Sabah’s Blue Economy push: UMS positions itself as key marine research hub

By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.my
Picture by Olivia Miwil

KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is positioning itself as a key marine research hub following the transformation of the Borneo Marine Institute (BMI) and the establishment of two new specialised research centres.

Its vice chancellor Professor Datuk Kasim Mansur said marine research has emerged as science-based driver for sustainable solutions amid global challenges such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, pressure on marine resources and food security concerns.

He said the university, through the insitute, is strategically positioned to lead marine research efforts, supported by Sabah’s geographical strengths, existing expertise and an expanding network of collaborations.

“The transformation of BMI and the establishment of the Oceanography Research Centre and the Aquaculture Research Centre are bold steps that align with Sabah’s priorities and national aspirations, particularly under Malaysia’s blue economy agenda.

He said aquaculture research would help the country increase seafood production capacity in a sustainable and competitive manner, while oceanography research would provide critical scientific data for marine ecosystem management and disaster mitigation.

“As vice-chancellor, I see this transformation as an opportunity to strengthen UMS’s role as a knowledge institution that contributes to national policy, industry solutions and community development,” he said during the rebranding ceremony at the varsity's Aquarium and Marine Museum here.

Meanwhile, he said that UMS as a public university, it also carries a social responsibility to empower coastal communities through education, technology transfer and socio-economic enhancement programmes.

Kasim added that this approach reflects UMS’s distinct value as a university that engages closely with communities, understands on-the-ground realities and delivers effective solutions.

At the international level, he said UMS’s capabilities in aquaculture and marine science research are increasingly recognised, and the rebranding of IPMB to the Borneo Marine Institute will further strengthen its position as a strategic global partner in ocean and tropical aquaculture research.

UMS management, he said, is fully committed to supporting the institute’s new direction and is confident that it has the potential to become an internationally recognised centre of excellence in tropical marine research.