Collaboration to enhance marine technology

MUKAH: The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Laila Taib Campus has been proposed as a key partner for collaboration with Turkey to enhance advanced marine technology, particularly in the shipbuilding industry.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the state-of-the-art facilities offered at the campus might be among the most advanced in Malaysia as it features a ship simulation facility that provides rigorous training and retraining for ship officers, as well as an advanced engine simulation system designed to deliver specialised training and retraining for ship engineers.

Highlighting Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to develop the carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) industry, he said that new methods in underwater maintenance require cutting-edge technology, such as remote sensing using underwater vehicles.

As such, he proposed the introduction of an underwater module as part of the Bachelor of Marine Engineering programme at UTS Laila Taib Campus that would utilise the latest technology to guide unmanned underwater vehicles in navigation tasks.

“Earlier, we saw a simulator that, while physically operating above water, can also be used to create visuals as if underwater. You can create scenarios in the simulator and manage the underwater vehicle to perform various tasks.

“In terms of advanced marine technology, I see that this technology is already being used by Turkey. I suggest that UTS, particularly the Laila Taib Campus, collaborate with Turkey in this area.

“We aim to develop UTS as a sophisticated university in the field of marine engineering. If this collaboration materialises, it could lead to a joint programme with Turkish universities, and students might even pursue postgraduate studies in Turkey,” he said.

Abang Johari said this during a press conference following his visit to the campus today.

Abang Johari (seated, second left) during a briefing on UTS Laila Taib Campus. Photo: UKAS

Abang Johari (seated, fourth left) during a press conference after visiting UTS Laila Taib Campus. Photo: UKAS

On the same note, Abang Johari who also serves as the Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development suggested incorporating a port management programme into the Bachelor of Marine Engineering at UTS Laila Taib Campus.

In addition to marine technology, he expressed his desire to expand the use of compound chips, which are extensively utilised in remote sensing technology.

He assured that the state government would negotiate with SMD Semiconductor to develop advanced training programmes in addition to basic marine engineering for students.

This, he said, is to allow students to further their studies on managing underwater-related matters and data.

“Technology has advanced significantly. For instance, in the oil and gas industry, underwater vehicles are used for underwater maintenance.

“To determine if a location has oil, you need to understand the geology beneath the sea. Geological data can be obtained through exploration by unmanned underwater vehicles,” he added.

Additionally, Abang Johari who is also the Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability asserted that the programmes offered at the campus are multidisciplinary.

He expressed confidence that the campus could produce experts in various fields that are highly needed.

“Because Sarawak is an island, there is a connection to climate change. This means we can anticipate what will happen in our island ecosystem.

“With advanced information, we can better manage future occurrences,” he said.