Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is a leading university in the niche area of ocean studies and aquatic resources. Located in a mangrove-lined shore fronting the South China Sea, UMT is  well-positioned to take on the research and development (R&D) programmes related to her niche area. This will, in turn, drive the sustainable harnessing of vast natural resources from the ocean and   other aquatic sources which is vital for wealth creation and nation building. Based on those priorities, the Institute of Marine Biotechnology (IMB) was established in in 2006 to   spearhead the R&D&C activities in the area of marine biotechnology. IMB’s  establishment is in line with the country’s  effort to develop biotechnology as one of the core sectors to generate economic growth and enhance societal well-being in accordance to the National Biotechnology policy.

Institute of Marine Biotechnology (IMB) was established internally beginning June 15, 2006 (Senate 1/47/2006) and was officially endorsed by the Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Pendidikan Tinggi Bil. 4/2008 starting February 26 2008.

The ICAMB, Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology (Formerly known as Institute of Marine Biotechnology, IMB) was established at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in 2006, with the goal to develop and excel in research, innovation and commercialization activities related to the field of Marine Biotechnology.

In 2020, the Climate Change and Adaptation Lab (CCA lab) was developed at IMB with the LRGS research grant under RMK10 by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (KPT). Starting 1 July 2023, the management of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu has agreed to rebrand IMB to ICAMB with the aim of exploring the field of climate change and adaptation of aquatic organisms in line with KPT’s aspirations.