TELUK KEMANG, Sept 11 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) had the honour of hosting His Excellency Manabu Sakai, Chairperson of the National Public Safety Commission, Member of the Diet of Japan, and Minister of State for Ocean Policy, at the UPM–UTM OTEC Centre on 11 September 2025.
The UPM–UTM OTEC Centre, located at UPM’s Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (I-AQUAS) in Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson, houses the world’s first Hybrid Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) demonstration facility. Completed in June 2025 under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) programme, the facility represents a groundbreaking milestone in renewable marine energy development and the integration of aquaculture for sustainable coastal resource utilisation. It also serves as a living laboratory where scientists, engineers, and students collaborate to advance the frontiers of ocean-based clean energy.
This initiative is supported by the Government of Japan through JST and JICA, with the collaboration of Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). The SATREPS OTEC Project, led in Malaysia by UTM in partnership with Saga University, has united leading Malaysian universities including UPM, Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), UCSI University, and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Strategic Japanese partners such as The University of Tokyo and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have also played a pivotal role in driving this success.
The development of Hybrid OTEC technology not only addresses the global demand for sustainable and low-carbon energy but also provides opportunities for innovation in food security through aquaculture, desalination, and coastal community development. The centre is expected to become a regional hub for training, research, and technology transfer in marine renewable energy, benefitting both Malaysia and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia.
The visit by H.E. Sakai not only underscored the achievements of the SATREPS OTEC initiative and the establishment of the Hybrid OTEC facility, but also reaffirmed the importance of Malaysia–Japan collaboration in advancing marine renewable energy, aquaculture innovation, and sustainable development. His Excellency engaged in constructive discussions with the research teams, commending their dedication and reiterating Japan’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in addressing global energy and environmental challenges. The visit was a clear demonstration of shared aspirations between Malaysia and Japan to promote cleaner energy solutions and ensure a more sustainable future.
