UMT Enhances Global Partnerships and Industry Collaboration in Marine Sciences

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has recently signed two significant agreements aimed at bolstering its position in marine and maritime sciences. The agreements include a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Irshad HR Consulting Sdn. Bhd. and a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Hainan Tropical Ocean University (HTOU) from China. The signing ceremony occurred at UMT’s Gong Badak Campus.
Commitment to Excellence
The Vice-Chancellor of UMT, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, indicated that these agreements mark a new phase of collaboration among the institutions involved. He reiterated UMT’s commitment to excellence in marine science, environmental studies, and sustainable development, which has gained international recognition. Recently, UMT was ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and identified as the leading institution in Malaysia for Marine Biology and Freshwater Sciences for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Partnership with Hainan Tropical Ocean University
The partnership with HTOU is expected to focus on various initiatives, including research exchanges, sharing academic expertise, and utilizing facilities in the area of tropical oceanography. HTOU Vice President, Professor Dr. Wang Daoru, recognized UMT as a strategic partner with a strong research support framework, expressing optimism that collaboration could lead to new discoveries that would benefit regional marine resource sustainability.
Collaboration with Irshad HR Consulting
The collaboration with Irshad HR Consulting Sdn. Bhd. will emphasize the development of human capital, enhancing graduate employability, and improving soft skills through a range of training and career placement programs. Ahmad Raji Yaakub, Group Chief Executive, noted that their background in human resource consulting positions them to effectively equip UMT graduates with necessary skills relevant to today’s job market.
Global Recognition and Rankings
Additionally, UMT is ranked within the 801–850 band in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is listed among the top 195 universities in Asia according to the QS Asia University Rankings. These accomplishments reflect the commitment of UMT’s academic community and provide a solid foundation for building global partnerships that promote excellence in education and research.
(Source: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)