UMT To Strengthen Marine Field, Achieves 95 Pct Graduate Marketability Rate

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) recorded a graduate employability rate of 95 percent last year, further strengthening its position as a focused university under the Higher Education Ministry.

UMT Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategy, Performance and Corporate) Prof Dr Mohd Fadzil Mohd Akhir said the success was driven by close collaboration with industry, including through the establishment of industry offices on campus and the use of university facilities by companies.

He said UMT also organises research seminars that bring together industry players to identify student talent.

“Our students not only gain knowledge, but also direct industry experience that opens up job opportunities immediately after graduation,” he said when appearing as a guest on on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme titled “UMT as the University of Choice” today.

Mohd Fadzil said UMT, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, will continue to strengthen the marine, fisheries and maritime fields through strong expertise, facilities and infrastructure to drive research and talent development.

He said that besides those fields, UMT also offers various other programmes such as information technology, renewable energy and engineering, most of which are aligned to support the development of the country’s blue economy.

“In line with the rapid growth of the blue economy, the university is ready to support government initiatives in formulating development plans for the sector, while ensuring graduates remain relevant and meet future job market needs,” he said.

Mohd Fadzil added that sustainability is a core element in every UMT programme, in line with global agendas such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices in the corporate sector.

Meanwhile, he noted that UMT’s coastal location makes it a preferred choice among students, as it allows them to utilize the natural environment as a “living laboratory” in their learning process.

“Students not only learn in classrooms, but are also directly involved in field activities such as the UMT Diving School at Pulau Bidong, turtle conservation at Pulau Redang, and aquatic studies at Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu.

“The teaching culture at UMT makes students more active and outgoing, as their laboratories are not only within buildings, but also outside - in the sea, along the coast, and within natural ecosystems,” he said.

Mohd Fadzil said all these efforts have elevated UMT as a leader in the marine field in the country, placing it among the top 100 universities in the world.

-- BERNAMA