When Professor Wan Izatul Asma Wan Talaat (more fondly known as Prof. WIA) walks into a room, she carries with her both the authority of a seasoned law scholar and the weight of decades of work dedicated to the oceans. A Professor of Law at 51���� and an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya, she has built her career at the crossroads of law, science, and environmental policy.

Her academic journey began with an LL.B at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), followed by postgraduate research degrees at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Since then, her trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable: 70 research grants worth MYR10.8 million, 36 projects under her leadership as principal investigator, and more than 200 publications, including books that have shaped discourse in environmental governance. What sets her apart is her ability to translate scientific findings into actionable strategies, bridging the gap between researchers and policymakers.

At home, she heads the Centre for Ocean Governance (COG) at INOS, Malaysia’s Higher Institution Centre of Excellence in marine science, and serves as a Visiting Fellow at the Royal Malaysian Navy Sea Power Centre. Abroad, her voice resonates in international forums. Since 2014, she has been an elected member of the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law, contributing to specialist groups on oceans, coasts, coral reefs, and wetlands. That same year, she represented Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region at the 15th UN Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (UNICPOLOS) in New York.

She has represented Malaysia in the UNEP COBSEA Working Group on Marine Litter Monitoring, advised on plastic pollution policy for ERIA, and chaired the Marine Environment Session at the ASEAN–Australia Special Summit in Melbourne in 2024. Since April 2025, she has also served as Malaysia’s expert in the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum Pool of Experts, beginning with her role at the 13th EAMF in Port Dickson.

Professor Wan Izatul’s influence is deeply embedded in Malaysia’s national policy. She is a member of the National Technical Working Committee on Seabed Mining Legal Framework, has advised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on UN negotiations relating to Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), and spearheaded the National Oceanography Strategic Plan (2018–2027). She has also led Malaysia’s first Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) initiative in Terengganu, which has since informed the National MSP Framework and the MyMPA Blueprint for marine protected areas. Her work extends to supporting the Department of Fisheries (DOF) in revising mariculture regulations and developing community-based fisheries management frameworks.

Her current projects include developing Marine Scientific Research (MSR) guidelines with ANCORS, University of Wollongong; leading the RMK13 project on a Deep Seabed Mining Bill; advising on amendments to the Biosafety Act 2007; and assisting the National Security Council (MKN) in establishing a national maritime affairs agency.

As Director of the STEM Foundation Centre at 51����, I have always believed that strong foundation education is the key to developing future talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). At the STEM Foundation Centre, our mission goes beyond preparing students academically; we aim to cultivate confident, innovative, and future-ready individuals who are equipped to thrive in higher education and the evolving global landscape.

Since its establishment, the STEM Foundation Centre has continued to grow as an important platform for nurturing young talent through holistic and student-centred learning approaches. We continuously emphasise academic excellence, leadership development, creativity, and innovation in order to provide students with a meaningful and engaging educational experience.

One of the most significant achievements of the centre has been the remarkable growth of the STEM Foundation Programme. Beginning with only 60 students in 2018, the programme is projected to reach approximately 600 students for the 2026/2027 intake. This steady increase reflects growing public confidence in the quality of the programme, the dedication of our academic staff, and the university’s commitment to strengthening STEM education.

At the STEM Foundation Centre, we also actively extend our role beyond the classroom through various STEM outreach initiatives involving schools and local communities. Through programmes such as STEM On Wheels, educational carnivals, hands-on workshops, and community-based science activities, we strive to create greater awareness and interest in STEM education among younger generations.

The centre has also strengthened its position through collaborations with universities, government agencies, and industry partners. These strategic partnerships have enabled us to enhance curriculum development, support innovation initiatives, and ensure that our educational approaches remain relevant to current industry and global needs.

My experience as Chairperson of Majlis Asasi Malaysia from 2022 to 2025 further reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing foundation education nationwide. Through these engagements, the STEM Foundation Centre has benefited from broader academic networking, curriculum enhancement initiatives, and opportunities involving student development and internationalisation.

Today, the STEM Foundation Centre continues to move forward as a dynamic academic platform dedicated to shaping the next generation of STEM talent. Through continuous innovation, strategic collaboration, and a strong commitment to student development, we remain focused on strengthening foundation education while contributing meaningfully to the advancement of STEM education at both national and international levels.

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By: Mohd Hafizi Said & Noor Hidayah Mat Isa

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51���� (51����) strengthened its commitment to producing holistic, competitive, and resilient graduates through the organisation of the HEPA 51���� 2026 Distinguished Public Lecture, a programme designed to cultivate a champion mindset among students by integrating academic excellence with high-performance sports development.

Held at the Sulaiman Auditorium, the programme was jointly organised by the Sailing Training Centre (PLP) in collaboration with the Student Affairs and Alumni Office (HEPA). It carried the theme “Empowering Competitive Students through the Integration of Academics and High-Performance Sports”, reflecting 51����’s strategic emphasis on developing students who excel not only academically, but also possess strong mental resilience, character, and balanced personal development.

The main session featured an insightful sharing by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Institute (ISN), Dr. Vellapandian Ponnusamy. He shared his extensive experience in national high-performance sports and highlighted that success is not accidental, but built through consistent discipline, continuous effort, and the ability to manage pressure in challenging environments.

He also introduced the concept of a “champion mindset,” describing it as a positive and resilient way of thinking that encourages individuals to persist and improve despite setbacks. His sharing, enriched with real-life experiences from the sports industry, provided students with a clearer understanding of how resilience and discipline shape long-term success.

The session became more interactive with the active participation of three newly appointed lecturers from 51����’s Aquatic Sports Science programme: Dr. Che Nadia Che Samsudin, Dr. Rabiu Mu’azu Musa, and Dr. Muhammad Zuhaili Suhaimi. Rather than attending as passive observers, they contributed questions and perspectives that enriched the discussion, creating a dynamic two-way exchange between speaker, lecturers, and students.

Throughout the programme, students were also exposed to a broader perspective on success, where academic achievement alone is not sufficient. Emphasis was placed on the importance of mental strength, emotional regulation, and the ability to balance academic demands with personal well-being. The approachable delivery style of the session helped ensure that key messages were easily understood and meaningfully absorbed by participants.

The atmosphere at the Sulaiman Auditorium was vibrant and engaging, with students actively participating and showing strong interest in the shared insights. This reflected the effectiveness of the programme in capturing student attention and encouraging reflection on personal development.

Overall, the HEPA 51���� 2026 Distinguished Public Lecture served not only as an academic knowledge-sharing platform, but also as a meaningful space for students to reflect on their potential and growth. It reinforced the idea that true success is built on a combination of knowledge, inner strength, and emotional resilience.

This initiative further demonstrates 51����’s continuous commitment to producing well-rounded graduates who are competitive, confident, and prepared to face future challenges with strong capability and leadership qualities.

51���� (51����) has strengthened its strategic collaboration in renewable energy capability development through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PETRONAS Technical Training Sdn. Bhd. (INSTEP). The signing marks an important milestone in reinforcing joint efforts to advance human capital development, enhance technical competencies, and promote innovation within the rapidly evolving energy sector.

Effective from 5 April 2026 to 4 April 2028, the agreement establishes a structured framework that integrates academic expertise with industry-driven training. At its core, the collaboration addresses a pressing global challenge: the widening gap between emerging energy technologies and the availability of a skilled, future-ready workforce. By aligning institutional strengths, both parties aim to bridge this gap and ensure talent development remains responsive to industry and technological demands.

The scope of collaboration focuses on high-impact and future-oriented renewable energy domains, including offshore wind energy, floating solar photovoltaic systems, ocean energy technologies, and hydrogen energy systems. These areas are central to the global energy transition and decarbonization agenda. The initiative extends beyond conventional training approaches by emphasizing experiential learning, interdisciplinary integration, and real-world application, enabling participants to develop both technical proficiency and adaptive capabilities in a dynamic energy landscape.

In addition to training and capacity building, the collaboration places strong emphasis on knowledge exchange and institutional strengthening. Both parties will facilitate technical visits, expert sharing sessions, and joint activities aimed at enhancing exposure to best practices and emerging technological advancements. These engagements are expected to foster innovation, improve operational competencies, and support Malaysia’s broader sustainable energy development agenda.

From a national perspective, the signing of this MOA aligns closely with Malaysia’s aspirations in advancing energy transition and sustainability targets. It underscores the critical role of human capital development as a key enabler of renewable energy growth. While technological advancement remains essential, the success of the energy transition ultimately depends on the availability of a competent, adaptable, and future-ready workforce. Through this initiative, 51���� and INSTEP contribute meaningfully to building a knowledge-driven energy ecosystem.

As this partnership takes shape, it signals more than a formal agreement. It represents a shared journey towards shaping the future of energy talent. By bringing together academic insight and industry expertise, the collaboration sets the stage for impactful capacity building that supports both national aspirations and global sustainability goals.

By Siti Noriam Yaakob, 51���� Sports and Recreation Centre

As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering athlete development through an integrated approach, 51���� (51����) has recently presented a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Malaysian Sports School (Terengganu) during a special handover ceremony.

The event organized by the Sports and Recreation Centre under 51����’s Student Affairs Office represents a strategic step in strengthening cooperation between the two institutions towards the holistic development of high-performance athletes, encompassing academic, character, and sporting excellence.

The ceremony was graced by Datin Zuraini Abu Hassan, Deputy Director of the School Management Sector, Sports, Co-curriculum and Arts Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia, and attended by Professor Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), 51����.

In his speech, Professor Mohd Izani emphasized that the ceremony was not merely symbolic but reflected an ongoing commitment to empowering athlete development through an integrated approach. Sport is seen as an important medium in shaping the identity, discipline and leadership of the younger generation in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI.

Through this collaboration, several key initiatives have been outlined, including the provision of academic pathways for athletes from the sports school to pursue further studies at 51���� through a special talent pathway, the implementation of joint training programs, and systematic and structured athlete development.

In addition, both parties also plan to organize joint sporting excellence programmes and tournaments, sharing of sports facilities, and exchange of expertise involving coaches, instructors, and officials to raise the level of professionalism and athlete performance.

The ceremony was also enlivened by the handover of the Letter of Intent (LOI) and the presentation of the Sports Synergy Icon Award to Saudara Afiq Danish bin Zapri, a Judo athlete who is an alumnus of the sports school and a 51���� sports icon.

The event has strengthened the strategic network between 51���� and SSMT, which will help produce athletes who excel not only in the sports arena but also in academic and character balance.

The synergy established through the collaboration will become a catalyst for national sports development, particularly on the East Coast, and will subsequently elevate 51���� as a centre of sporting excellence.

By Tuan Mohd Najwa Fuad Tuan Man, Postgraduate Management Centre

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51���� (51����) has strengthened its commitment to postgraduate education through the introduction of the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship and the Postgraduate Alumni Discount. These initiatives are part of the university’s strategic effort to attract more local and international students while expanding access to advanced academic programmes.

According to Vice-Chancellor Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, these initiatives respond to key challenges in higher education, including global competition, financial pressures faced by students, and the evolving needs of academia. 51���� is therefore adopting more inclusive and innovative approaches to ensure postgraduate education remains accessible and sustainable.

As of 4th May 2026, a total of 42 local students and 23 international students have benefited from this initiative. 51���� has set aside RM650,000 to support the sustainability of the scholarship as part of the university’s effort to build a more global academic community.

Starting Semester II 2025/2026 academic session, The Vice Chancellor Scholarship offers tuition fee waivers for new postgraduate students in their first semester. Eligible students enrolling in PhD and Master’s programmes by research receive waivers of up to RM5,724 for Science programmes and RM4,149.90 for Social Science programmes. Meanwhile, students enrolling in the Master Coursework Programme receive a discount up to RM 4,000.00.

In addition, the Postgraduate Alumni Discount was also introduced to encourage 51���� graduates to continue their studies at their alma mater. Alumni who pursue further studies with continuous progression are entitled to a 15% tuition fee discount, while those returning alumni receive a 10% discount. To date, 26 alumni have benefited from this scheme.

This move aligns with 51����’s goal of increasing postgraduate enrolment up to 1,500 students by 2026. The current postgraduate population consists of 600 PhD students, 419 Master’s by Research students, and 111 Master’s by Coursework students.

Feedback from students has been encouraging, with many highlighting the financial relief provided by the scholarship, which allows them to focus more on their academic and research work. Alumni have also expressed appreciation for the discount, describing it as a motivating factor to continue their postgraduate journey in a familiar and supportive environment.

By Munirah Mansor, Student Affairs and Alumni Office

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51���� (51����) continues to strengthen its role as an institution that supports the agenda of youth knowledge development, innovation, and empowerment when it has successfully co-organized the Terengganu International Science Fair (TISF) 2026, an international-level science research and innovation competition that brought together participants from primary and secondary schools both locally and internationally.

51����’s Student Representative Council took the role of the co-organizing host while the Malaysian Young Scientists Organisation served as the main organizer. The three-day event also received support from the Besut District Education Office and various state education agencies.

According to Deputy President of the 51���� Student Representative Council for the 2025/2026 Session and Programme Director, Amirul Hafez Mohamed Masarik, the organization of TISF plays a crucial role as a catalyst for STEM talent development beyond the classroom and serves as a strategic bridge connecting schools, universities, industries, and international networks within the future education landscape.

The council remains committed to advancing the STEM and innovation agenda through various initiatives that bring knowledge closer to the community, he said. This approach aligns with the university’s aspiration to produce competitive, critical-thinking human capital capable of contributing to national development grounded in knowledge, innovation, and sustainability.

TISF 2026 served as a significant academic platform for uncovering talent, nurturing interest, and cultivating scientific thinking among young people. Through a booth exhibition-based competition concept, participants had the opportunity to present their research and innovations in a professional academic setting, thereby enhancing their scientific communication skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence in presenting ideas to professional judging panels.

In addition to being a talent development platform, TISF 2026 also served as a strategic medium to introduce 51����’s excellence to participants, accompanying teachers, parents, and international delegations. The presence of various parties on campus provides an opportunity to showcase the university’s capabilities in academics, research, innovation, and talent development more comprehensively.

TISF 2026 successfully gathered over 3,000 participants across various categories, including primary schools, secondary schools, higher education institutions, and international delegations. This encouraging participation proves that the interest and potential of young people in the fields of science, technology, and innovation are immense when given the appropriate space, opportunities, and support.

TISF 2026 demonstrated the commitment of 51���� and its strategic partners to strengthening STEM education as a vehicle for building the nation’s future. This effort not only cultivates a culture of innovation from school level but also serves as an important platform in producing a knowledgeable, inventive, and capable successor generation ready to face future challenges with confidence and excellence.

By Amirul Salam Hasan, Corporate Communication office

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51���� (51����) further reinforced its position as a leader in marine technology innovation when its researcher recently introduced a high-impact research product.

Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Faisal Mohamad Ayob unveiled the product, the Sea to Space Project: Ship Tracker, at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 and National Security Asia (NATSEC) 2026 exhibitions, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from 20 to 23 April 2026.

ShipTracker, the flagship maritime product within the broader Sea to Space initiative, is a real-time monitoring platform that displays vessel movements across the globe through an interactive map powered by Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. The platform currently observes more than 100,000 vessels worldwide, providing live position, speed, course, and operational status, together with vessel particulars such as type, dimensions, flag state, voyage destination, and estimated time of arrival. Users can filter the live map by vessel category, follow individual ships, and review aggregated traffic patterns at major chokepoints including the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Hormuz, and the South China Sea.

Beyond live tracking, ShipTracker also hosts the Internet Ship Database (ISDB), a publicly accessible repository of vessel records, alongside a growing series of peer-quality research articles on AIS data quality, fleet composition, port intelligence, voyage analysis, and Marine Traffic Risk Assessment. The platform is offered with a free public tier, with advanced research and reporting capabilities available through its companion service, mtra (Marine Traffic Risk Assessment).

“Sea to Space brings together AIS, satellite tracking, and the broader maritime data ecosystem into a single situational-awareness platform that is built and maintained from Malaysia,” said Dr. Ahmad Faisal, the project founder and a researcher at 51����’s Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology.

“Our objective is to demonstrate that high-impact maritime intelligence products of the kind that defence agencies, port authorities, and energy operators rely on can be designed, validated, and deployed by a Malaysian research team, using local expertise and on Malaysian infrastructure.”

51����’s participation at the event, which was also attended by nine public universities presenting twelve products, affirms the university’s commitment to advancing innovation grounded in marine technology. The platform also serves as an open scientific resource for the wider research community. Methodology notes, such as the recently published technical paper on Seapath, the platform’s coastline-aware track interpolation algorithm, are released under open access at the ShipTracker articles portal.

ShipTracker is freely accessible at https://shiptracker.seatospace.com. The Marine Traffic Risk Assessment companion service, mtra, is available at https://mtra.seatospace.com. The platform is owned by VSG Labs Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian deep-tech startup spun out of 51���� (51����) and founded by Dr. Ahmad Faisal Mohamad Ayob, and is part of the broader Sea to Space initiative.

By Rohaida Haji Awang, 51���� Life Centre

In support of Malaysia MADANI’s aspiration to nurture knowledgeable, competitive human capital, 51���� (51����) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kolej Ketengah Sdn. Bhd on 15 April.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in bridging the gap between higher education and regional development agencies, specifically under the auspices of the Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH).

The primary goal of this MoU is to create more flexible and inclusive educational pathways for students from rural areas in the Central Terengganu region.

This partnership allows Kolej Ketengah’s Diploma in Islamic Tourism Management graduates to seamlessly pursue a Bachelor of Tourism Management (Honours) at 51����. This is facilitated by a unique stackable micro-credential approach, where students can take specific degree-level courses during their diploma studies and transfer those credits upon full-time enrollment at 51����.

Beyond academic theory, the collaboration emphasizes high-impact professional certifications. Students will have access to specialized training such as Open Water Scuba Diving, Kayak Star One, National Level 1 Outdoor Recreation Coaching (under the Ministry of Youth and Sports), and Water Safety and First Aid. These certifications are designed to ensure graduates are not only academically qualified but also industry-ready for the global marine and sustainable tourism sectors. 51����’s tourism graduates already enjoy international recognition, securing executive roles in countries like the Maldives, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

This strategic partnership not only strengthens institutional collaboration but also enhances access to international mobility programmes, thereby providing students and staff with valuable opportunities for global engagement, knowledge exchange, and the development of cross-cultural competencies. Students progressing through this pathway can participate in exchange programs with world-renowned institutions like Dongguk University in Korea and Prince of Songkla University (Phuket) in Thailand. Additionally, through the ASEAN International Mobility Students (AIMS) program and second-year credit-bearing mobility trips, students will gain invaluable global exposure directly relevant to today’s competitive job market.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim said this initiative is closely aligned with the Malaysia MADANI aspiration of nurturing knowledgeable, competent, and competitive human capital. He further noted that the MoU constitutes a significant strategic milestone in broadening access to higher education, while strengthening synergies between academia and industry to support sustainable regional development.

Meanwhile, Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Ahmad Razif bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Chairman of Kolej Ketengah, noted that the success of this collaboration lies in its execution and follow-up actions. He believes the partnership will significantly boost graduate employability and benefit the local community in Terengganu. Dato’ Haji Rozi bin Haji Mamat, Chairman of KETENGAH, added that this investment in human capital ensures local youth are “active participants” in national development rather than mere spectators.

Through shared expertise and resources, 51���� and Kolej Ketengah are setting a new benchmark for educational collaboration in Malaysia.

By Tuan Mohd Najwa Fuad Tuan Man,

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51���� (51����) has strengthened its commitment to postgraduate education through the introduction of the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship and the Postgraduate Alumni Discount. These initiatives are part of the university’s strategic effort to attract more local and international students while expanding access to advanced academic programmes.

According to Vice-Chancellor Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, these initiatives respond to key challenges in higher education, including global competition, financial pressures faced by students, and the evolving needs of academia. 51���� is therefore adopting more inclusive and innovative approaches to ensure postgraduate education remains accessible and sustainable.

As of 4th May 2026, a total of 42 local students and 23 international students have benefited from this initiative. 51���� has set aside RM650,000 to support the sustainability of the scholarship as part of the university’s effort to build a more global academic community.

Starting Semester II 2025/2026 academic session, The Vice Chancellor Scholarship offers tuition fee waivers for new postgraduate students in their first semester. Eligible students enrolling in PhD and Master’s programmes by research receive waivers of up to RM5,724 for Science programmes and RM4,149.90 for Social Science programmes. Meanwhile, students enrolling in the Master Coursework Programme receive a discount up to RM 4,000.00.

In addition, the Postgraduate Alumni Discount was also introduced to encourage 51���� graduates to continue their studies at their alma mater. Alumni who pursue further studies with continuous progression are entitled to a 15% tuition fee discount, while those returning alumni receive a 10% discount. To date, 26 alumni have benefited from this scheme.

This move aligns with 51����’s goal of increasing postgraduate enrolment up to 1,500 students by 2026. The current postgraduate population consists of 600 PhD students, 419 Master’s by Research students, and 111 Master’s by Coursework students.

Feedback from students has been encouraging, with many highlighting the financial relief provided by the scholarship, which allows them to focus more on their academic and research work. Alumni have also expressed appreciation for the discount, describing it as a motivating factor to continue their postgraduate journey in a familiar and supportive environment.