By Syarifah Noormaisarah Tuan Besar, International Centre

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) had the honour of hosting a distinguished delegation recently. The European Union (EU) Heads of Mission and representatives from European embassies in Malaysia paid a visit to the campus to obtain more information about the university’s long-standing involvement in international programmes. 

The delegation was led by His Excellency Rafael Daerr, Ambassador of the European Union to Malaysia, and comprised ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden.

They were in Terengganu for an official engagement with the Terengganu State Government, a Royal Audience with His Royal Highness the Sultan of Terengganu, and a courtesy visit to the Office of the Minister of Terengganu.

The contingent requested a visit to UMT to be briefed on the university’s partnerships with several European institutions and its participation in the TROPIMUNDO Erasmus Mundus Master’s Programme. 

Upon arrival on campus, they were welcomed by UMT Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Suriyani Muhamad. Two presentations from UMT showcased the remarkable outcomes of its collaborations with European institutions.

One of the strongest examples of UMT’s international engagement is its partnership with Ghent University (UGent), Belgium, which has evolved into a strategic collaboration encompassing joint research, postgraduate supervision, academic mobility, and joint degree programmes. The partnership has contributed significantly to capacity building, scientific advancement, and talent development in marine biotechnology, aquaculture, climate adaptation, and environmental sustainability.

The delegation was briefed on the success of the TROPIMUNDO Erasmus Mundus Master’s Programme since 2015. To date, the programme has welcomed students from more than 40 countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, and the United States.

UMT’s collaboration with European partners has also translated into substantial research achievements. The university is currently involved in several EU-funded initiatives, including SustainaBlue, ECO-MARIN, ENTER, and other Erasmus+ projects focusing on sustainable blue economy development, environmental conservation, climate resilience, and higher education capacity building. 

Beyond research grants, UMT has maintained an active portfolio of academic and scientific engagements across Europe. Between 2021 and 2026, UMT researchers and students participated in numerous conferences, mobility programmes, collaborative projects, research attachments, and strategic visits involving institutions in Belgium, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Norway, and several other European countries. 

Currently, UMT maintains active cooperation agreements with several European institutions, including Ghent University, Université Libre de Bruxelles, the University of South Brittany, Heriot-Watt University, Solent University, the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Palermo, and other strategic partners. These collaborations continue to support research excellence, student mobility, staff exchange, and institutional development.

His Excellency Rafael Daerr said following the visit that he was very impressed with UMT’s active involvement at the international level.