KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the National Hydrographic Centre (NHC), Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), formalised their strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at Concord Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Held in conjunction with the Nippon Foundation–GEBCO SEABED 2030 Conference and NHC’s 21st anniversary, the ceremony marked a step towards strengthening collaboration in hydrography, marine geospatial science and oceanography.

The MoU was signed on behalf of UTM by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, and on behalf of NHC, RMN, by Chief Hydrographer of NHC, Rear Admiral Dr. Najhan Md Said. The ceremony was witnessed by the Chief of Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain.

The agreement formalises more than two decades of cooperation between UTM and NHC in hydrographic education, professional training, research and technical support. It also reflects the commitment of the UTM HYDRO team, with support from the Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), UTM, in strengthening the partnership and laying a foundation for continued collaboration.

Under the MoU, both institutions will collaborate on joint research and innovation, professional education and training, postgraduate studies, capacity building, industrial training and professional placements. The partnership also provides for the exchange of expertise and mobility opportunities for academic staff, researchers, students and relevant personnel, as well as technical courses, seminars, workshops and other knowledge-sharing activities.

Data and technical resources may be shared for academic and research purposes, subject to applicable data governance policies, security requirements and necessary approvals.

A key priority is the continued development and delivery of UTM’s hydrographic and marine geospatial training programmes, including UTM HYDRO I (FIG/IHO/ICA Category “B”), UTM HYDRO II and UTM HYDRO III (FIG/IHO/ICA Category “A”), and UTM CARTO I (FIG/IHO/ICA Category “B”). These programmes are aligned with the relevant Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Marine Cartographers, supporting professional competencies and internationally recognised standards in hydrographic education and training across Southeast Asia.

Planned activities include professional training for NHC personnel, academic contributions and joint research initiatives to strengthen expertise and research capacity in Malaysia’s hydrographic sector.

The MoU establishes a foundation for sustained collaboration, reaffirming both institutions’ commitment to advancing hydrographic science and strengthening Malaysia’s marine geospatial capabilities. Aligned with UTM ASCEND 2030, the partnership supports high-impact research, talent development and strategic collaboration, while contributing to maritime safety, sustainable marine management and SDG 14: Life Below Water. It also supports the development of the national, regional and international hydrographic community.

By Assoc. Sr. Dr. Ami Hassan Md Din and Ts. Sr. Dr. Kelvin Tang Kang Wee