AST083 • CATEGORY A
DES 2026
UMS Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Backend Powered by AiGeo

eBORNEENSIS: EMPOWERING CITIZEN SCIENCE FOR BIODIVERSITY MONITORING AT UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SABAH

Mohamad Syahrul Nizam Ibrahim, Muhammad Sainuddin, Stanley Anak Suab, Franey Joseph Chong & Muhammad Syafiq Yahya*
*muhammadsyafiq@ums.edu.my

Abstract

Monitoring biodiversity is severely constrained by the high costs and temporal gaps of traditional surveys. eBorneensis is a novel smartphone application developed for UMS to empower the campus community to act as citizen scientists by recording wildlife encounters. Powered by an advanced AiGeo backend, the system processes spatial data intelligently. To ensure data reliability, the system employs an expert-in-the-loop validation protocol where ITBC experts verify submissions before database integration. This facilitates robust, long-term monitoring and generates high-resolution spatial data to map biodiversity hotspots, guiding sustainable eco-campus management.

Problem Statements & Objectives

THE LIMITATIONS OF CURRENT MONITORING

The High Cost of Accuracy

Traditional surveys are resource-intensive leading in data gaps that miss rapid population changes.

The Accuracy Risk in Citizen Science

While crowdsourcing offers scale, data often suffers from misidentification by inexperienced observers.

THE INTEGRATED SOLUTION

Community-Driven Data Collection

Leveraging the campus community to generate continuous, large-scale spatial wildlife data.

Rigorous Expert Validation

Backing community observations with expert oversight ensures highly reliable and accurate results.

AiGeo Spatial Insights

AiGeo backend provides a constant stream of reliable spatial data for effective conservation efforts.

Innovation

Expert Verification System

Rigorous review by ITBC experts guarantees the reliability of user submissions.

Optimized by AiGeo Engine

Smart mapping and predictive modeling powered by an intelligent spatial AI backend.

How It Works?

Effortless Capture

Users record media; the app automatically extracts GPS and metadata.

AiGeo

AiGeo Processing

Cloud backend intelligently organizes and verifies spatial records.

PDPA Protection

Encryption ensures compliance with the Malaysian PDPA 2010.

Real-Time Mapping

Interactive dashboards display verified wildlife encounters instantly.

OUTPUT

Spatial & Ecological Mapping

Precise Geographic Hotspots

AiGeo driven maps pinpointing exact locations of wildlife within UMS.

Habitat and Corridor Identification

Mapping of breeding grounds and travel routes for local and migratory species.

Long-term Data Foundation

Reliable Longitudinal Datasets

Continuous journal serving as a baseline for future ecological research.

IMPACT

Strategic Operational Advantages

Drastically Reduced Overhead costs for environmental monitoring.

Evidence-Based Development

Provides data for sustainable campus infrastructure planning.

Global Sustainability Impact

Directly reports UN SDG Alignment (Sustainable Development Goals).

Commercialization Potential

Multi-Sector Adaptation

Designed for licensing by universities, municipalities, and protected urban micro-refugia.

Modular Architecture

Utilizes PWA and ER database structures powered by AiGeo to ensure scalability.

Global South Focus

Specifically targets tropical regions facing urgent and similar conservation challenges.

Ready for Licensing

The system is built for immediate commercialization and adaptation across new territories.

AiGeo Data-Driven Blueprint

Provides a repeatable, AI-enhanced framework for managing biodiversity through structured spatial data.

FUTURE DIRECTION

The Expansion: Future Regional Scaling

Architectural Scaling

Expanding the system's digital framework to monitor landscapes beyond the university borders.

Active Conservation

Successfully transforms the university community into engaged participants in local protection.

Regional Preservation

Enhancing the protection of broader ecosystems through integrated regional monitoring.

AiGeo Precision

Overcomes technical limitations of crowdsourced platforms using AI-driven spatial validation.