A nation progresses in tandem with the level of knowledge it applies. Institutions of knowledge it has become an important symbol for the country. Knowledge and civilization have played a role in the changes in the society for thousands of years.

For developed countries, their advancement is also contributed by universities. The roles of universities are big in that they help decide the way forward for the countries, the economic development, product creation, and cultural landscape changes.

In the context of Malaysia, the country had less than three universities during the era before independence. However, today, the development of the education sector has led to the establishment of more than 20 public universities.

University bodies need to be impervious to influences that may threaten the stability of universities’ systems. Universities must have the freedom to function as centres of knowledge for the country and become the main resource in the development of civilisation and advancement of the country.

Each university has different expertise based on the history of its establishment. The excellence of a university is dependent upon its teaching staff, the lecturers and the professors. Among the popular fields of study are medicine, law, engineering, and architecture.

Today, the society is becoming more aware of the impact of a university’s establishment of the local community. Each state now has its own campus. There are various advantages to be gained by the local community from the establishment of a university. Demands for food, clothes, accommodation, basic necessities, and teaching and learning materials will increase. There are also opportunities for offering houses for rent or rooms for rent, which will be profitable.

For universities, in addition to offering academic programmes, they need to be dynamic in developing the students to be in line with the current trends. The advancement of social media requires organizations involving students to make changes. Delivery methods, announcements, teaching and learning approaches are no longer the same as they were when there was no internet and social media.

The challenge for universities’ management is to change the minds of their staff to be in line with those of the students who have different life experiences and different ways of thinking. They are quick to make issues go viral when things did not go their way.

Various initiatives have been introduced by the university management. These were taken to produce graduates who are competitive, have the complete package, are holistic, and can become role models and are able to lead the country.

In fact, universities are not only focussed on the academic development of students, but they guide students to become job creators not job seekers.

Sometimes there have been complaints from the public that the establishment of a university at certain areas led to an increase in land prices, and that its existence has not contributed to the local community.

The scope of a university is wide. Experts on campus may be brought together to find the best formula for increasing the socioeconomic development, employment opportunities, income generation activities, product creation, and others.

As an example, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has introduced all kinds of initiatives in an effort to improve the economic status of the local communities.

These programmes involving the farming and agricultural sectors have been able to improve the economic status of the underprivileged groups.

Among the successfully conducted programmes is Oyster Mushroom Entrepreneurship Programme involving 35 participants from Darul Akhyar Orphanage in Terengganu.

The programme, which was a hands-on knowledge transfer workshop, provided basic knowledge and skills in oyster mushroom growing and encouraged the local community to venture in the business of agriculture and entrepreneurship.

The programme allowed the participants to gain new skills that helped them generate additional income for better quality of living.

In addition, UMT has also launched an initiative that involved farming of catfish in poly tanks.

The low-cost project was an idea from researchers at the Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), and it was carried out to provide the necessary knowledge of catfish farming starting from the seeds until the fish reach the market-ready size. The farming was done using recycled poly tanks.

For the groups who are into agriculture, UMT researchers have also introduced modules for chili farming, Terengganu sweet melon farming, fertigation farming, and organic fertilizer creation. The organic fertilizer project allowed participants to create fertilizer for their own use or for marketing it to other crop farmers.

The country also needs experts to help with future planning. The establishment of Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HiCoE) at universities in various expertise facilitates the dissemination of research findings to help in the planning of the country’s development and crisis management.

The Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS) at UMT is a HiCoE that was recognized in 2012. INOS was chosen as Nod Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) that functions as Malaysian oceanographic data collection centre. Findings from studies conducted by INOS have been assisting oil and gas companies through strategic partnerships.

Besides INOS, AKUATROP also received the HiCoE recognition from the Ministry of Higher Education. Among its focusses are Aquaculture Resource Sustainability, Aquaculture Breeding Technology, Aquaculture Green Technology, and Fish Health and Food Quality Assurance, and these areas will help support the nation’s Food Security Policy.

As a university with a focus on the marine field, UMT also plays a role in the shipping sector. The establishment of Malaysian Logistic and Transport Centre (Maltrac) has elevated the university’s name and its expertise in the maritime sector. It is a research and data resource centre, and it is the result of a strategic partnership between The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and UMT. The establishment of the centre has helped determine the key performance indicators in the logistic, transport, and supply chain sectors in Malaysia.

Therefore, academicians, researchers, and stakeholders as well as the communities need to play their roles in the appreciation of universities’ establishments so that the fruits of their labour can be enjoyed by every level of the society and can help in the nation’s development.

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu