UNIKL MIMET’S WAVE TANK TO BOOST MALAYSIA'S MARITIME TVET SECTOR

LUMUT, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- The Wave Tank Hydrodynamics Centre at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology (UniKL MIMET) is set to make a significant impact on Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) maritime industry.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the internationally recognised wave tank facility has the potential to strengthen research, innovation and talent development in the maritime and marine engineering sectors.

“It is understood to be the only one of its kind in the ASEAN region. This facility should be fully utilised by other technical institutions offering similar maritime courses, eliminating the need to send students abroad,” he told a press conference following his visit to UniKL MIMET today.

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During the visit, Ahmad Zahid also officiated the Wave Tank Hydrodynamics Centre and inspected the shipyard and vessel manufacturing facilities at the institution.

Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

The Wave Tank Hydrodynamics Centre at UniKL MIMET is specifically designed for learning, research and consultancy related to ship models and offshore structures in deep waters.

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Built with an investment of RM12.7 million under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), the facility is equipped with 20 paddles capable of generating wave models up to 0.5 metres in height (equivalent to real waves of approximately 25-50 metres, depending on the model scale).

In addition to producing regular, irregular and oblique wave patterns, the wave tank features a movable platform capable of towing ship models at speeds of up to 1.5 metres per second (equivalent to real vessel speeds of 15-18 knots).

The facility is expected to benefit between 80 and 100 students each semester, providing valuable hands-on learning and research opportunities, particularly for UniKL MIMET students.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said discussions with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) are in progress to establish long-term programmes aimed at producing more maritime engineering professionals.

As National TVET Council chairman, he said engagement sessions with UniKL MIMET will be conducted to upgrade academic programmes, incorporating modules focused on artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics in maritime education.

-- BERNAMA