Director’s Welcome

Bismillahirrahmanirahim….
Assalamualaikum W.B.T dan Greetings,

All praise to Allah SWT who has planned every rule in this world. Every significant entity will go through a phase of transition in order to develop and take on a more sustainable course. The Centralised Laboratory was rebranded to the Centre of Research and Field Service (CRaFS) through the administrative evolution at the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) level in August 2019. This rebranding process aims to show CRaFS’s responsibility as a centre for services and support for the processes of teaching and learning, research and generating revenue for the university.

In terms of facilities and infrastructure, CRaFS is in charge of both the field-based natural laboratories and the physical laboratories at UMT. The CRaFS laboratories are equipped with high-end equipment which could assist UMT researchers in conducting high-impact studies. The university management believes that sharing high-end instruments at CRaFS could enhance the quality of UMT’s research. This goal is consistent with the original intent behind establishing this centre of responsibility to enable high-end equipment to be accessible to all researchers both within and outside UMT through intelligence sharing, cost-effective and thorough upkeep.

At our natural research station, which is located at Bidong Island, Chagar Hutang, and Tanah Bencah Setiu, all fundamental facilities are well-equipped, with a priority on both research and teaching & learning activities. These activities are also supported by the Marine Fleets Division which works efficiently. This integration of numerous amenities and services managed by CRaFS could assist UMT in becoming a university specialising in marine and oceanic niches.

As the Malay saying goes, ‘dayung sudah di tangan, perahu sudah di air, layar sudah dilebarkan, sauh sudah diangkat’. Hence it is up to the researchers and students at UMT to make efficient use of the facilities and services offered by CRaFS to increase the reputation of UMT as an institution renowned both nationally and worldwide.