KUALA NERUS, 14 May 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) continues to strengthen its role as a leading higher education institution in the fields of science and technology through the organisation of the Discover UMT programme, a strategic initiative aimed at fostering school students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The programme not only features academic and research exhibitions, but also serves as an important platform to expose school students, particularly SPM leavers, to future educational and career opportunities in areas critical to national development, including artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, marine studies, and environmental science.

UMT Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dr Suriyani Muhamad, who officiated the event on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, considered Discover UMT not merely as an open day, but as a vital medium for showcasing the university’s academic and research strengths to the wider community.

“I believe that through this programme, visitors will gain comprehensive exposure to academic programmes, career opportunities, and the unique learning experiences offered by UMT, a university synonymous with sustainability, marine science, and environmental studies,” she said.

She also said that Discover UMT supports the aspirations of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) in enhancing the visibility of public universities and fostering public understanding of the potential of higher education.

“A university is not just a place to earn a degree; it is an institution that shapes holistic, ethical, and capable individuals. Thus, Discover UMT serves as an excellent platform to highlight UMT’s academic strengths, research, innovation, and core values that align with current job market demands and the nation’s development agenda,” she added.

Additionally, UMT, through its STEM Foundation Centre, has established strategic partnerships by adopting schools along the east coast as its affiliate or ‘adopted’ schools.

Director of Discover UMT, Associate Professor Dr Laili Che Rose, stated that UMT students will take turns visiting 80 adopted schools under the supervision of the STEM Foundation Centre to assist pupils in learning STEM subjects through interactive methods.

“Our students, through the STEM Volunteering subject, will visit schools and support the pupils in understanding STEM fields.

“We aim to produce students with holistic skills, where they can speak confidently and communicate effectively.”

The interactive programme provides students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities such as technology demonstrations, innovation competitions, science workshops, and career guidance sessions led by UMT lecturers and researchers.

Discover UMT also aims to attract future generations to the fields of science and technology, in line with the country’s needs in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Green Economy.

Such early exposure is expected to increase the number of outstanding students choosing science as a primary pathway, in line with the demand for skilled experts in strategic fields such as AI, marine biodiversity, food security, and green energy.

With its various achievements in research and innovation, UMT is seen to be on the right path to continue contributing to national development through high-quality and inclusive higher education.

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu