By Rozita Alias@Abdul Latiff, Corporate Communications Office

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Terengganu, Al-Wathiqu Billah Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, recently graced the Launch Ceremony of the Environmental Sustainability Waqf: Terengganu Turtle Conservation and RHB Sukuk Dana Hafeez, held at The Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

The historic ceremony also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and RHB Islamic Bank Berhad (RHB Islamic), symbolising strategic collaboration towards implementing a high-impact waqf initiative for the sustainability of marine biodiversity.

As the leading institution in marine research in Malaysia, UMT serves as the main strategic partner in this initiative through the expertise offered by its Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) and facilities at the Chagar Hutang Turtle Research Station, Redang Island, an internationally recognised turtle conservation site that has successfully attracted researchers and volunteers from around the world.

In his welcoming speech, UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim emphasised that this collaboration reflects UMT’s capability to position knowledge and research as instruments for ecosystem conservation while strengthening the practice of waqf within the framework of sustainable development guided by Islamic economic principles.

“This programme is the first waqf model in Malaysia dedicated specifically to the preservation of marine life, particularly endangered species such as turtles. It not only directly contributes to the sustainability of the marine ecosystem but also serves as an instrument of education and awareness for the younger generation and the wider community,” he explained

He further stressed that this collaboration represents a creative and innovative idea that ensures the continuity of research and conservation activities while opening opportunities for the public to participate in biodiversity conservation through systematic and structured waqf contributions.

Meanwhile, RHB Islamic Managing Director Dato’ Adissadikin Ali described this initiative as a new approach to broadening the role of the Islamic finance sector in supporting conservation and environmental sustainability efforts.

“The launch of the RHB Sukuk Dana Hafeez reflects our commitment to mobilising Shariah-compliant financial instruments towards sustainable development as well as community and environmental well-being.

Proceeds from this fund will be fully channelled to the UMT Waqf for Education and Welfare Fund, particularly in support of turtle conservation efforts through the Environmental Sustainability Waqf: Terengganu Turtle Conservation programme,” he said.

The synergy of key sectors, namely the monarchy, higher education institutions, and the financial sector, in implementing this initiative underscores a holistic approach towards realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in ensuring the sustainability of marine life (SDG 14: Life Below Water).

As a university specialising in marine and aquatic sciences, UMT will continue to strengthen its efforts through various initiatives, including community education programmes, high-impact research, and conservation projects grounded in scientific data, to safeguard the nation’s marine heritage for future generations.