By: Syarifah Noormaisarah Tuan Besar, International Centre

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) recently signed two significant agreements: a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Irshad HR Consulting Sdn. Bhd. and a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Hainan Tropical Ocean University, China, marking an important step in UMT’s ongoing efforts to enhance graduate employability and expand international collaboration in marine and aquatic sciences.

The MoA with Irshad HR Consulting formalises the launch of the K-Youth Development Programme, a two-year initiative designed to equip UMT’s penultimate-year students with vital soft skills and technical know-how. Through this programme, students will undergo structured training sessions and receive valuable industry placement opportunities to boost their career readiness. UMT’s UMT-GEM unit will play a supporting role by providing logistical and operational assistance to ensure the programme runs smoothly. This collaboration reflects a shared goal of aligning academic outcomes with real-world industry needs.

Meanwhile, the LoI signed with Hainan Tropical Ocean University underscores UMT’s commitment to academic internationalisation, particularly in the areas of marine sciences, oceanography, and environmental studies. This partnership will open doors for joint research, student mobility, and academic exchanges between the two institutions. This agreement builds upon earlier engagements dating back to 2019, and now includes strategic involvement from the Institute of Marine Ecology, Hainan Academy of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, and the School of Food Sciences and Technology. UMT encourages participation from key faculties — especially the Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science (FPSM), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment (FSSM), and the Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP) — to actively explore collaborative opportunities under this initiative.

“These partnerships represent more than formal agreements — they are the start of a greater journey grounded in shared values, trust, and a commitment to impactful collaboration,” said the Vice-Chancellor.

The signing ceremony on 25 June was graced by esteemed delegates from HTOU and Irshad HR Consulting, along with key representatives from UMT.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, the Vice Chancellor of UMT and Prof. Dr. Mohd Izani bin Mohd Zain, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), reflecting UMT’s strong culture of hospitality and its commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships.

UMT looks forward to nurturing these partnerships and co-creating programmes and research that will benefit not only the institutions involved but also the broader communities they serve.