Powering the Future: UMT Leads The Nation’s Blue Economy Agenda for Sustainable Development

Under the salty breeze along Malaysia’s east coast, four elegant wind turbines turn in harmony beside a 50-by- 50 metre floating solar array, while gentle waves power an innovative energy converter, all channeling clean energy into an onshore battery system for research and discovery.

This vibrant testbed of renewable innovation reflects more than just technological progress; it embodies Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s (UMT) leadership in driving Malaysia’s transition toward a sustainable, ocean-powered future under the national Blue Economy agenda. The world today is transitioning toward renewable energy as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Renewable energy is a key component in addressing climate change and ensuring national energy sustainability. Malaysia, too, is taking bold steps in this direction, leveraging its vast maritime potential and ocean-based energy resources. With its long coastline and abundant marine resources, Malaysia holds immense potential to become a regional leader in renewable energy development.

The Blue Economy is not limited to fisheries and tourism, it also encompasses the development of energy derived from ocean resources. Through technologies such as offshore wind, floating solar, and wave energy, we can generate clean power, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and create new opportunities in employment and industry.

As a university leading the Blue Economy agenda, UMT focuses on marine-based renewable energy such as wind, wave, and solar power as strategic investments for the future. UMT’s efforts are anchored on three main pillars: education, research, and industry collaboration. Through research aligned with national policies, training of highly skilled human capital, and strategic partnerships with industry players, UMT strives to translate green energy technologies into tangible impact for the nation.

New Academic Programmes

In line with the growing demand for green energy expertise, UMT will introduce two new programmes beginning the October 2025 intake: Bachelor of Renewable Energy Technology with Honours and Bachelor of Electrical Technology (Energy and Power) with Honours

These programmes emphasize wind, solar, and wave technologies, as well as energy storage and smart grids. Students will gain not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on industrial training, preparing them for careers in the rapidly expanding green energy sector.

Research and Strategic Collaborations

In research, UMT is actively conducting various projects related to offshore wind, floating solar, and wave energy, particularly along Malaysia’s east coast. In collaboration with PETRONAS, UMT has established the Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE).

This initiative not only assesses the feasibility of new technologies but also provides training for students, researchers, and industry professionals. UMT’s research approach ensures that outcomes go beyond academia, delivering direct contributions to national energy development.

Offshore renewable energy development brings positive impacts to local communities, particularly fishermen and coastal residents. It creates job opportunities in marine turbine maintenance, environmental monitoring, and logistics services. UMT also implements community knowledge transfer and training programmes, enabling locals to participate in this new economic ecosystem. This approach embodies the true spirit of the Blue Economy, balancing environmental sustainability with community well-being.

UMT aspires to become a national and regional Centre of Excellence in Marine-Based Renewable Energy. Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only skilled in green technologies but also environmentally conscious and sustainability-minded. Through the synergy of education, research, and industry collaboration, UMT is committed to contributing to Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s clean energy transition agenda.

This is the future we aim to build, a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and competitive, aligned with the nation’s aspiration toward a progressive green economy.

Author: Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, UMT VC's Office.