On the eastern coast of the country stands a university that has made the ocean its field of knowledge and its source of hope. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has never seen itself merely as an institution of higher learning; rather, it embraces a far greater role—to become a leading institution in research and innovation, particularly in marine science and aquatic resources, which form the lifeblood of the nation’s sustainability.

Since its establishment, UMT has continued to move forward, charting a path of excellence with the presence of four major research institutes that form its core strength. The Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), the Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), the Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology (ICAMB), and the Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBTPL) are not only centres of knowledge creation but also landmarks of the university’s commitment to strengthening its identified research thrusts.

Even more impressively, three of these institutes—INOS, AKUATROP, and ICAMB—have earned prestigious recognition as Higher Institution Centres of Excellence (HICoE) by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education. This achievement not only adds prestige to UMT’s name but also makes it the only non-research university in Malaysia to have three institutes with HICoE status in its core research areas. It stands as proof that, despite not being in the traditional cluster of research universities, UMT has carved its own distinctive space on the global academic and research map.

The newly appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Mohd Ikhwanuddin mentioned that these accomplishments have never led UMT to complacency. On the contrary, the university continues to advance with a broader vision. In the near term, UMT is focused on further strengthening its research excellence by elevating scholarship through publications in high-impact journals, while also nurturing researchers capable of standing on the international stage. Talent development remains a priority, as UMT believes that the younger generation of researchers is its most valuable asset in ensuring the continuity of excellence into the future.

At the same time, UMT is expanding its global collaboration network with renowned institutions and key industry players, ensuring that its research outcomes do not remain confined within academic walls but reach communities and industries alike. For instance, AKUATROP’s Biofloc technology has transformed the nation’s aquaculture landscape, delivering immense benefits to the industry and fishing communities, while also generating revenue for the university. This stands as evidence that research at UMT is not only academic in nature but truly touches lives.

Today, UMT is firmly positioned to continue being elevated as the nation’s premier marine university, an institution of knowledge both referred to and respected globally. From the mysterious depths of the ocean to innovation-driven research laboratories, from the ideas of researchers to technologies that offer solutions, UMT has made the sea its boundless arena of knowledge and discovery.

For UMT, the ocean is not merely a vast blue horizon before the eyes, but the pulse of life and the future, one that must be preserved through knowledge, innovation, and tireless dedication.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Ikhwanuddin bin Abdullah@Polity Ak Kria
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)