The First Institute of Oceanography (FIO)- University of Malaya (UM) Joint Center of Marine Science and Technology was jointly inaugurated by the Deputy Director General LIN Shanqing of MNR and Deputy Minister Mr. Abu Bakar of MOSTI on 15 December 2017. Located in the Bachok Marine Station of UM, the center serves as a cooperation platform to plan and develop marine cooperation between China and Malaysia, manage and coordinate existing collaborative projects, and provide support in financing, equipment, talents exchange, capacity building, and data sharing. The center will further enhance the marine manpower of both sides, and promote China-Malaysia cooperation in fields of blue economy, marine eco-environmental protection, marine new energy development/utilization and marine hazards prevention and reduction.