The world’s attention is often on land-based technologies, such as electric vehicles, but have we ever considered the vast potential of the global marine sector?
The global electric ships market is expected to reach US$23.5 billion, creating significant opportunities for talent development and industry collaboration in the field.
According to the Chief Engineer and Senior Specialist at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology (UniKL MIMET), the university is uniquely positioned to become a national leader in hybrid and electric marine technology due to its strategic location, technical expertise, and integrated training capabilities.
“Surrounded by major shipyards, including Royal Malaysian Navy facilities, UniKL MIMET enjoys direct access to key marine industry players and maritime centres.
“Apart from its strategic location in Lumut, Perak, UniKL MIMET possesses strong academic and technical expertise, as well as active research domains.
“As of now, UniKL MIMET is already involved in research areas aligned with hybrid and electric F3 boat development,” he said.
He made these remarks as a key speaker during the AMIM–UniKL MIMET Cybersecurity & Electrification Talk 2025 held on 9 December 2025.
The opening session featured welcoming remarks by Mr. Adren Siow, President of the Association of Marine Industries of Malaysia (AMIM), and an official address by Ts. Dr. Zaimi Zainal Mukhtar, Dean and Head of Campus, UniKL MIMET.
Other key speakers included Mr. Chien Koh Wei, Digitalisation Leader from Bureau Veritas (M) Sdn Bhd; Lt. Kdr. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shah Rizal Samsudin of the Royal Malaysian Navy; and Mr. Norazmi Mokni from the Department of Skills Development (JPK).
With rising fuel prices and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)’s decarbonisation targets, the shift toward electrification in the marine sector is not just an opportunity; it is an urgent necessity.
Against this backdrop, UniKL, through its maritime-specialised campus UniKL MIMET, is poised to become a major player in talent development and research, not only for Malaysia but also regionally, and gradually on the global stage.
Currently, UniKL MIMET is the only university in Southeast Asia equipped with a full-scale Hydrodynamic Wave Tank Centre, a pivotal catalyst for Malaysia’s maritime industry growth.
Focusing on hybrid marine technology, UniKL MIMET is also developing a fully electric powerboat prototype for performance research and competitive electric marine racing.
