KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) launched its Blue Economy and Maritime Security Research Centre (Office and Living Lab) today, with the aim of stimulating world-class research to benefit the community and the state.
UMS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Md Mansor said research on the blue economy and maritime security could form the basis of government policies.
"One of the roles of this centre is to enrich educational resources and expand the wealth of knowledge for the next generation.
"The blue economy and maritime security must be preserved, safeguarded, and utilised for the development of Sabah, which has resources not only on land but also in the seabed, many of which remain unexplored.
"This centre aims to do a lot of research related to the blue economy and maritime security, a priority also reflected in the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) agenda.
"UMS, as a higher education institution with expertise in these fields, is well-positioned to lead such efforts," he said after inaugurating the new building at Pantai Pusat Pembangunan Luar or Outdoor Development Centre (ODEC) UMS.
Kasim said UMS' role in fostering marine studies aligns with Sabah's rich marine resources.
"Sabah's vast blue ocean offers numerous treasures awaiting exploration, which, if developed and enhanced, could contribute significantly to the state's economy," he added.
In terms of maritime security, Kasim said Sabah's waters were exposed to various threats due to its location surrounded by the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea, and the Celebes Sea.
The threats include smuggling, kidnapping, and the intrusion of foreign vessels.
Kasim said that UMS was in the final stages of a study related to the sovereignty of islands in Sabah waters, including Pulau Layang-Layang.
He added that there was extensive research on marine resources, including high-value hybrid fish, and efforts to restore coral reefs that are declining in the area.
"Through research, we aim to revive our coastal ecosystems which will help restore coral reefs.
"There is a wide range of studies on marine life, and we have an incubator at the Borneo Marine Research Institute, which serves as a showcase. Numerous studies have earned us the designation of a centre of excellence."