Kuala lumpur: 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 announced that the vehicles include a bus, five cars, and 20 e-scooters for the use of staff and students at 18 Centres of Responsibility (PTJ).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is seen as a strategic move to empower the core pillars of campus sustainability and digitalisation, aligning with national aspirations and the university's commitment to spearheading the National Blue Economy Agenda. As a university focused on oceanography, marine science, and sustainability, UMT aims to incorporate these values into its governance, operations, and daily work culture.
Mohd Zamri emphasized that sustainability is a strategic necessity rather than a choice, positioning UMT as a national integration hub that connects academic expertise, industry, and coastal communities within a single sustainable development ecosystem. The smart campus agenda is part of UMT's long-term development plan, aiming to establish the university as a leader in research and innovation in the areas of blue economy, climate change, and earth health.
The Vice-Chancellor added that, alongside the use of EVs, UMT is intensifying the implementation of the Digitalisation Strategic Plan 2026-2030. This plan focuses on developing smart campuses through low-carbon technology, fully digital operations, integrated cybersecurity systems, and smart ICT infrastructure. The move is expected to improve the efficiency of energy and resource management, strengthening UMT's position in international sustainability rankings.
UMT remains committed to aligning the academic ecosystem, research, and knowledge transfer with the national agenda, particularly in marine renewable energy, marine biotechnology, food security, and biodiversity conservation. Earlier, at the UMT 2026 Message and Keynote Address ceremony, Mohd Zamri shared several significant achievements of the university throughout 2025.
One of UMT's major achievements was its rise to the 801-850 band in the QS World Rankings 2026, compared to 1001-1200 in 2025, and reaching the 160th spot as Asia's best, marking its best performance in regional and international rankings. In terms of sustainability and institutional reputation, 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.
Recognition by U.S News and World Report through the Best Global Universities Rankings placed UMT as the number one university in Malaysia, 19th in Asia, and 96th globally for Marine and Freshwater Biology. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of strategic leadership and proves the global recognition of UMT's expertise in marine and aquatic resources.
In conjunction with UMT's Silver Jubilee celebration this year, the university plans to restructure its narrative from merely educating and conducting research to building a future-focused institution, aiming to strengthen its legacy for future generations.