KUALA NERUS, 8 Sept – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) continues to strengthen its reputation as a marine-focused university as it hosts the 5th International Conference on Social and Economic Development (ICSED 2025), held over two days.

With the theme Navigating the Blue Economy for Future Generations, the conference brings together academic experts, researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers from within and outside the country to find the best solutions in addressing issues of sustainable development, particularly those related to the blue economy.

Representing UMT, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategy, Performance and Corporate), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadzil Mohd Akhir, in his opening speech, emphasized the importance of the conference as a platform for cross-border knowledge exchange in realizing the global sustainable development agenda.

“As a marine-focused university, UMT plays a vital role in research, innovation, and policy advocacy related to marine resources, fisheries, ocean governance, and the maritime industry,” he said.

He also introduced the Blue Economy Advancement Centre (UMT Beacon), a strategic university initiative that strengthens research, consultancy, and capacity development in the field of the blue economy.

“UMT Beacon is UMT’s flagship initiative, serving as a regional hub of excellence for the blue economy, ensuring that the development of marine and coastal resources is carried out sustainably while contributing to environmental conservation, food security, and the socio-economic well-being of society.”

According to him, the platform is essential for scholars, industry practitioners, and policymakers to present high-impact research, share insights, and explore innovative solutions for sustainable growth.

Among the international keynote speakers were Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahamed Kameel Mydin Meera (Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah), Dr. Ben Milligan (Director, UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform, Australia), Professor Matthew Tan (APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security, Singapore), and Professor Dr. Ir. Jangkung Raharjo from Telkom University, Indonesia.