UMT’S FUTURE MARITIME EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN ENHANCING MALAYSIANS COMPETITIVENESS IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY

The Malaysian maritime sector is contributing significantly towards the national economy. Human capital development, particularly relating to maritime industry will be the determining factor in the advancement of this country as a maritime nation. It is imperative that Malaysian institutions of higher learning respond to the changing situation by producing manpower equipped with the relevant technical and managing skills. The establishment of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), particularly the School of Maritime Business and Management is a step forward towards realizing the need to fulfill the manpower in the maritime sector to face the future challenges. In this respect, the School has responded to the changing situation by introducing several relevant programs. This paper provides an overview of the importance of the maritime sector to the Malaysian economy and the need to fully utilize the ocean resources by strengthening the maritime education.