By: Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Asamudin A. Rahman, Director of Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and its strategic partner PETRONAS have recently launched the Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE), further cementing the university’s leadership in advancing the nation’s renewable energy aspirations.

CEFORE stands as one of the world’s first integrated offshore renewable energy facilities, combining wind, solar, and wave energy with advanced storage and management systems. Located off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, it is designed to generate reliable, clean energy while supporting Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap and Terengganu’s sustainability goals.

The launch event, held at Pantai Tok Jembal, was graced by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Terengganu, Al Wahtiqu Billah Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al Muktafi Billah Shah, and Her Royal Highness the Sultanah of Terengganu, Sultanah Nur Zahirah. Also present were Terengganu Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Ir Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, PETRONAS Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh, UMT Chairman Prof Dr Mohamad Salmi Mohd Sohod, and UMT Vice Chancellor Prof Ir Ts Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim.

“We are honoured to partner in this landmark initiative,” said Prof. Zamri, expressing pride in the university’s pivotal role.

“CEFORE is the physical manifestation of UMT’s commitment to a sustainable future. It provides the perfect ecosystem to power our newly launched Bachelor of Renewable Energy Technology programme, ensuring our students receive a world-class, hands-on education. This centre will be their living laboratory, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application,” he said.

He added this initiative solidifies UMT’s position at the forefront of sustainable technology and education.

“This collaboration allows us to nurture future ready talent directly aligned with national energy needs,” Prof. Zamri said.

In his address, PETRONAS Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh underscored the strategic importance of the collaboration

“PETRONAS places great emphasis on sustainable development for the future,” he said. “We hope CEFORE can serve as a catalyst for the development of renewable energy among future generations.”

Beyond its technical and educational contributions, CEFORE is set to become a hub for community engagement and edu tourism. Local communities, including fisherfolk, will benefit from free cold storage and ice making facilities powered by renewable energy, supporting local livelihoods while reducing carbon emissions. The centre also aims to raise public awareness about renewable energy, offering interactive learning experiences for visitors and school groups.

Developed through a partnership between industry, academia, and technology providers including Arema Energies, Schneider Electric, Citaglobal, and Honeywell, CEFORE underscores UMT’s growing influence in the global renewable energy landscape. Through this initiative, UMT continues to strengthen its role as a university that not only educates but also innovates for a sustainable future.