The proposed merger between Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) needs to be reviewed from all aspects so that the principles behind their establishments are not overlooked.

UMT is a marine-focused university that has achieved many accomplishments at both the national and global level.

Admiral (B) Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Panglima Dr. Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said that UMT has the potential to establish itself as the leading university in nautical and maritime programmes.

“UMT needs new resources and fund. Among universities offering maritime programmes, UMT is one of the few that have received recognition from several countries particularly from the Asian region. UMT also needs to widen the scope of its maritime programme to be at par with those offered at overseas universities,” he said.

“I’m overwhelming excited seeing these UMT students who will not only be the leaders of the future but also the ones to further develop the country’s maritime industry,” he said.

“An in-depth study needs to be conducted if the merger between UMT and UniSZA will proceed, and it needs to be done transparently and inclusively to prevent the findings from not meeting the intended objectives,” he said

Dr Ahmad Kamarulzaman said that he would agree with any decision by the government as it endeavors to turn Malaysia into a maritime nation, as announced by the Prime Minister earlier.

Dr Ahmad Kamarulzaman was met after his public lecture organized by the Faculty of Maritime Studies entitled “Malaysia as a Maritime Nation” at UMT.

Also present were UMT Vice Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr Nor Aieni Mokhtar, who officiated the event, UMT top management, and students.

Published by:

Corporate Communication Centre

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu