By Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Asamudin A. Rahman, Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)’s growing portfolio of commercially viable technologies and innovations have caught the interest of state-owned Terengganu Incorporated Sdn. Bhd. (Terengganu Inc.), who visited the campus last month to discuss possible strategic collaboration and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing.

Led by its President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Burhanuddin Hilmi Mohamed@Harun, the delegation from Terengganu Inc. met with UMT Vice Chancellor Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim at the Vice Chancellor’s Office.

UMT is known to produce technologies and innovations that can be commercialised, and many of them have successfully progressed through UMT’s startup companies and innovation ecosystem. These market-ready products, combined with UMT’s strong research capabilities, provide significant opportunities for industry adoption, technology commercialisation, and the creation of high-value economic activities, The university has always sought industry collaborations as it is well-positioned to support industry partners not only with research expertise but also by delivering innovative solutions with strong commercial potential that can be scaled for wider industrial and market applications.

Established in March, 2006, Terengganu Inc. is the strategic investment holding company for the State Government of Terengganu. It manages commercial business activities, drives state investments, and develops key economic sectors to generate financial returns and fund local socio-economic growth.

During the meeting, both parties recognized the importance of fostering stronger linkages between academia, industry, and the government to support the development of a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Such collaborations can encourage interdisciplinary research, enhance knowledge exchange, and cultivate highly skilled talent capable of supporting the state’s future economic transformation.

The two sides exchanged views on expanding strategic collaboration in areas including research and development, innovation, technology transfer, talent development, and commercialisation of research outputs. The discussion focused on identifying opportunities to leverage the strengths of both institutions in addressing emerging challenges while creating greater socio-economic impact for the state of Terengganu.

Both parties also explored the possibility of signing an MoU as a strategic framework for long-term collaboration to pave the way for joint initiatives that promote innovation, strengthen industry readiness, and accelerate the transition of research into practical solutions that benefit industries, government agencies, and local communities.

The visit also enabled both parties to explore potential collaborations in renewable energy development after the delegation was brought to UMT’s Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE) at the Tok Jembal Beach to gain first-hand insight into its research capabilities in offshore renewable energy and sustainable technologies. By leveraging CEFORE’s expertise alongside Terengganu Inc.’s strategic development initiatives, both organisations aim to create greater value through innovation, capacity building, and technology adoption.