Kuala lumpur: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) continues to enhance its leadership in marine research with the acquisition of the high-tech Wave Circulation Flume Channel (WCFC) facility. Vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim stated that UMT is the first institution in the country to own the WCFC, acquired under the 12th Malaysia Plan to develop advanced research facilities in line with national priorities and future industry demands.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the acquisition represents a strategic investment in strengthening Malaysia's marine education and innovation ecosystem, elevating UMT's status as a national reference centre for marine engineering and the maritime industry. Prof Dr Mohd Zamri highlighted that the accreditation of the WCFC at UMT marks a significant milestone in developing world-class academic and research infrastructure. This facility aims to enhance UMT's research capabilities and serve as a platform for producing highly skilled graduates who meet maritime and offshore industry needs.

From an academic viewpoint, Mohd Zamri indicated that the WCFC will support teaching and learning for several programs, including the Bachelor of Applied Science (Maritime Technology), Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Technology (Shipbuilding), and selected dual-degree programs. Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, the facility will be accessible to other faculties and centres of responsibility within UMT, especially in engineering, marine, and environmental sciences.

In terms of research and consultancy, the WCFC can support a variety of studies such as ship resistance testing, Planar Motion Mechanism (PMM) experiments, mooring system analysis, sediment transport, coastal and hydraulic engineering, and marine renewable energy research. Mohd Zamri emphasized that the acquisition of the WCFC represents a major advancement in UMT's experimental capabilities, reinforcing its role as an international centre of excellence in maritime and ocean studies.