The curtain is about to fall on 2019. There have  been many stories and events that will be remembered as part of UMT’s history. There have been many positive events at the national and international levels that  have boosted UMT’s image. Meanwhile, there have also been some unpleasant stories that are best forgotten. Regardless, UMT must move forward, must achieve the aims and objectives, for the sake of the religion, the nation, and the beloved country Malaysia.

UMT had a good beginning to 2019. Five UMT students stood before the Menteri Besar of Terengganu in a special ceremony to receive the Terengganu Scholar Awards. They were  Nur Atiha Muhammad (Accounting), Amynina Nabila Mohd Azhar (Electronic Physics and Instrumentation), Mas Yuhalissa Mat Yaziz (Fisheries), Nadiah Ramli (Environmental Technology) and Muhammad Syafiq Mohd Rizani (Nautical Science and Maritime Transport).

Not forgetting those in need, UMT once again organized the Asnaf to Asnaf (A2A) programme to help the asnaf, tithe beneficiaries. The programme was specially designed to enable the sharing of knowledge between asnaf undergraduates and asnaf school students. UMT management decided to take the responsibility for helping the asnaf youngsters, with the hope of seeing an improvement in their living standards.

In addition, one more prideworthy achievement was the successful implementation of the Nonstop Quran Recitation programme; this programme, organized by UMT Sultan Mahmud Islamic Centre, also managed to  enter The Malaysia Book of Records. The unique programme lasted 123 hours; and it drew participation from all levels of the society—senior citizens, the visually impaired, children aged 6-8, converts, and international students.

Also written into 2019 history was UMT Publisher’s success in first time publishing of 200 e-books; these included both academic and corporate publications, in various fields. The e-book launching event that took place at the Ministry of Education, Putrajaya, was officiated by the Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik.

UMT, through its Institute of Aquaculture, released into several rivers around Terengganu (Nyatoh, Paka, Terengganu) one million  giant freshwater prawn seeds; this was to ensure the sustainability of the important resources. This was part of UMT social responsibility: UMT  strives to help the communities living near the shores, particularly the fishermen, improve their socioeconomic conditions.

Another much-talked-about event was the one that made UMT more known—the UMT researcher winning L’Oreal-Unesco Fellowship For Women In Science (FWIS). The researcher’s 10-year study of honey finally paid off. Congratulations to the researcher, the FWIS winner, Associate Professor Dr Wan Iryani Wan Ismail.

A group of UMT Marine Biology students made headlines when they, upon being informed by the local residents, rushed to the shore to save a stranded dolphin. One of them recorded the whole event on video, which later became viral on social sites; it also received the attention of TV and radio stations. The students became special guests at these stations, including BERNAMA, Astro Awani, and Radio Manis FM. These students were Mohd Nur Aiman Suhaimi Akalili Zanudin, Wan Amirul Syafiq Wan Nazari, Syakirah Sukery, Farah Syahirah Ishak, Syafiqah Nabilah Mutalib and Nur Aini Othman.

These achievements spoke volume of UMT’s capabilities. First coming into existence as a small fisheries centre in 1979, UMT has been able to stand tall with the other renowned universities. UMT has been a source of reference for the media and other agencies.

UMT has played a big role in the development of country’s education. To date, UMT has grown as a university focusing on marine science and aquatic resources. UMT has also contributed towards the country’s development: The University has helped in the areas of maritime, resource’s sustainability, and Marine treasures; it has achieved this by providing skilled workforce in related fields. UMT SOHOR!