Microplastics may be small, but their growing presence in the world’s oceans represents a major environmental challenge.
For researchers from Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology (UniKL MIMET), understanding their impact means taking research beyond national borders.
From 9 to 22 September 2026, UniKL MIMET joined researchers in Taiwan for an international coastal microplastic research collaboration involving field sampling, laboratory analysis and knowledge exchange on marine pollution and coastal sustainability.
Hosted by Chang Gung University (CGU), the collaboration brought together two UniKL MIMET lecturers and three final-year students to conduct comparative research on microplastics in Malaysian and Taiwanese port and coastal ecosystems.
The UniKL MIMET delegation comprised Dr. Roslin Ramli, International Partnership Coordinator for Maritime Engineering Technology; Dr. Nik Norfara Idayu Mohd Zain, Programme Coordinator for Bachelor in Maritime Operations; and final-year students Haris Azlan, Haris Aiman Abd Halim and Muhammad Haziq Iskandar Mohd Haizizi.
Working alongside researchers from CGU and National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU), the team carried out harmonised coastal-water sampling at selected sites in Keelung before undertaking laboratory analysis at CGU in Taoyuan.
The laboratory sessions provided practical exposure to microplastic filtration methods, including sample preparation, filtration procedures and laboratory handling techniques used in microplastic characterisation and environmental-impact assessment.
The collaboration also enabled researchers to discuss and validate preliminary microplastic and sediment findings, strengthening confidence in the data and supporting a more robust comparative assessment of coastal environments in Malaysia and Taiwan.
“This collaboration has given our team valuable exposure to advanced research methods, international knowledge sharing and real coastal research challenges. It also provided our students with confidence and motivation to further develop their research in marine environmental sustainability,” said Dr. Roslin.
Beyond microplastic pollution, the programme expanded into broader coastal and offshore engineering research.
During a field visit to Caota Sand Dunes Geopark, the UniKL MIMET team observed natural coastal processes involving sediment transport, erosion, shoreline change and scour.
The experience strengthened the team’s understanding of the environmental parameters required to assess scour around monopile structures, including sediment characteristics, water movement, coastal conditions and changes to the seabed.
For the participating students, the programme also created an opportunity to bring their academic work onto an international platform.
The three final-year students presented their Final Year Projects (FYPs) to collaborating researchers and received academic feedback, recommendations and encouragement to further strengthen their research.
Among the collaborators were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yang Shu Yuan and Dr. Amelia Tan Suet May from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Chang Gung University, as well as Prof. Ruey-Syan Shih and Prof. Wen-Kai Weng from the Centre of Ocean Environment and Energy Resources (COEER), National Taiwan Ocean University.
According to UniKL MIMET Head of Campus and Dean Ts. Dr. Zaimi Zainal Mukhtar, the programme reflects the institute’s continued emphasis on impactful research, internationalisation and industry-relevant student development.
“This international collaboration reflects UniKL MIMET’s commitment to strengthening impactful research, developing globally competent students and building meaningful partnerships with reputable institutions.
“The programme contributes to our efforts in advancing marine environmental research and supporting sustainable coastal development,” he said.
The programme directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, particularly efforts to understand and reduce marine pollution. It also complements SDG 4: Quality Education through experiential and research-based learning, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through international academic and research cooperation.
