A distinguished delegation from the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) recently visited Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) in a gesture of reciprocity, further strengthening the prospects for international collaboration between the two universities, particularly in the areas of marine science, engineering, maritime technology, and the blue economy. 

The visit by UDST followed an earlier engagement by UMT to UDST, reflecting the strong and growing relationship between the two institutions.

“This engagement reflects UMT’s commitment to building strategic international partnerships that generate long-term value in education, research, and sustainable ocean development,”
said UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim.

As part of the programme, the UDST delegation, led by Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, President of UDST, accompanied by Dr. Raja Mazuir Shah Raja Ahsan Shah, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, and Mr. Ahmad Al Sayegh, Head of International Partnerships,  was brought to visit several key UMT facilities, including the INOS Gallery, AKUATROP Hatchery, Sultanah Nur Zahirah Library, Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE), and RV Discovery. These visits provided valuable insights into UMT’s research capabilities, academic infrastructure, and hands-on learning platforms in marine and maritime disciplines.

During the engagement, both institutions explored potential areas of collaboration, including joint academic programmes aligned with maritime, engineering, and blue economy disciplines, collaborative research initiatives in sustainability, marine technology, and digital transformation, as well as student and staff mobility programmes to enhance international exposure and knowledge exchange.

As Malaysia’s leading university in Marine and Aquatic Resources, UMT continues to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable ocean governance, marine biodiversity conservation, and environmentally responsible blue economy development, in line with national and global sustainability agendas.

In addition, UMT formally invited UDST to participate as a strategic partner in the coming flagship global event, the Sultan Mizan World Blue Economy Forum 2026, which will be organized by UMT and is scheduled to take place in September 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.

The visit reflects UMT’s strong commitment to global distinction, impactful research, and meaningful international partnerships, paving the way for a productive and enduring collaboration between UMT and UDST, including expanded academic presence and new learning opportunities in the Middle East.

By Syarifah Noormaisarah Tuan Besar, International Centre