Malaysia-Japan International Institute Technology (MJIIT)

Smart Communication Systems (SCS)

The Smart Communication Systems (SCS) iKohza is a multidisciplinary research group focusing on the development of advanced communication and sensing technologies across  antenna and propagation, optical systems, and wireless communication networks. The group envisions advancing connectivity across satellite, terrestrial, mobile, undersea, biomedical, and optical networks. SCS iKohza integrates electromagnetic design, optical sensing and laser technologies, and intelligent wireless networking to address current and future challenges in communication performance, sensing accuracy, and system reliability. Research activities span from fundamental theory and simulation to experimental validation and real-world applications in areas such as 5G and satellite communications, healthcare, agriculture, and smart monitoring systems. By bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world application, we aim to enhance the efficiency and reach of modern communication infrastructure. The group is supported by dedicated laboratory facilities, including antenna, optical, and communication laboratories, which provide students with access to essential simulation software, measurement, testing, and prototyping equipment. These facilities enable hands-on learning and practical research experience alongside academic study.

Basic Information

 iKohza Name: Smart Communication Systems (SCS)
 Leader's Name and Title: Professor Dr. Yoshihide Yamada
 Main Contact Email: yoshihide@utm.my
 Location/Office: Level 9, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
 Website or Social Media (if available): https://mjiit.utm.my/scs/

Research Focus Areas

 Main Research Themes/Keywords (5–10 keywords):

Radio waves, antenna and propagation, radar cross section, optical communication, optical sensor and laser, integrated photonics, wireless communication, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT)

 Description of Research Focus Areas (Max 200 words):

The Smart Communication Systems (SCS) iKohza focuses on three main research themes: Optical Technologies, Antenna and Propagation, and Wireless Communication Networks.

Research in optical technologies focuses on advanced optical communication and sensing systems. Optical sensors are developed for detecting vibrations and microplastics using fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), and a compact no-core fiber (NCF) optical sensor has been proposed for detecting glucose adulteration in honey. In laser technologies, fiber lasers based on MAX phase materials are studied, alongside Q-switched and mode-locked lasers for photonic applications. These studies combine simulation, experimentation, and collaboration with industry partners to advance high-performance optical technologies for communication, monitoring, and industrial applications.

In antenna and propagation, the research covers antenna technologies for a wide range of radio frequency applications. This includes the development of high-gain spherical reflector antennas, and the design and implementation of lens antennas, particularly negative refractive index lens and metamaterial-based designs for 5G and satellite communication systems. Miniaturized in-body antennas for healthcare applications, as well as helical antennas for undersea radio communication, are also explored through design equations, real-world condition simulations, and experimental setups. In addition, Radar Cross Section (RCS) analysis is conducted through simulations and measurements in anechoic chambers to enhance target detection capabilities.

For wireless communication networks, the research focuses on improving communication quality. This includes optimizing resource blocks, enhancing channel estimation, and maximizing spectral efficiency to enable robust, high-capacity wireless networks across terrestrial and mobile environments. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques are applied for intelligent resource management. Overall, SCS iKohza integrates antennas, electromagnetic systems, optical sensing, lasers, and smart network technologies to develop high-performance communication and sensing systems for future applications.

Facilities and Equipment

 Laboratories and Equipments:

Laboratory Equipment
  • Antenna Laboratory
 Anechoic Chamber, Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), Spectrum Analyzer, Signal Generator, Dielectric Constant Probe
  • Seawater Laboratory
 Portable VNA, Seawater Tank for underwater measurement
  • Optical Laboratory
 Optical Spectrum Analyzer, Tunable Laser Source, Semiconductor Optical Amplifier, Laser Diode Controller, 3D Printer, Vacuum Box for Microplastic Detection experiment, Polishing Machine

 

Research Projects

 List of Ongoing/Recent Projects or Grants:

  1. UTM Encouragement Grant (Sept 2024 - Aug 2026): Utilising Machine Learning for Adaptive Resource Allocation in Differentiated 5G Vehicle-to-Anything (V2X) Communication (PI: Dr. Kaiyisah Hanis Mohd Azmi, amount awarded RM 66,590)
  2. Prototype Development Research Grant Scheme (Oct 2023 - Mar 2026): Development and Validation of A Spherical Reflector Antenna with A Shaped Sub-Reflector Prototype for Improved Satellite and 5G Mobile Communication Infrastructures (PI: AP Ir. Dr. Kamilia Kamardin, amount awarded RM 218,000)
  3. UTM Nexus Postgrad (March 2025 - Aug 2026): Electromagnetic Simulation of Metamaterial Lens Antenna (PI: AP Ir. Dr. Kamilia Kamardin, amount awarded RM 24,700)
  4. UTM Fundamental Grant (Oct. 2023 - Sept. 2026): Analysis of Molybdenum Gallium Carbide saturable absorber for pulse characteristic at 1550 nm region (PI: AP. Ir. Dr. Azura Hamzah, amount awarded RM 125,651)
  5. UTM Fundamental Grant: Vibration Detection using PDMS-Coated FBG Sensor

Research Outputs

 Selected Publications :

  1. M. Muhsin, K. Kamardin, Y. Yamada, Y. Sugimoto and K. Sakakibara, "Best Feed Positions and Radiation Patterns of Typical Multibeam Dielectric Lens Antenna," in IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 10497-10511, 2024, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3352132.
  2. N. W. Hlaing, K. Kamardin, Y. Yamada, T. Arima, M. Takahashi and N. Michishita, "Analytical Equations for Designing Meander Line Antennas," in IEEE Open Journal of Antennas and Propagation, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 340-353, April 2024, doi: 10.1109/OJAP.2023.3349145.
  3. Ooi, Wei Ling & Hamzah, Azura & Rosol, Ahmad. (2025). Thickness Estimation of Mechanically Exfoliated Mo 2 Ga 2 C Saturable Absorber for Ultrafast Fiber Laser Application. Functional Materials Letters. 18. 10.1142/S1793604725510762.

 Patents (if any):

  1. Antenna Arrangement for Producing High Gain Multi Beams
    Status: Patent Filed, AP Ir. Dr. Kamilia Kamardin, Prof. Dr. Yoshihide Yamada, Ayuni Afiqah Arjunaidi, Norazah Abdullah, Prof. Dr. Razali Ngah, AP Dr. Taufiq Jusoh
  2. A saturable absorber used in combination with a pulsed fibre laser system
    Status: Patent filed, AP Ir. Dr. Azura Hamzah, Dr. Ooi Wei Ling, Dr. Ahmad Haziq Aiman Rosol
  3. A Q-switched fiber laser generator using Vanadium Zinc Carbide and a method of operating the Q-switched fiber laser generator
    Status: Patent filed, AP Ir. Dr. Azura Hamzah, Dr. Ahmad Haziq Aiman Rosol.

Collaboration and Outreach

 Joint Programs/Student Exchanges/Industrial Engagements:

  • Joint Programs
  1. AP (Antenna Propagation) Technical Meeting Seminars, collaboration with IEEE AP/MTT/EMC Joint Chapter Malaysia
  2. MJWRT (Malaysia Japan Workshop Radio Technology), collaboration with IEEE AP/MTT/EMC Joint Chapter Malaysia
  • Student Exchange - Chiba University
  • Industrial attachment - National AI Office

Members

 Academic Staff :

  1. Professor Dr. Yoshihide Yamada, Professor, Antenna and Propagation
  2. Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Kamilia Binti Kamardin, Associate Professor, Antenna and Propagation
  3. Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Azura Binti Hamzah, Associate Professor, Optical Laser and Sensor
  4. Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Sumiaty Binti Ambran, Associate Professor, Optical Communication
  5. Dr. Husni Hani Jameela Binti Sapingi, Senior Lecturer, Optical Sensor
  6. Dr. Kaiyisah Hanis Binti Mohd Azmi, Senior Lecturer, Wireless Communication

 Postdocs/Researchers:

  1. Ayuni Afiqah Binti Arjunaidi, Research Assistant

 Postgraduate Students:

  1. Norazah Binti Abdullah, PhD, Main Supervisor: Prof Dr Yoshihide Yamada, Co Supervisor: AP Ir Dr Kamilia Kamardin
  2. Muhammad Syamim Fitri Bin Othman, MPhil, Main Supervisor: AP Ir Dr Kamilia Kamardin, Co Supervisor: Prof Dr Yoshihide Yamada
  3. Mohammed Farouk Al Ghifary, MPhil, Main Supervisor: AP Ir Dr Kamilia Kamardin, Co Supervisor: Prof Dr Yoshihide Yamada
  4. Badrul Amin Bin Azahari, MPhil, Main Supervisor: AP Ir Dr Kamilia Kamardin, Co Supervisor: Prof Dr Yoshihide Yamada
  5. Nur Ameelia Binti Abdul Kadir, PhD, Main Supervisor: AP Ir Dr Azura Hamzah
  6. Muhammad Ilyas, MPil, Main Supervisor: AP Ir Dr Azura Hamzah, Co Supervisor: AP Ir Dr Sumiaty Ambran, Dr. Nur Najahatul Huda Saris
  7. Nurul Adlin Azati Binti Norizan, MPhil, Main Supervisor: AP Ir Dr Azura Hamzah
  8. Husna Mardhiyah Binti Burhanuddin, PhD, Main Supervisor: AP Ir Dr Sumiaty Ambran
  9. Bunga Meiza, PhD, Main Supervisor: AP Ir Dr Sumiaty Ambran

    Photos and Media

     Group Photo (recommended):
     Activity or Lab Photos (optional):
     Logo (if any):

    Introductory Video

     Link to Video:
     Refer to the sample video shared:
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uCct65sTQaNmssiLeKSd5RqQP_5EUMfs/view?usp=drive
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    UTM Open Day