Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has launched the first augmented reality underwater artifact gallery, breaking a new ground in efforts on conservation of the country’s maritime heritage. The gallery focuses on the history of civilization and trading in the maritime Southeast Asia, especially relating to the discovery of a shipwreck on the east coast water.

The discovery of the Bidong Shipwrek in 2012 by the fisherman Zazeri Ajang became the starting point for UMT’s continuous research in underwater archaeology. The first excavation was carried out in 2017, followed by the second in 2022 and the third in 2023. From the excavations various valuable artifacts had been discovered and are now in safekeeping at UMT’s Centre for Research and Field Services.

In an effort to share the discovery with the public, UMT has collaborated with various agencies, including Digital Geoscience Global (DGeG) and Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) to create an interactive exhibition that combines the 3D imaging technology and augmented reality.

The exhibition at UMT’s Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS) Gallery not only displays the previous history but also utilizes the latest technology to preserve the heritage for the next generation without damaging the original artifacts.

According to UMT Vice Chancellor Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, INOS Gallery that keeps historical artifacts is the first of its kind in Malaysia that uses AR and VR technology to improve the fields of geoscience and geoheritage.

“The collaboration with MTDC in the use of augmented reality technology is part of the development of an integrated and geospatial database presently carried out by UMT and Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. This technology will connect the geological data under a cloud database that will enable the visualization of AR and 3D models”.

Also present at the officiating event was Ts. Mohammad Hazani Hassan, MTDC Chief Executive Officer.

Meanwhile, DGeG Chief Executive Officer Sarah Rahman expressed her thanks for the cooperation given by all parties in the process of establishing the first AR Artifact Gallery in Terengganu.

“The use of AR and 3D modelling will ensure a more comprehensive preservation of cultural artifacts and provide important records in case of a damage or loss”.

Prof. Zamri added that the support from MTDC and DGeG through the TechnoTube programme served as the catalyst for the project’s success.

“Through this initiative, UMT has become a pioneer in the integration of AR technology to ensure the conservation of the country’s maritime heritage and in the development of the first comprehensive digital artifact database in Malaysia,” he said.

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Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu