JOHOR BAHRU, 11 January: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) played host to visitors from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Research Group on Ocean Renewable Energy led by Dr. Michael Lochinvar S. Abundo.
The visit by Dr Abundo was aimed at sharing the rationale behind the establishment of the South East Asia Collaboration in Ocean Renewable Energy (SEAcORE), which was initiated by NTU. A regional networking and collaboration among Ocean Renewable Energy researchers and practitioners in the region will push for concerted efforts towards renewable energy targets in line with global initiatives in addressing issues of climate change and renewable energy development.
Since both Malaysia and Singapore are organically linked in the region, any collaborative efforts in innovative ways towards harnessing and capturing ocean renewable energy that would lead to clean and efficient energy harvesting will mutually benefit the two nations and other countries in the region in more meaningful ways.
The UTM team, led by Prof Dr. Mohd Ismail Abdul Aziz of the Office of International Affairs shared some insights on the current development of UTM as a research and graduate-focused university.
This was followed by a briefing by Prof. Dr Omar Yaakob, the Head of UTM Ocean Renewable Energy Group on Ocean Renewable Research projects currently implemented in UTM. Other initiatives by other universities in Malaysia with the support of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia were also highlighted.
UTM in principle agreed to be part of SEAcORE, and offered our readiness to be the focal point for Malaysia and to be actively involved in its activities.
The team also visited the UTM Marine Technology Centre (UTM-MTC) and given a briefing on its activities by UTM-MTC Deputy Director Ir. Dr. Mohd Pauzi Abdul Ghani.
UTM also offered the use of our wave and towing tank facilities in the UTM Marine Technology Centre (UTM-MTC) for use by ocean renewable energy researchers in the region.
The visitors from NTU were also informed of the newly established UTM OTEC, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Centre headed Prof Md Nor Musa, another Centre of Excellence in UTM.