KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor congratulates Ranau born Professor Dr Justin Sentian as the first Malaysian scientist to conduct winter research in  Antarctica. 

The Chief Minister said it is a proud moment for all Sabahans as Dr Justin will also be flying the  Sabah flag, alongside the national flag for the whole duration of his six-month Winter research  program beginning March 15 at the Professor Julio Escudero Base Station at King George  Island, Antarctica. 

“It is momentous and I am sure all Sabahans and Malaysians will be proud of Prof Dr Justin  Sentian. We wish him every success,” said Hajiji after handing over the State flag to Dr Justin at  Menara Kinabalu near here today. 

The polar atmospheric scientist from the Faculty of Science and Natural Resources of Universiti  Malaysia Sabah will be conducting his research titled “Tropospheric Ozone and Halocarbons  Variations in the Antarctic Peninsula Under Extreme Weather Conditions” said: 

“The Antartic is a good and accurate point to observe climate change, among others. Variations  noted there will have a butterfly effect on the rest of the world,” he added.  

“I am proud to share this amazing opportunity as the first Malaysian scientist to bring our flags  to Antarctica. I hope this symbolic gesture will motivate other researchers, especially the younger  generation in Sabah to continue striving for excellence in all fields, in particular science.” 

Dr Justin’s research in collaboration with the Santiago University, Chile is partially funded by a  research grant from the Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation (YPASM) for three years  starting in 2023. 

This is not Dr Justin’s first research stint in Antartica. He was there on a three-month Summer  research program in 2018.  

The research collaboration with Santiago University is to enhance research capacity building,  particularly on atmospheric chemistry modeling and academic and scientific research networking  at the international level. 

YPASM would be conducting a send-off ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on  Mar 19. 

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