Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM – part of the MISC Group), Malaysia’s leading Maritime Education and Training (MET) institution, marked a major milestone on 17 July 2025 with the launch of its Maritime Experiential Learning Centre, a state-of-the-art simulator training hub aimed at advancing maritime education and shaping future-ready seafarers. The launch was officiated by Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as part of his inaugural courtesy visit to Malaysia and organised in conjunction with the recent Malaysia Maritime Week 2025.

The Maritime Experiential Learning Centre was established through a strategic collaboration between ALAM and Wärtsilä, a global leader in smart marine technology, to advance immersive maritime education and training. This has enabled ALAM to equip the Maritime Experiential Learning Centre with state-of-the-art, cloud-enabled simulators that replicate real-world vessel operations. This powerful combination offers trainees a holistic and immersive learning environment that mirrors real-world maritime operations.

The launch of the Maritime Experiential Learning Centre at ALAM
From left to right : YBhg. Datuk Hj Dickson Dollah, Director General of Marine, Malaysia Marine Department, Encik Zahid Osman, President & Group CEO of MISC, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO and Ts. Dr. Captain Manivannan Subramaniam, Chief Executive of ALAM

This partnership comes with Wärtsilä’s endorsement of ALAM as its first MASTER (Maritime Advancement in Simulation TEchnology & R&D Services) Centre in the Asia Pacific region, reinforcing the academy’s position as a leading regional hub for developing next-generation maritime professionals. By integrating smart technologies and world-class expertise, ALAM is well-placed to meet the evolving demands of the global maritime industry.

“The launch of the Maritime Experiential Learning Centre and its recognition as Wärtsilä’s first MASTER Centre in the Asia Pacific region, reflects ALAM’s strong commitment to raising the standards of Maritime Education and Training (MET) in Malaysia and beyond. As the industry continues to evolve, we must ensure our students are equipped not just with technical skills, but with the ability to lead, adapt, and thrive in a global maritime environment. This new facility supports our broader ambition to become the Maritime University of Choice in Asia by nurturing the development of future-ready seafarers through hands-on, immersive, and internationally aligned training programmes, including those related to New Energy, Decarbonisation and Digitalisation,” said Ts. Dr. Captain Manivannan Subramaniam, Chief Executive of ALAM.

Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO engaging with the young maritime talents of Malaysia at the Malaysia Maritime NextGen: Voices of the Future Session.

Key features of the Maritime Experiential Learning Centre simulators include:

• Enhanced Visuals & VR Capability: High-definition resolution and virtual reality compatibility offer greater realism and training immersion.
• High Fidelity & Realism: Advanced physics and environmental effects simulate real-world ship-handling conditions.
• Cloud-Based Training: Cloud simulation compatibility allows remote access and scalability beyond the physical campus.
• Automated Grading: Integrated performance assessment tools provide objective, consistent evaluation of cadet performance.
• Flexible Touchscreen Interface: Intuitive controls enable quick scenario configuration across various ship models and operational conditions.

During his visit to ALAM, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez connected with young maritime talents in a special session titled “Malaysia Maritime NextGen: Voices of the Future”. Over 250 students from various Malaysian maritime institutions engaged in a dynamic dialogue with the IMO Secretary-General, reflecting the industry’s commitment to fostering the next generation of maritime professionals in Malaysia and empowering young minds to contribute innovative ideas and solutions for the future of global shipping.
Source: MISC Group