KUALA NERUS, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is strengthening its direction as a sustainability-driven university with the launch of 26 electric vehicles (EVs) for campus usage.
UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim said the vehicles include a bus, five cars and 20 e-scooters for the use of staff and students at 18 Centres of Responsibility (PTJ).
He said the initiative is seen as a strategic move in empowering the core pillars of campus sustainability and digitalisation, in line with national aspirations and the university's commitment to spearheading the National Blue Economy Agenda.
"As a university with a focus on oceanography, marine science and sustainability, UMT cannot just talk about climate change and sustainability. It needs to put them into practice in its governance, operations and daily work culture.
"Sustainability is no longer a choice, but a strategic necessity. UMT must serve as the national integration hub that connects academic expertise, industry and coastal communities within a single sustainable development ecosystem,” he said at the launch of the EV Sustainable Campus Initiative programme at UMT here today.
Mohd Zamri said the smart campus agenda is part of UMT's long-term development plan that positions the varsity as a leader in research and innovation in the fields of blue economy, climate change and earth health.
He added that, in addition to the use of EV, UMT is also intensifying the implementation of the Digitalisation Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which focuses on the development of smart campuses through the use of low-carbon technology, fully digital operations, integrated cybersecurity systems and smart information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.
According to him, the move is expected to improve the efficiency of energy and resource management, thus strengthening UMT's position in international sustainability rankings.
"UMT remains committed to streamlining the academic ecosystem, research and knowledge transfer with the national agenda, particularly in the fields of marine renewable energy, marine biotechnology, food security and biodiversity conservation,” he said.
Earlier, at the UMT 2026 Message and Keynote Address ceremony, Mohd Zamri also shared several significant achievements of the university throughout 2025.
According to him, one of the university's major achievements was its rise to the 801-850 band in the QS World Rankings 2026, compared with 1001-1200 in 2025, and to the 160th spot as Asia's best, making it UMT's best performance since participating in regional and international rankings.
In addition, in terms of the sustainability and institutional reputation, he said UMT's position in the Times Higher Education ranking remained consistent, including in the T.H.E. World University Rankings, Young University Rankings and Impact Rankings.
"More encouragingly, the recognition by U.S News & World Report through the Best Global Universities Rankings has placed UMT as the number one university in Malaysia, 19th in Asia and 96th in the world for Marine and Freshwater Biology.
"This achievement not only reflects the effectiveness of strategic leadership, but also proves that the expertise in the fields of marine and aquatic resources led by UMT staff is recognised on the world stage,” he said.
He added that, in conjunction with UMT's Silver Jubilee celebration this year, the university will restructure its narrative from merely educating and conducting research to becoming a university that builds the future, in an effort to strengthen its legacy for future generations.
-- BERNAMA
