KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully hosted the 11th International OTEC Symposium 2025 (IOS2025) from 2 to 3 December 2025, bringing together world-leading experts, researchers, and industry players in marine renewable energy. The symposium was followed by a technical site visit to the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)–UTM OTEC Centre in Port Dickson on 4 December 2025, showcasing Malaysia’s first operational Hybrid OTEC (H-OTEC) research facility.
The conference was officiated by Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), who delivered the opening speech on behalf of UTM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim.
In her address, she emphasized UTM’s commitment to driving innovation in ocean-based renewable energy and strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations under the UTM Ocean Thermal Energy Centre (OTEC) and Institute of Future Energy (IFE).
“OTEC represents one of the most promising fields where academic contributions can create real-world impact,” she stressed.
“Through research excellence and global partnerships, UTM aims to support long-term energy security, climate resilience, and sustainable development.”
Global Participation and Strong Scientific Engagement IOS2025 welcomed over 50 international and local participants, including researchers, scientists, policymakers, and industry representatives from Asia, Europe, the United States of America (USA) and South America.
A total of 40 peer-reviewed technical papers were presented, covering key themes such as OTEC system design and optimisation, seawater-based renewable energy applications, oceanography and environmental modelling, seawater quality, multiple-use OTEC business models, as well as hybrid renewable systems, seawater air-conditioning (SWAC), and other OTEC-associated technologies.
The symposium also featured keynote addresses from international and Malaysian experts, fostering deep discussions on future pathways for commercial OTEC deployment and sustainable ocean energy transitions.
Technical Visit to UPM–UTM OTEC Centre, Port Dickson
On 4 December, delegates visited the UPM–UTM OTEC Centre in Port Dickson, Malaysia’s pioneering testbed for ocean thermal energy research, where they observed the seawater intake and pump-house systems, cold simulated seawater pipelines, hybrid OTEC demonstration units, and a range of environmental monitoring technologies.
The visit provided hands-on exposure to Malaysia’s real-world OTEC infrastructure and accelerated discussions on future collaborative research. Strengthening Malaysia’s Position in Marine Renewable Energy IOS2025 marks another milestone for UTM in asserting Malaysia’s role as a regional leader in ocean renewable energy research.
Through continuous knowledge exchange and global partnerships, UTM aims to accelerate innovation in clean energy, blue economy development, and sustainable ocean engineering. The symposium concluded with appreciation to all presenters, participants, sponsors, and collaborating institutions for contributing to the advancement of OTEC science and technology.
UTM expresses its sincere appreciation to the organisations that made IOS2025 possible. Global OTEC, Sakae Koukan Co. Ltd, and BRAINet (M) Sdn. Bhd. contributed greatly through their support and participation, strengthening the link between industry and academic research in ocean thermal energy. The symposium was also supported by the UTM Centre for Community and Industry Network (CCIN) AIM4STAR Fund for Industry Networking Program, which enabled broader international engagement and collaborative scientific activities throughout the event.
About UTM Ocean Thermal Energy Centre (UTM OTEC)
UTM OTEC is Malaysia’s pioneering research hub dedicated to OTEC, OTEC spinoffs including SWAC, marine energy hybrid systems, and seawater-based industrial solutions. The centre leads multidisciplinary research involving engineering, ocean science, energy systems, and sustainability.
