RESEARCH

Our Core Research Area

Spanning marine science, aquatic resources, and social innovation, UMT advances research that delivers meaningful impact. Our researchers strive to develop sustainable solutions and contribute positive change to both communities and the environment.

Research Institutes

UMT hosts several leading research institutes driving innovation and knowledge development, including HICoE INOS (Institute of Oceanography and Environment), HICoE AKUATROP (Tropical Aquaculture & Fisheries Research Institute), IBTPL (Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Institute), and ICAMB (Institute for Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology), each focusing on high-impact research and sustainable solutions. 

HiCoE INOS - Institute of Oceanography & Environment

HiCoE AKUATROP - Institute of Tropical Aquaculture & Fisheries

IBTPL - Institue for Tropical Biodiversity & Sustainable Development

ICAMB - Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology

Research Centre

UMT hosts several strategically located natural research stations to advance studies in marine science, biodiversity, and local ecosystems. These include the UMT Marine Natural Research Station on Bidong Island, the Chagar Hutang Turtle Natural Research Station on Redang Island, the UMT Setiu Wetlands Natural Research Station, and the UMT Kenyir Biodiversity Field Research Station, providing key platforms for high-impact research and environmental monitoring.

Bukit Kor Environmental Research Park

Kenyir Lake
Research Centre

Chagar Hutang
Turtle Sanctuary

Pulau Bidong
Marine Research Station

UMT Setiu Wetlands Natural Research Station

The Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE)

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Bukit Kor Environmetal Research Park

Location & Access

Bukit Kor Environmental Research Park is strategically located within the Kenyir Lake region, Hulu Terengganu, surrounded by a pristine tropical rainforest ecosystem.

  • Total area: 45.6 acres

  • Developed zone: 10.6 acres

  • Main building footprint: ±10 acres

  • Lake depth surrounding the station: ±40 metres

  • Construction completed: 2017

  • Fully operational: 2021

Unique Features

  • Serves as a key research hub for tropical rainforest biodiversity and freshwater aquatic resources

  • Natural environment ideal for long-term ecological, flora–fauna, and freshwater studies

  • Located in a secluded and pristine forest area, enriched by Kenyir Lake’s diverse ecosystem

  • Supports comprehensive research programmes in biodiversity, ecology, and conservation

Facilities

Academic & Research Facilities

  • Academic Buildings A & B

  • Lecture Room (capacity: 25 persons)

  • Research Officer Room

  • Science Officer Room

  • Preparation Laboratories 1 & 2

  • Teaching Laboratory

  • Biodiversity Laboratory

  • Auditorium

  • Cafeteria

  • Surau (Prayer Room)

Accommodation

Hostel

  • 16 rooms (total capacity: 64 persons)

  • Locker

  • Shoe rack

  • Towel rack

  • Ensuite bathroom in each room

Guest Houses (Units 1–6)

  • Units 1, 3, 5: Queen bed

  • Units 2, 4, 6: Two single beds

Amenities provided:
Microwave, induction cooker, kettle, mini refrigerator, iron and ironing board

Academic & Research Activities

  • Fieldwork in biodiversity and freshwater science

  • Tropical rainforest flora and fauna research

  • Habitat assessment, lake ecology, hydrobiology, and conservation studies

  • Teaching and practical sessions conducted in biodiversity and teaching laboratories

Recreational & Field Activities

  • Biodiversity exploration

  • Forest-based fieldwork

  • Freshwater sampling and lake ecology surveys

  • Group-based outdoor learning and academic activities

For more information

UMT Kenyir Biodiversity Field Research Station

Location and Access

  • Located within the Kenyir Lake region, Hulu Terengganu
  • Total area: 45.6 acres
  • Developed zone: 10.6 acres
  • Main building footprint: ±10 acres
  • Lake depth around the station: ±40 metres
  • Construction completed: 2017
  • Fully operational: 2021

Unique Features

  • Key research hub for tropical rainforest biodiversity and freshwater aquatic resources
  • Natural environment ideal for long-term ecological, flora–fauna and freshwater studies
  • Situated in a secluded, pristine forest area surrounded by Kenyir’s rich biodiversity
  • Supports comprehensive biodiversity, ecology, and conservation research programmes

Facilities

  • Academic Buildings A & B
    • Lecture room (25 pax)
    • Research Officer Room
    • Science Officer Room
    • Preparation Labs 1 & 2
    • Teaching Laboratory
    • Biodiversity Laboratory
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Surau (Prayer Room)

Accommodation:

  • Hostel – 16 rooms (capacity 64 people)
    • Locker
    • Shoe rack
    • Towel rack
    • Ensuite bathroom in each room
  • Guest Houses (Units 1–6)
    • Units 1, 3, 5: Queen bed
    • Units 2, 4, 6: Two single beds
    • Amenities provided: Microwave, iron & ironing board, induction cooker, kettle, mini fridge

Academic and Research Activities

  • Fieldwork related to biodiversity and freshwater science
  • Tropical rainforest flora and fauna research
  • Habitat assessment, lake ecology, hydrobiology and conservation studies
  • Teaching and practical sessions conducted in the biodiversity and teaching laboratories

Recreational / Field Activities

  • Biodiversity exploration
  • Forest fieldwork
  • Freshwater sampling and lake ecology surveys
  • Group-based outdoor and academic activities
For more information

Chagar Hutang Turtle Natural Research Station, Redang Island

Key Highlights

  • Densest sea turtle nesting beach in Peninsular Malaysia
  • Holds the highest number of in-situ nests protected in the country
  • 1.15 million sea turtle eggs protected to date
  • Supported by ~5,000 global volunteers

 

Conservation Impact (1993 – Present)

  • Long-term sea turtle monitoring
  • Tagging & in-situ egg incubation
  • >20,000 nests protected
  • >1 million hatchlings released

 

Research Focus

  • Population tagging & monitoring
  • Nesting biology & threats
  • Genetics studies
  • Bio-logging
  • Health assessments
  • Hatchling in-nest behaviour
  • Turtle Lab located at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort

 

Outreach & Education

  • Volunteer Programme (April–October, since 1998)
  • Nest/Turtle Adoption
  • Kem Si Penyu (for Redang schoolchildren, since 1996)
  • Kem Prihatin Penyu (CSR / group programme)
  • Eco-Educational Day Trip visits
  • Exhibitions, talks & merchandise

 

Signature Programmes

  • Volunteer Programme
  • Turtle Camp
  • Eco-Educational Daytrip
For more information

UMT Marine Natural Research Station Pulau Bidong

Location and Access

  • Located in the South China Sea, ±8 nautical miles off Merang
  • Coordinates: 5°37’15″N, 103°03’27″E
  • Access: 15–20 min from Merang Jetty; 45–60 min from Kuala Terengganu
  • Island size: ±231 hectares
  • Research station area: 2 hectares (Lot 284)

 

Highlights

  • A complete land–sea ecosystem ideal for research and field studies
  • Former Vietnamese Refugees’ Camp (1978–1991)
  • Surrounded by nearby islands such as Karah, Yu Besar, Yu Kecil and Geluk

 

Facilities

  • Capacity: 70–100 users at a time
  • Freshwater supply: tube well and spring water
  • Power supply via generator
  • Fully equipped Dive Centre
  • Accommodation: Activity House, Rumah Bidong, Rumah Yu Besar/Yu Kecil, Rumah Karah, Rumah Geluk
  • Main Hall, Dining Hall & assembly area

 

Teaching and Research Activities

  • Fieldwork, Final Year Projects & marine training courses
  • Research areas include: underwater archaeology, coral spawning/restoration/mapping, fisheries, seismic studies, ecology & biodiversity

 

International Programmes

  • Preferred field site for:
    • Heriot-Watt University
    • Hong Kong University (HKU)
    • National University of Singapore (NUS)
    • Mie University
    • National Taiwan Ocean University

 

Recreational Activities

  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Kayaking
  • Jungle trekking
  • Team building
For more information

UMT Setiu Wetlands Natural Research Station

Location and Size

  • Coordinates: N 05°40.6375’ E 102°42.6120’
  • Station land area: 1.214 hectares
  • Building area: 632.43 m²
  • Located within the 23,000-hectare Setiu Wetlands, with 432 hectares gazetted as the Setiu Wetlands State Park (2018)

 

Unique Ecosystem Features
Setiu Wetlands encompasses 9 major ecosystems:

  • Sandy beaches
  • Mudflats
  • Lagoons
  • Estuaries
  • Rivers
  • Islands
  • Freshwater swamps
  • Mangroves
  • Marine waters

 

Core Functions and Activities

  • Key site for teaching and learning activities
  • Supports wetlands, biodiversity and ecological research
  • Actively engages nearby communities through environmental awareness programmes

 

Facilities

  • Accommodation: UMT III (3 pax) & UMT IV (5 pax)
  • Fully equipped research laboratory
  • Dedicated spaces for fieldwork and scientific activities
For more information
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