Today, the world faces numerous challenges, including climate change, which threatens food security. At the same time, rising demand for aquatic protein sources and the emergence of various new diseases are having a significant impact on the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Therefore, higher education institutions such as UMT must shoulder their responsibilities and continue to play a leading role in research, innovation and human capital development to offer solutions to these challenges.

At the Faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, or FSPA, I am immensely proud of the commitment demonstrated by the entire faculty community, which continues to strive for excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community engagement. The achievements we enjoy today are the result of the dedication of lecturers, officers, support staff, students, alumni and strategic partners who continuously work together to advance the faculty’s development agenda. This spirit of togetherness is the cornerstone of our strength as we navigate an increasingly challenging higher education landscape.

I believe that excellence cannot be achieved alone. Therefore, FSPA will continue to strengthen its collaborative networks with ministries, government agencies, industry, communities and academic institutions locally and internationally. Through these strategic collaborations, we can expand research opportunities, accelerate technology transfer and develop innovations that benefit industry and society.

As we navigate the era of modernisation and the wave of transformation brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), which emphasises the integration of digital, physical and biological technologies through cyber-physical systems such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing and Big Data Analytics, we are required to continuously cultivate a culture of lifelong learning, strengthen integrity and foster a professional and globally competitive work culture. I am confident that every challenge, whether we are facing it today or will encounter in the future, can become a catalyst for excellence, provided that we continue to strive, innovate and support one another.

I place high hopes in FSPA to continue driving excellence in education, research and innovation, while contributing to the advancement of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in line with the nation’s sustainable development agenda and Blue Economy towards greater productivity and income generation. Let us work together to create a legacy of excellence through knowledge, research and strategic collaboration, in realising UMT’s aspiration to be a leading marine university that creates a significant impact on society, the nation and the world.

Prof. Dr. Najiah Musa

Dean                                            Faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences                  Universiti Malaysia Terengganu