By Amirul Salam Hasan, Corporate Communications Office

Pulau Bidong once again made history when it became the venue for the region’s most unique radio broadcast, which was a live stream from beneath the sea. This remarkable feat would not have been possible without the expertise of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), which played a pivotal role in the technical, safety, and marine research aspects.

Hot FM, through its popular segment Bekpes Hot, created a historic moment by organising the Bekpes Hot Scuba campaign, an extraordinary radio broadcast conducted 10 metres deep in the open sea off Pulau Bidong, Terengganu.

Even more notable, the 90-minute broadcast earned recognition from the ASEAN Records as the First and Deepest Live Underwater Outdoor Radio Broadcast in the Open Sea by Radio Personalities.

Four popular radio hosts,  KJ, Johan, Fara Fauzana, and AG, dived underwater while going live on air, interacting with listeners and taking part in scuba activities. This achievement demanded not only courage but also meticulous planning and the use of advanced aquatic communication technology.

Here, UMT’s expertise stood out, with the university’s team of researchers and technical staff applying their extensive knowledge in marine acoustics, safe diving practices, and underwater communication systems to ensure the broadcast proceeded without disruption.

The project was carried out in line with the university’s mission to strengthen research and innovation with applications across sectors such as media, tourism, and marine education. The success also paved the way for new opportunities to integrate science with popular entertainment, further enhancing UMT’s reputation as a leader in marine science and aquatic technology in the region.

Pulau Bidong was chosen not only for the beauty of its underwater environment but also for its reputation as an international marine research site managed by UMT.

This historic milestone stands as proof that collaboration between academic institutions and industry can produce extraordinary achievements that elevate Malaysia’s name on the global stage.