KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has once again solidified its stature as a premier hub for advanced technology, serving as the strategic host for the Low Vacuum Scanning Electron Microscopy (LVSEM) Training within the Maritime Forensic Course.

This high-impact program was realized through a strategic synergy between the University Laboratory Management Centre (PPMU) and the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Research Center, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

Held at the MJIIT Microscopy Laboratory, the training focused on the technology transfer of LVSEM. This technology serves as a critical asset in maritime forensic investigations, particularly in the analysis of physical evidence such as paint flakes collected from vessels involved in collision incidents.

The selection of UTM as the training venue was highly appropriate, leveraging the state-of-the-art LVSEM facilities at MJIIT and the specialized technical expertise of PPMU to meet the high-impact analytical requirements of enforcement agencies. A key advantage of LVSEM is its ability to perform surface morphology analysis without the need for conductive coating, thereby preserving the integrity of crucial forensic evidence.

The technical training session saw the active participation of an MMEA delegation, including Cdr. Mohd Affandi Ismail, Lt. Cdr. Mohd Afisharlie Mohd Zahir, Lt. Meor Hamzah Badri Shah, and Lt. Vileson Aparing. Additionally, academic representatives from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Ts. ChM. Dr. Atikah Mohd Nasir and ChM. Rogayah Abu Hassan benefited from this high-level knowledge sharing.

Highest appreciation to the Organizing Committee from PPMU and MJIIT for their unwavering commitment to the program’s success. Special commendation goes to the dedicated team from PPMU: Dr. Muhammad Aizi Mat Salim, Zaim Muhamad Radzi, Jufa Zyha Md Salleh, Mohammad Taufik Mohd Saad, and Fadhilal Hazim Fakhruradzi. Equally recognized are Dr. Nur Azmah Nordin and Dr. Hafizal Yahaya from MJIIT, whose efforts were instrumental in realizing this strategic collaboration.

This initiative not only empowers MMEA investigators with cutting-edge technical skills but also stands as a testament to UTM’s capability in providing a research ecosystem that actively supports national security and sovereignty.