Bulletin WARAS 28 ja..

Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
http://fkee.uthm.edu.my/waras
WIRELESS AND RADIO SCIENCE CENTRE
“Exploring Global Ideas”
Welcome to the second issue
of WARAS Highlights. The
second publication of WARAS
Highlights is an encouraging
pace to further nurture
research traditions among
WARAS affiliates. At WARAS,
current research activities
principally on the interdisciplinary work diversify our
range of disciplines and skills.
This bulletin is essentially
packed
with
WARAS
achievements in research and
innovation activities, variety of
involvement
of
research
fellows of WARAS in official
national and international
visits,
seminars
and
workshops. In addition, a
special article from Assoc. Prof.
Dr Muhammad Yusof Ismail is
also included explaining the
latest antenna design and
technology.
Editorial Team
Highlights
of
UPCOMING EVENTS
WARAS MoU Ceremony between WARAS Centre and Institute
of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad
Seminar on Multi-Disciplinary Research
Exchange of Expertise between WARAS Centre and Space &
Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)
WARAS
Contents
Page
Message from Head of
Centre
2
Organization of WARAS
3
Achievements
4
Activities
7
Special Article
11
Research
15
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
Editorial TEAM
Advisors:
Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad
Yusof Ismail
Prof. Ir. Dr. Zainal Abidin Ahmad
Chief Editor:
Dr. Khairun Nidzam Ramli
Editor Members:
Sharifah Saon
Hairul Nizam Tukimin
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
Message from the Head of Centre
It is my great pleasure to congratulate the editorial team of the bulletin of Wireless and Radio Science
Centre (WARAS) for successfully publishing the second issue of WARAS Highlights. As an active
research centre at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, WARAS has been actively involved in
diversified research and innovation activities focusing on wireless communications and radio science
research projects. In line with the call of the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia on the importance
of conducting multi-disciplinary research, WARAS has taken a proactive approach through the
participation of local and international researchers from relevant disciplines to join us in making
substantial contributions. The involvement of WARAS research fellows at diverse range of national and
international activities provided in this bulletin is one of the key strategies in order to enhance
significant linkages with research institutions and industries for promoting a vibrant research culture.
Thank you.
With Wisdom, We Explore
Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail
Head of Wireless and Radio Science Centre (WARAS)
Faculty of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
ORGANIZATION OF WARAS
Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail
Head of WARAS Centre
Technical Division
Hairul Nizam
Tukiman
(Principal
Technician)
Abdul Hamid
Sabran
(Associate
Technician)
Research
Division
Muhammad Inam
Abassi
Noor Hafizah
Sulaiman
Muhammad
Hashim Mir Khan
Dahri
Arslan Kiyani
Research Fellow
Internal
Prof. Ir. Dr. Zainal Abidin Ahmad
Prof. Hj. Ayob Johari
Prof. Dr. Maizam Alias
PM. Dr. Jiwa Abdullah
PM. Dr. Mohammad Mahadi Abd
Jamil
Dr. Fauziahanim Che Seman
Wan Nor Zaihasra
Wan Saleh
Dr. Mariyam Jamilah Homam
Fauzi Mohd Johar
Dr. Mohd Shamian Zainal
Wadhah Abdo
Mohammed alAshwal
D. Khairun Nidzam Ramli
Norazila Mohd
Saleh
Noor Syazana
Arshad
Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad
Faizal Ahmad
(UMP)
Prof. Dr. Norbahiah
Misran
(ANGKASA UKM)
Prof. Dr. Muhammad
Amin
(SUPARCO, Pakistan)
Dr. Achmad Munir (ITB,
Indonesia)
Dr. Karthigesu Nagarajoo
Dr. Noorsaliza Abdullah
Dr. Nor Shahida Mohd Shah
Mr. Mohd. Hakimi Zohari
Siti Hafizah Yusop
Mr. Shipun Anuar Hamzah
Ijaz Khan
Pn. Sharifah Saon
Hadi Abdullah
Pn Nurulhuda Ismail
Abdirahman
Pn. Elfarizanis Baharudin
Mohamud Shire
External
Hannes
Masandig
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
ACHIEVEMENTS
UTHM Research & Innovation Festival 2012
2012 Research and Innovation Festival was
held at Dewan Utama UTHM from 7th to 8th
November 2012. The main objective of the
program was to give an opportunity for
researchers and students to promote their
products and to share the knowledge related
to innovation and invention for future
commercialization. WARAS contributed two
excellent products in the R&I invention fair.
These works were categorized under the
Electrical, Electronic and Communications
Engineering. The first product entitled
“Frequency Selective Reflector for Radio
Communications” has won the First Prize
(Gold Medal). On top of that, the second
invention called “Broadband Paper Based
Substrate Antenna for Automotive Systems”
grabbed the Third Prize (Bronze Medal).
Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF 2012)
Recently, WARAS contributed an innovation as
part of the research work at 2012 Seoul
International Invention Fair (SIIF 2012). The
research and innovation fair was held from 29th
November to 2nd December 2012 at COEX Hall,
Gangnam Gu, Seoul, Korea. The product entitled
"Miniaturized Dual Frequency Planar Antenna for
Radio Systems" was awarded a Gold Medal.
Furthermore, the product has also been awarded
a Special Prize Award by the Federation of
Korean Industries. The program has been
reported as a successful event in which it has
become one of the world's largest international
invention fairs.
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
ACHIEVEMENTS
MUCET 2012
A group of WARAS researchers participated at
2012 Malaysian Technical Universities
Conference on Engineering and Technology
(MUCET 2012). One of the papers presented
by a WARAS researcher has been awarded the
Best Paper Award, specifically for “Dual
Frequency X-band Reflectarray Using Dual
Gap” under the category of Electrical and
Electronic Engineering. In addition, the product
was given a Gold Medal for its excellent
achievement at MUCET 2012 which was held
at Hotel Seri Malaysia, Perlis from 20th to 21st
November 2012.
Keynote Speaker and Consultant at 2012 IEEE ICOSST Lahore Pakistan
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof
Ismail obtained an honorable
achievement as an invited keynote
speaker at 2012 IEEE International
Conference on Open Source Systems
and Technologies (ICOSST) from 20th
to 22nd December 2012 held at
University of Engineering and
Technology in Lahore, Pakistan. The
conference
was
attended
by
researchers from all over the world to
seek new ideas and inventions
particularly on the open source
systems and its integration with the
current and latest technology.
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
ACHIEVEMENTS
Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE 2013)
WARAS again was delighted to receive an
excellent silver medal for the project entitled
“Broadband Paper Based Substrate Antenna
for Automotive Systems” from Reconfigurable
Antennas Cluster. The project was recognized
to be highly potential for global market
particularly to reduce the collision of high
speed vehicles by implementing the invention
at a very low cost with reliable material usage.
Another excellent work on “Biomechatronics
Design of Artificial Arm” was contributed by
Multi-disciplinary Research Cluster. The expo
was held at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala
Lumpur from 21st to 23rd February 2013.
Recognition of WARAS Achievements at SIIF 2012, Seoul, Korea and RACE
Research Grant
The Office of Deputy Vice
Chancellor of Research &
Innovation,
Universiti
Tun
Hussien
Onn
Malaysia
organized a ceremony on 7th
January 2013 to recognize
researchers in UTHM who had
been
successfully
granted
research grants in collaboration
with research universities called
Research
Acculturation
Collaborative Effort (RACE)
awarded by the Ministry of
Higher Education of Malaysia.
The Head of Wireless and Radio Science Centre, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail
was among the seven recipients from UTHM who received a RACE research grant entitled
“Integrated Antenna Technology for Automotive Systems” in which the project is
collaboratively carried out with Institute of Space Science, ANGKASA, Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia. Meanwhile, at the same function, the Vice-Chancellor of UTHM,
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Noh Dalimin also presented a certificate of appreciation to Assoc.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail who recently won a gold medal and a Special Prize
Award at 2012 Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF 2012) in Seoul, Korea.
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
ACTIVITIES
WARAS Visit to School of Applied Physics, UKM
In order to enhance multi-disciplinary research, WARAS took an initiative to visit School of
Applied Physics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia on 8th February 2013. The Head of Material
Science Laboratory, Dr. Zalita Zainuddin gave a brief explanation on School of Applied Physics
and research areas carried out by the team. She also gave a brief presentation on research
materials characterization facilities. Dr. Faizal Mohamed then gave a brief presentation on
research work and collaboration with other group of researchers. Researchers from the two
collaborating team had a fruitful discussion on future strategic plans, particularly on exchange of
potential equipments for measurement of sustainable materials.
WARAS Visit to CETRI, UTeM
A collaborative visit to Centre for Telecommunication Research and Innovation (CETRI) was held
on 8th February 2013. CETRI is currently led by Deputy Dean of Academic, Faculty of Electronics
and Computer Engineering (FKEKK), Dr. Zahriladha Zakaria. He gave a brief explanation about
CETRI activities and introduced available facilities at the centre. WARAS delegates headed by
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail also gave a brief introduction of WARAS research
clusters, as well as current and future research activities. Both group of researchers discussed
potential research collaboration including the use of softwares and equipments for
measurements. Furthermore, CETRI delegates plan a visit to WARAS in the near future for
potential research collaboration activities.
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
ACTIVITIES
Visit by Politeknik Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin
WARAS received an official visit from Politeknik Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin on 1st March 2013.
The visit was led by En. Muhammad Ridzuan Idris together with his colleagues and 40 students.
During the visit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof gave a concise explanation on WARAS Centre
to the delegates. A brief explanation on the current and future research was then presented by
Dr. Mariyam. All main facilities and equipments in WARAS were then explained and
demonstrated to all visitors.
WARAS Seminar on Research Experience
WARAS conducted a research seminar series 1/2013 on 13th March 2013 at Seminar Room 2,
Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The seminar was attended by research fellows
and postgraduate students. The purpose of this seminar was basically to share some research
ideas that were conducted by researchers at WARAS from various clusters. In addition, it
promotes towards inculcating a competitive research culture among WARAS researchers. The
first research on “Electromagnetic Field Computation using SGFDTD Method” was presented by
Dr. Khairun Nidzam Ramli followed by Dr. Mariyam Jamilah Homam who presented a very
interesting topic on “Radiowave Propagation in the Polar Ionosphere”.
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
ACTIVITIES
Visit by UMBRA, Indonesia
On 2nd April 2013, WARAS received an official
visit by delegates from Fakultas Teknik
Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Jawa Timur,
Indonesia (UMBRA). Three delegates from
UMBRA were Bapak Luthfi Jakfar (Academic
Deputy Dean), Bapak Dr. Sholeh Hadi Pramono
(Head of Teknik Elektro), and M. Aziz Muslim
(Teknik Elektro Secretary). The purpose of this
visit was to discuss collaboration opportunities
between both research centres particularly in
joint supervision of postgraduate students,
students mobility and organizing international
conferences.
Workshop on Modeling of Antenna Design
A Workshop on Modeling of Antenna Design Based on Numerical Technique and Simulations
Approach had been conducted at Wireless and Radio Science Centre (WARAS), Universiti Tun
Hussien Onn Malaysia on 10th January 2013. A one day program headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Muhammad Yusof Ismail was held at an affiliated laboratory of WARAS, Radio Communications
and Antenna Design (RACAD). The program was attended by a group of researchers led by Dr.
Mohd. Fais Mansor from Institute of Space Science (ANGKASA), Universiti Kebangsaan
Malaysia. All participants had been exposed to different techniques of analyzing antenna
structures including demonstrations of scattering measurements of antenna unit cells using
Vector Network Analyzer.
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
ACTIVITIES
Workshop on Professional Satellite Communications Training
WARAS Centre in collaboration with UMS Link Holdings Sdn. Bhd. had organized a Workshop on
Professional Satellite Communications Training from 8th to 10th August 2012 at the
Promenade Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The participants for this course were officers and
engineers from the National Space Agency of Malaysia (ANGKASA). All the participants were
exposed to various aspects of satellite communication systems including a visit to a radio base
station in Penampang, Sabah conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail and Dr.
Mariyam Jamilah Homam.
Colloquium on 2013 Roadmap of WARAS
A colloquium was organized on 22nd January 2013 at Pine Tree Hotel, Batu Pahat. The
objective of the colloquium was aimed at strategizing focused plans of the activities and
achievements of WARAS for the year 2012 and 2013. Head of Research Clusters, Dr. Mariyam
Jamilah Homam, Dr. Fauziahanim Che Seman, Dr. Khairun Nidzam Ramli, Mohd Hakimi Zohari
and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail shared the achievements and future activities.
The team also discussed on key strategies to enhance collaborative research and innovation
activities with external research institutions and potential industrial partners. In the end, the
postgraduate researchers presented their latest research findings to the meeting members.
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
SPECIAL ARTICLE
on the latest antenna design technology
Reflectarray Antenna Technology: A Novel Solution for Communications Technology
Project Leader:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail
Post-graduate Researchers:
Muhammad Inam Abbasi, Noor Hafizah Sulaiman & Muhammad Hashim Mir Khan Dahri
Co-researchers:
Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Faizal Mohd. Zain (Universiti Malaysia Pahang)
Prof. Dr. Norbahiah Misran (Institute of Space Science, ANGKASA UKM)
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amin
Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Islamabad
This project is fully funded by Prototype Research Grant Scheme (VOT0904) and Best FRGS
Project (VOT 0983) awarded by Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia
Since the last few decades, the use of wireless broadband technologies in our daily lives is
gaining the attention of the world public. In Malaysia, communications technology is growing
significantly through increased on-going efforts of broadband services across the country. The
existence of competing technologies has spurred many large telecommunications service
providers to improve the quality of communications network technology in order to provide the
best service to customers. Through the rapid development of communication technology
systems, distance factor that was once a barrier is no longer a problem.
In a communication system, the development in the field of satellite communications is one of
the main factors contributing to the improvement in the quality of the system. In order to ensure
an efficient performance, the antenna design that meets the requirements of this application is a
major consideration, in addition to the medium of communication and the receiver in a
communication system. An effective antenna design is a key factor in determining the
effectiveness of the communication system. The antenna design specifications must be given
serious attention as it plays an important role in most of the applications such as in satellite
broadcasting, mobile communication stations, radar technology and strategic defense systems
as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Multi-function antenna applications in communication systems
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
SPECIAL ARTICLE
Parabolic antenna is widely used in many communication system applications. However, this
parabolic antenna has major limitations which cause a significant effect on the quality and
effectiveness of communication systems. For example, the very large size of the antenna
employed in mobile communications technology requires high cost of maintenance process,
besides requiring a suitable mechanical support to ensure the structures can be built perfectly.
Furthermore, the need for physical movement of parabolic antenna for defense system
applications requires more resources and makes the portable antenna system less effective.
In addition, the parabolic antenna is also widely used in digital broadcasting system where the
problem of degraded quality of broadcast services is the main disadvantage for the existing
system, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions as depicted in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Effect of bad weather on the performance of parabolic antenna
In order to overcome the major problems encountered, a group of researchers at Wireless and
Radio Science Centre (WARAS) led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail has proposed the
use of reflectarray antenna embedded with tunable elements which provides a significant
improvement in signal transmission quality and effectiveness. The principle of operation for the
proposed reflectarray antenna and conventionally used parabolic antenna is shown in Figure 3.
As depicted in Figure 3, a significant difference in the antenna structure can be observed as the
curved parabolic shape is replaced with the flat structure consisting of an array of resonant
elements. This proposed reflectarray antenna is demonstrated to provide the same functionality
with enhanced performance as parabolic reflector antenna.
Dielectric
Substrate
Electromagnetic
Feed
Slotted Patch Element
Planar Wavefront
Ground plane
Curved Surfaces
Flat Surface
Figure 3: Comparison of the parabolic antenna operating with flat antenna
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
SPECIAL ARTICLE
The proposed reflectarray antenna consists of novel configurations of slot embedded patch
elements. These different configurations have been utilized to cater the phase difference
between the adjacent elements of array to produce a planar wave in front of the antenna
aperture as shown in Figure 4. A series of analysis has been carried out using Finite Integration
Method followed by experimental validation of the fabricated reflectarray antennas. A number of
performance improvements have been demonstrated using the proposed slot embedded patch
configurations.
The results obtained from numerical and experimental analysis carried out at WARAS showed
that a reflectarray antenna designed in the X-band frequency range (8-12 GHz) shown in Figure 5
offers the advantage of enhanced bandwidth performance as well as the ability to perform
electronic scanning without the need of physical movement of the antenna. The electronic
scanning without the physical antenna structure movement is one of the main advantages as
compared to the conventionally used parabolic systems where the bulky antenna structure
requires heavy mechanical systems for movement to be used in beam scanning applications.
Figure 4: "Multi-Function Reflectarray Tunable Antenna"
Location 1
Location 2
Location 1
Location 2
For reference only
h is vertical height
(a)
(b)
Figure 5. Beam scanning antenna applications for Satellite Tracking System (a) Parabolic
antenna (b) Reflectarray antenna
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
SPECIAL ARTICLE
Figure 5 shows the parabolic antenna used in signal tracking system. As shown in Figure 5 (a),
for detection of a satellite (target) moving from location 1 to location 2, the whole parabolic
antenna structure has to be mechanically moved in order to scan the signal within the specific
region. However, the electronic scanning capability integrated with the reconfigurable
reflectarray antenna system allows the antenna to be steered from location 1 to location 2 as
shown in Figure 5 (b).
Figure 6 shows the application of the antenna technology used in mobile radio systems. As
depicted in Figure 6 (a), parabolic antenna requires a large structure and a complex mechanical
system to support the structure which results in high maintenance costs in mobile radio systems.
However, the reflectarray antenna structure shown in Figure 6 (b) does not require a huge
mechanical support and hence it can be mounted onto a variety of surfaces. Additionally, the
proposed antenna system also provides a low cost solution as it does not require a bulky
mechanical support and its maintenance.
(a)
(a)
Figure 6. Antenna technology used in mobile radio system
The product, called "Multi-function Reflectarray Tunable Antenna" has a high commercialization
potential in the applications of digital broadcasting, mobile communications and defense
systems. The significant improvements in the quality of the communication systems achieved in
this project can be widely used for the society and telecommunications industries.
This research project has been approved for patent filing. This project is currently being led by
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail at Wireless and Radio Science Centre (WARAS),
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia. The team has successfully published more than 30
research papers in international SCOPUS/ISI and impact factor refereed journals and indexed
conferences. Moreover the research products, called "A Multi-Function Reflectarray Tunable
Antenna" and “A Miniaturized Dual Frequency Planar Antenna” received international
recognitions where both of the products had been awarded a gold medal and a special prize
Award at 2011 British Inventions Show (BIS 2011) and 2012 Seoul International Inventions Fair
(SIIF 2012) held in London, United Kingdom and Seoul, Korea respectively. The team also won
numerous awards and recognitions from the university, national and international level
innovation competitions and exhibitions.
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
WARAS RESEARCH CLUSTERS
RF & RECONFIGURABLE ANTENNA
DESIGN
Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Leader
Muhammad Yusof
Ismail
MICROWAVE DEVICES AND
FREQUENCY SELECTIVE SURFACES
Dr. Fauziahanim Che
Seman
Leader
Prof. Hj. Ayob Hj. Johari
Members
Members
Dr. Nor Shahida bte
Mohd Shah
Prof. Ir. Dr. Zainal
Abidin Ahmad
Elfarizanis Baharudin
Shipun Anuar Hamzah
MOBILE AND WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS
Assoc. Prof. . Dr. Jiwa
Leader
Abdullah
Dr. Noorsaliza Abdulah
Members
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
RESEARCH
CLUSTERS
Leader
Dr. Khairun Nidzam
Ramli
Members
Dr. Kavikumar Jacob
Mohd Hakimi Zohari
Sharifah Saon
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
Leader
Members
RADIO SCIENCE
Dr. Mohd Samian
Zainal
Prof. Dr. Maizam bte
Alias
P. M. Dr. Muhammad
Mahadi bin Abdul Jamil
P. M. Dr Muhaimin
Ismoen
P. M. Dr Zawati Harun
Leader
Members
Dr. Mariyam Jamilah
bte Homam
Dr. Karthigesu A/L
Nagarajoo
Abul Khair Anuar
Research Projects
In line with the focused research areas of WARAS, a number of research grants have been
granted in 2013 from various agencies which enable research activities to be carried out
efficiently.
No
Vot
1
1119
2
WRS
3
1086
4
1140
Title
Source
Integrated Antenna Technology for Automotive Systems.
Leader: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusof Ismail
RACE
(Collaboration: ANGKASA, UKM)
Characterisation of Ionospheric Propagation at the Equatorial and
Polar Regions
FRGS
Leader: Dr. Mariyam Jamilah Homam
Development of Low Noise Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier
Short Term
Leader: Dr. Nor Shahida Mohd Shah
Grant
Compact Planar Ultrawideband Antenna for On-Body Applications
GIPS
Leader: Dr. Khairun Nidzam Ramli
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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WARAS Highlights
Issue No. 2/2013
Condolence Message
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Dr. Noorsaliza’s mother. Our prayers will be that
you find comfort in your faith as you make it through this very difficult time. May Allah Bless
you and your wonderful family.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Dr. Fauziahanim, Dr. Nor Shahida, Dr. Noorsaliza and Pn. Nurulhuda on
the arrival of your little angels. May your new born angels live a long and happy life.
Congratulations!
Our warmest congratulations to Dr. Mariyam and the team on her achievement in the
recent FRGS research grant awarded by Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. May you
reap the fruits of success, today and always. Good job and congratulations!
Copyright 2013 by WARAS
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