lightning and charge distribution in 3D with precision, achieving a resolution of several hundred meters. Lightning sensors and weather monitoring networks in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka will provide real-time lightning activity updates in the areas. Direct lightning current measurements using Rogowski coils in Rocket Triggered Lightning (RTL) experiments and on tall structures validate these algorithms accurately.

The project also extends its social impact by developing real-time monitoring and forecasting dashboards as well as a device to automatically switch between commercial and backup power for better resilience in critical situations. These tools are specifically tailored for end-users such as engineers at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), personnel at the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia), and fishers in Melaka ensuring the dissemination of timely and actionable information for better decision-making.

The RTL-3D Project started in June 2023. It continues for 5 years till June 2028. The project is supported by JICA and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) through the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) programme, as well as the counterpart budget by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia.

The symposium is broadcasted on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/UtemLightning


The third JCC meeting during the symposium

The third JCC meeting (JCC-3) is scheduled to take place during the symposium. The future activity plan for the project will be discussed at the meeting.



For details/inquiry, kindly contact:

JICA Project Coordinator,
Mr. NAKAZAWA Shigeki
nakazawa.shigeki▲akna.jp
※Please convert ▲ to ＠

(Pictures)
Pix 1: Video observation data of lightning strikes in Melaka
Pix 2: Current measurement data of a lightning strike in Selangor
Pix 3: VHF observation data of a thunderstorm in Melaka
Pix 4: Preparation of a Rocket Triggered Lightning site in Melaka