UTM Celebrates Internationally Accredited Hydrographic Surveying II Graduates

Nurul Haqima

JOHOR BAHRU, July 24 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) celebrated the Graduation and Closing Ceremony of its Hydrographic Surveying II Programme (UTM HYDRO II) at Pulai Springs Resort, marking the successful completion of an intensive 11-month programme by five participants from Malaysia and Tanzania. The course is internationally accredited under the FIG/IHO/ICA Category “A” framework, representing the highest global benchmark in hydrographic education.

The event was officiated by Assoc. Prof. Sr Dr. Ami Hassan Md Din, Chairman of the Steering Committee for Malaysia’s FIG/IHO/ICA Hydrography Programmes and Programme Manager of UTM HYDRO II. It drew distinguished guests from the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), the National Hydrographic Centre (NHC), and UTM’s academic leadership.

In his address, Dr. Ami emphasised that the graduation not only reflects academic accomplishment but also UTM’s global leadership in hydrography and geospatial education. He expressed gratitude to partners and faculty, with special recognition for Cdr. Khairul Anuar Abdul Aziz of the NHC, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Gs. Dr. Mohd Nadzri Md Reba, Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), and Professor LSr Dr. Mohd Razali Mahmud, advisor to UTM’s FIG/IHO/ICA hydrography programmes.

UTM is the only institution in the world to currently offer four active internationally accredited programmes under the FIG/IHO/ICA framework:

UTM HYDRO I – Category B
UTM HYDRO II – Category A
UTM HYDRO III – Category A
UTM CARTO I – Category B

This unique distinction reinforces UTM’s role as a regional hub for maritime education and hydrographic capacity building.

The graduating class of 2024/2025 included Kassim Talib Khatib (Commission for Land of Zanzibar, Tanzania), Lt. Mohammad Nizam Azhan, Lt. Muhammad Hafidz Abdul Halim, and Lt. Ts. Gs. Mohd Fakhrurazzi Mohd Shukeri(NHC, TLDM), along with Muhamad Sahabullah Kasim (Marine Department Malaysia – Sarawak Region). Their achievement demonstrates professional maturity, cross-cultural collaboration, and a shared mission to advance hydrography both regionally and globally.

Special awards highlighted outstanding achievement: Lt. Mohammad Nizam Azhan and Lt. Ts. Gs. Mohd Fakhrurazzi received the Best Academic Performance Award, while Lt. Fakhrurazzi was also honoured with the Best Student Award for his leadership and professionalism.

In closing, Dr. Mohd Nadzri reaffirmed UTM’s commitment to shaping skilled professionals equipped with both theory and practical expertise.

“UTM HYDRO II is more than an academic programme. It is a platform for professional growth and international cooperation, preparing graduates to serve their nations and the global hydrographic community,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the official declaration of completion, a group photography session, and a celebratory dinner – a fitting finale to the graduates’ academic journey and the beginning of their professional chapters.