KUALA TERENGGANU, 27 September 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading institution in the fields of marine and maritime studies with the launch of the high-impact Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE). The centre is expected to bring significant benefits to the local community while contributing to global sustainability efforts.

The launching ceremony of CEFORE was officiated by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, who expressed his appreciation for UMT’s collaboration with PETRONAS in advancing the national sustainable energy agenda.

The establishment of CEFORE is the result of a strategic partnership between UMT and PETRONAS, described as the ideal synergy that combines academic and industry expertise to drive the nation’s sustainable energy goals.

UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim stated that Terengganu’s strategic geographical position and abundance of natural resources, particularly its consistent wind flow, provide great potential for the state to become a national leader in renewable energy development.

“CEFORE is not just a research centre; it is a dynamic Industry on Campus platform that allows students, researchers, and industry partners to collaborate directly in generating practical solutions to the country’s energy challenges,” he said in his speech at the launch.

CEFORE will focus on various renewable energy domains, including wind, wave, tidal current, floating solar, green hydrogen, and energy storage technologies. The centre will also function as a Proof of Operation facility to test system effectiveness under real operating conditions, covering aspects of performance, safety, reliability, and efficiency.

According to Prof. Zamri, CEFORE is set to become the nation’s strategic partner in accelerating renewable energy development, in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

“This initiative will place Malaysia on par with developed nations in the global green energy transformation.”

Meanwhile, PETRONAS Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh emphasized that the collaboration with UMT through the establishment of CEFORE reflects PETRONAS’ commitment to supporting the nation’s aspiration of accelerating energy transition.

“This initiative is part of PETRONAS’ efforts to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the increasingly challenging global energy landscape. With UMT’s research expertise, CEFORE will serve as a catalyst for renewable energy development, further strengthening Malaysia’s position as a leader in green energy transformation in the region,” he said.

“More importantly, this project not only contributes to the country’s carbon neutrality target but also delivers tangible benefits to local communities, aligning with our aspiration to create shared prosperity,” he added.

In addition to strengthening research, UMT also introduced a new academic programme—the Bachelor of Renewable Energy Technology—with the first cohort of 40 students set to begin their studies in October 2025. This initiative is expected to produce highly knowledgeable graduates ready to support the nation’s green economy growth.

Significantly, CEFORE’s presence is also expected to generate positive socio-economic impacts for local communities, particularly fishermen and nearby residents, through knowledge transfer, human capital development, and edu-tourism opportunities.

UMT is confident that with the support of the community, industry, and related agencies, CEFORE will not only contribute towards achieving the nation’s carbon neutrality target by 2050 but also reinforce the role of Terengganu and Malaysia as a regional hub of maritime and sustainable energy excellence.

Published by:

Corporate Communications Centre

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu