23 February, Kuantan – A group of UMT students who are also Nautical Cadets had the opportunity to board the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency ship and see its facilities and equipment during the Malaysian Maritime 15^th Anniversary, which also included Perbarisan Tamat Latihan Leftenan Muda (M) Siri 10/2019 dan Laskar Kelas ii(M) Siri 15/2019.

Meanwhile, UMT Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Dr Nor Aieni Mokhtar said that UMT through its Credited Cocurricular Department will be offering credited courses relating to maritime, environment, social, and maritime knowledge including nautical science and maritime management.

Application for Maritime Cadets (PASKAM) for will be open to 2020/2021 intakes to meet the above objective, and a total of 50 to 80 cadets will be recruited. RM300,000 has been allocated for the purpose of holistic enhancement of the students as per UMT and MMEA collaborative agreement.

The close cooperation between UMT and Malaysian Armed Forces especially Royal Malaysian Navy had led to the commissioning of UMT student volunteer reserve officers in the Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES) as Reserved Unit Junior Officers. In addition, a number of UMT junior officers are now holding the post of Graduate Officers in the Navy and the Army. Also, a UMT graduate who was in the PALAPES Navy successfully completed the Naval Special Warfare Forces course (PASKAL) and now is serving as an officer with His Majesty’s Ship Panglima Hitam.

Prof. Nor Aieni said that UMT as a university focusing on oceanography and marine science has been able to develop talents that contribute towards the betterment of the country. She believed that the partnership UMT and MMEA will help to produce graduates who can also serve in the Navy. She said that this effort will benefit the country and help the government to realize its aspiration of producing more graduates who are competitive.