By Dr. Ahmad Fayas Bin Ahmad Najib, Faculty of Maritime Studies
KUALA NERUS, TERENGGANU – The Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Programme, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, successfully hosted a visiting scholar programme featuring two internationally recognised microplastics researchers, Professor Huahong Shi from East China Normal University, China, and Associate Professor Dr. Priya K.L. from TKM College of Engineering, India.
The programme marked a significant continuation of academic partnerships established during the International Conference on Microplastics (ICM2026), where both scholars participated as keynote and invited speakers. Their visit further strengthened UMT’s commitment to expanding global research networks in microplastics, analytical chemistry, and environmental science through strategic international collaborations. During the programme, the visiting scholars paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dr. Muhammad Ikhawanuddin bin Abdullah @ Polity Ak Kria. The meeting highlighted UMT’s commitment to fostering international research partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange, and enhancing collaborative efforts towards addressing emerging environmental challenges.
The delegation also visited the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory and the Microplastics Research Interest Group (MRIG) Laboratory, where they were introduced to UMT’s advanced analytical facilities and ongoing research activities. The visit provided an opportunity for technical discussions on environmental contaminants, analytical methodologies, microplastics monitoring, and future research directions.
Following the laboratory visit, both scholars delivered scholarly talks under the KAP 1.0 seminar series, sharing their expertise with academic staff, researchers, and students. Professor Huahong Shi presented “Mechanisms and Control Measures for the Release of Microplastics in Marine Environments”, highlighting the mechanisms of microplastic generation, environmental behaviour, and potential mitigation approaches. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Priya K.L. delivered a lecture entitled “Microplastic Distribution Pathways in Aquatic Bodies: Studies from South Kerala, India”, presenting insights into microplastic occurrence, transport pathways, and environmental impacts based on aquatic studies conducted in South Kerala. The knowledge-sharing sessions fostered meaningful discussions on global microplastics challenges and created opportunities for future collaboration, including joint research projects, postgraduate student co-supervision, researcher mobility, and high-impact scientific publications.
The visiting scholars also explored UMT’s marine research capabilities through a visit to the Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HiCoE) Institute of Oceanography gallery, where they were introduced to UMT’s contributions in ocean research, marine ecosystem studies, and environmental sustainability initiatives. The delegation further visited the Kenyir Natural Research Station to observe the potential of natural ecosystems as platforms for field-based environmental research.
Overall, the Visiting Scholar Programme represents an important milestone in strengthening UMT’s internationalisation agenda. Building upon the success of ICM2026, the engagement is expected to facilitate future research collaborations, international grant initiatives, academic mobility programmes, and impactful scientific contributions. Through strategic partnerships with leading international researchers, FSSM continues to enhance its research excellence and strengthen UMT’s position as a regional hub for microplastics research. The programme reflects UMT’s commitment to developing sustainable global partnerships that contribute to scientific advancement and solutions for environmental challenges.
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