UMP and TDA seal MoU on seabed

TIOMAN, 10 October 2022 - Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Tioman Development Authority (TDA) made history when for the first time held a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony at the seabed, Pulau Tumok, Tioman, Pahang.

This collaboration will benefit both parties in developing the organisation, especially concerning research, development and community programmes in Tioman.

The ceremony saw the General Manager of Tioman Development Board, Dato’ Haji Idros Yahya and Management Services Manager, Nor Zaihan Othman, complete the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin.

This programme was also joined by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industrial and Community Collaboration Division) Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nurul Hazlina Noordin, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology (FTKMA), Professor Dr. Mahadzir Ishak@Muhammad and Senior Manager of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Abd Rahman Haji Safie.

Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie said the collaboration involved academic activities such as industrial training opportunities for students and training at dive centres or agencies under TDA.

“In addition, UMP is responsible for highlighting the knowledge and expertise available at UMP especially in research and development to be shared with the community in Tioman.

“We will apply the understanding and pursue the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) agenda, which is the gist of development in UMP, to Tioman,” he said.

He added that UMP is now in the process of targeting carbon reduction within the campus.

“Multiple initiatives have been planned such as creating green areas through tree planting activities and Rimba Lestari for comfort, and to date, the green areas in UMP have reached 27 per cent, meeting the SDG Green Campus criteria.

“To date, more than 200 MoUs have been sealed locally and internationally, but this MoU is unique as it is sealed on the seabed.

Dato’ Haji Idros Yahya expressed his pleasure and the MoU was meaningful when it was first sealed on the seabed of Tioman Island.

Through this collaboration, TDA offers this place to join UMP in empowering the areas of development and technology.

“There are 22 islands in Tioman that need to be taken care of as a tourism product.

“Many things can be studied and investigated for its development.

“In terms of promotion, we can see that Tioman is a world-class tourist destination and is also an attraction for international producers to shoot movies and series,” he said.

They also called for UMP’s expertise in Tioman development through this collaboration.

“In addition, it is hoped that UMP will make Tioman Island a location for training or co-curricular activities for students.

“We also welcome UMP to make Tioman Island a local or international student mobility programme destination for the benefit of all parties,” he said.

At the same time, the Kembara UMP programme was held with the Tioman community participated by two staff and five UMP students.

For FTKMA lecturer, cum the Programme Director, Ts. Dr. Siti Rabiatul Aisha Idris, this programme not only supports the community but also looks at the locations of artificial reefs on the seabed and plans programmes and identifies strategic locations to be used as outdoor activities to attract tourists to Tioman.

UMP also has a Dive Centre at Akademi Adab in UMP Pekan that can be used for water-based training such as diving, deep- and surface-water rescue activities, and water-confidence activities.