MIRI: A delegation from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), led by Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Leunig, recently visited Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and its renowned Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP) in Kuala Terengganu.
The purpose of the visit was to further enhance research collaboration between the two universities, particularly in areas outlined in a Letter of Intent (LoI) signed in June last year. The visit was also in light of the upcoming opening of Curtin Malaysia’s own aquaculture research facility, the Curtin Aquaculture Research Laboratory (CARL), later this year, and the potential collaborations that would arise from it.
The delegation from Curtin Malaysia, which also included Dr. Lee Yih Nin, a lecturer in aquaculture in the Department of Applied Sciences at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, and Brenda Lee, Global Admissions Manager at Curtin’s Global Admissions Office based at Curtin Malaysia, received a warm welcome from UMT’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Mazlan Abd Ghaffar, Head of Chancellery Administration Abdullah Syukri M Saleh, AKUATROP Deputy Director Associate Professor Ts Dr Nor Azman, and researchers at AKUATROP.
Under the LoI, Curtin Malaysia and UMT have committed to fostering a mutually beneficial partnership in research, student exchange programs, and knowledge exchange. Both institutions recognize the importance of cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry and achieving sustainable development goals.
During the visit, Professor Leunig expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing and future collaboration, stating, “This visit reaffirms our commitment to strengthening ties between Curtin Malaysia and UMT.
“We continue to discuss various joint research initiatives and academic collaborations that will contribute to the advancement of aquaculture and fisheries studies within the region.
“By pooling our expertise, resources, and research capabilities, we can make significant contributions to the field of aquaculture and fisheries, leading to sustainable practices and improved livelihoods.”
As part of this collaboration, Curtin Malaysia and UMT, through AKUATROP, are providing matching grants for a joint research project on using microalgae for wastewater treatment in aquaculture. The project will be led by Associate Professor John Lau Sie Yon, the Associate Dean of Research and Development at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science.
Professor Leunig also highlighted the upcoming opening of Curtin Malaysia’s CARL, scheduled for December this year, which will provide a state-of-the-art facility for cutting-edge research in areas such as aquaculture technology, water quality, fish disease management, and fish nutrition. The laboratory will serve as a hub for collaboration with UMT’s researchers, promoting knowledge exchange and innovation.
Both universities are excited about the opportunities that this collaboration will bring. With their complementary strengths and expertise, they aim to develop innovative solutions and best practices that can be applied globally to enhance the aquaculture industry.
Professor Datuk Dr Mazlan emphasized that aquaculture is a top priority for both universities as they support Malaysia’s efforts to bolster food security.
After their discussions with Professor Datuk Dr. Mazlan and members of UMT’s leadership team, the Curtin Malaysia delegation attended a series of meetings with researchers at AKUATROP. They also visited AKUATROP’s laboratories and hatcheries, including its state-of-the-art Artemia hatchery.
At the conclusion of the meetings, Professor Mohammad Ikhwanuddin, the Director of AKUATROP, expressed his excitement about the research collaboration between the two universities and looked forward to strengthening their partnership in the years to come.
In addition to conducting joint research, researchers from Curtin Malaysia have also participated in workshops and training conducted by AKUATROP.
For more information about Curtin Malaysia, please visit their website at www.curtin.edu.my or find Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.
